science &
mathematics
We provide a gold-standard STEM education thanks to the
quality of our facilities and the standard of teaching. Our
partnerships with industry are another reason we became
the first sixth form college in the country to receive STEM
assured status.
A-LEVEL
BIOLOGY
BTEC LEVEL 3
APPLIED SCIENCE
C SD D
3 It offers an exciting look at science through applications
rather than theory.
3 More time to conduct in-depth practical work and your own
research.
3 Learning methods include completing assignments, case
studies and projects based on workplace situations.
3 You will learn about demands and legislation that exist in the
workplace.
3 You will develop transferrable skills in preparation for a career
or higher level study.
REASONS TO STUDY THIS COURSE
3 You are interested in the science of life and how organisms
function and interact.
3 Biology affects everyone through medical science and
scientific developments such as curing genetic diseases,
developing drugs, fertility treatments and improving nutrition.
3 You want to study changes in the environment and how
species are affected.
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY
Up to six core units including Fundamentals of Science, Working
in the Science Industry, Perceptions of Science, Scientific
Investigations, Scientific Practical Techniques and Using
Mathematical tools in Science.
Up to six specialist units including Microbiological Techniques,
Genetics and Chemical Lab Techniques. Year 1 (AS) – you study biological molecules, cells, organisms
exchange substances with their environment, genetic
information, variation and relationships between organisms.
Year 2 (A-Level) – you also study energy transfers in and
between organisms, how organisms respond to changes in their
internal and external environments, genetics, populations,
evolution and ecosystems and the control of gene expression.
There is an emphasis on applying your knowledge to unfamiliar
situations as well as application of maths and practical skills.
HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED
Practical work, projects and assignments. Units are internally-
assessed and contribute to an overall grade. This approach may
appeal to those who prefer portfolio-based assessment. Year 1 (AS) - two exams
Year 2 (A-Level) - three exams (including an essay)
Practical skills will be assessed throughout and in the written
exams.
Progress will be monitored through assessments and progress
tests.
WHAT YOU WILL STUDY
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO TAKE THIS COURSE
• five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Science and Maths
or
• Level 2 vocational qualification in Science at merit level
PROGRESSION
Full-time degree courses, apprenticeship or employment. BTEC
Extended Diplomas can provide access to work in hospitals,
education, quality control, testing and environmental science
laboratories.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO TAKE THIS COURSE
• average GCSE grade of 5.5 or above
• minimum GCSE Grade 5 in GCSE Science, Maths and English
Language
PROGRESSION
Wide range of career opportunities from Medicine, Veterinary
Science, Environmental Health, Pharmacy, Sports Science,
Animal Health and Psychology to Teaching and Television,
Management and Marketing.
PRIESTLEY EXTRA
PRIESTLEY EXTRA
A number of visits to increase understanding of science in the
workplace. Last year students visited a power station,
Manchester Airport and Solvay. There will be the opportunity to
apply for residential courses such as forensic science.
Field trips and day trips, which may include Christmas lectures and
practical workshops. You could enter the national Biology
Olympiad, have the chance to represent Priestley College in the
Biology Challenge and get involved in college Open Events. We
encourage you to broaden your knowledge through wider reading
and offering subscriptions to Biological Sciences Review magazine.
www.priestley.ac.uk 01925 415415
[email protected]
REASONS TO STUDY THIS COURSE