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AS / A2 Human Biology (level 3)
This course is designed to enable you to:
Appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society
Gain a better understanding of how science works
Develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of human biology and how they relate to each other
Is it for me?
The course suits those with an interest in the study of living organisms, who enjoy carrying out investigations in the laboratory or as fieldwork. You will explore issues affecting the world today, for example developments in genetic engineering. There is a lot of practical work and coursework under controlled conditions but assessment is predominantly through examinations.
What’s involved?
Blood and Gas Exchange
You will study how the heart works, including how it is monitored and how problems are diagnosed and what is in blood and the functions of its components. This is followed by looking at how hospitals store blood and the different uses to which it is put. You will also study how gasses are exchanged between the blood and the atmosphere.
Growth, Development and Disease
Learn how the growth and division of cells can sometimes get out of control, resulting in cancers. You will research how cancers can be detected and treated. You will study how infectious diseases are spread and how this can be controlled as well as how the body reacts to this infection.
Energy, Reproduction and Populations
This unit examines the role of respiration in supplying cells with the ATP that they need, how this relates to athletic performance and places this work into a realistic context. The role of photosynthesis in capturing sunlight energy and human reproduction complete the unit.
Genetics, Control and Ageing
You will study the inheritance of human genetic disease, including counselling individuals on genetic issues. You will also study the effect of ageing on the nervous system.
Entry Requirements:
A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades A* to C, with:
- 2 GCSEs in Science - higher paper - (at least one of these at grade B, the other at grade C or above) or GCSE Biology - higher paper - grade C or above.
- grade B or above preferred in Maths but we may accept grade C on the higher paper
- grade C or above preferred in English Language – higher paper.
The following are not accepted to study AS Level Human Biology: GCSE Applied Science or level 2 Vocational Science Qualifications.
Which courses go well with this?
This course combines well with all science subjects including Psychology. It can also be used as a broadening subject alongside non-science subjects e.g. History.
Progression:
You could continue your studies on a wide range of degree courses in Biology, Human Biology, Environmental Science, Physiotherapy, Forensic Science, Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Psychology and Pharmacy or seek employment in related areas.