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Should I Study GCSE Biology?

The subject area of Biology is a fascinating and thrilling field of work to enter into. The work being completed in this field has created some exciting opportunities to discover more about life and living organisms.

Undertaking study in Biology will support you in having a deeper understanding of the principles and concepts of Biology, alongside a focus on living organisms, living creatures, and the structures and functions of these. You will learn the core principles of Biology, discover more about theories of evolution and genetic science, and how what we already know about these is constantly changing, through new discoveries and research.

Additional studies in Biology could lead to working closely with a range of the world’s most brilliant minds. It could lead to a range of thrilling future opportunities; the possibilities are vast. Be it a Microbiologist, studying microorganisms to discover the impact they have on our lives and how we can utilise them, to working as a Nature Conservationist, protecting our natural environment and conserving it for future generations; you will be researching and making important discoveries in any field you choose. It all begins with GCSE Biology…

What you’ll learn

The science of Biology looks closely at the world of living organisms, human anatomy, and our surrounding environment. You will learn about the key principles in Biology, and gain a vast knowledge of biological systems, enabling you to develop the good foundation gained through this qualification in your future.

The topics you will cover in this course include:

The nature and variety of living organisms

There are a range of living organisms in the world around us, from plants and animals, to fungi and bacteria.
Throughout this unit, you will discover the nature and variety of living organisms. You will look at the characteristics of different organisms, how they respire, take in nutrients, dispose of waste, reproduce, and develop.

Cells and biological structures

Cells are the building blocks of every single thing and can come in a range of different sizes and shapes.
Throughout this unit, you will look closely at cells and their structures and the differences in cells in plants and animals. You will also discover different types of cells and how substances move in and out of their cell.

Nutrition

Nutrition is focused on the nutrients that are present in foods, the ways in which the body uses them, and the relationship between health, disease, and diet.
Throughout this unit, you will look at nutrition of plants and humans, the process of photosynthesis, and the vitamins and minerals that humans need for their organs to operate properly.

Respiration and gas exchange

Gas exchange is when oxygen is transported from the lungs into the bloodstream and carbon dioxide is removed from the bloodstream to the lungs.
Throughout this unit, you will focus on both respiration and gas exchange in plants and animals, looking at what the process involves. You will also look closely at the function and structure of the lungs, alongside how smoking can impact the function of the lungs.

Transport

Transport is the movement of substances from one area of the body to another, to ensure that the correct chemicals are in the correct location.
Throughout this unit, you will look at the transportation of substances in both plants and humans, focusing on osmosis in plants and the role of blood in the human body. The workings of the heart and the composition of blood will also be covered, to ensure you understand how blood can transport substances around the body.

Co-ordination and response

Living organisms respond to various changes in the environment, enabling them to ensure they are safe.
Throughout this unit, you will explore various stimuli and look at how different organisms respond to these.

Reproduction and inheritance

Reproduction is the process of new organisms being created. This is done through genes which are passed on to future generations of these organisms. Inheritance refers to the genetic information that the organisms pass down to future generations.
Throughout this unit, you will study the principles of reproduction in plants and humans. The difference between asexual and sexual reproduction will be discussed, along with the processes of fertilisation and pollination. DNA structure will be covered, and the process of inheritance will be explored.

Ecology and environment

Ecology is the study of how living things impact on each other and how a variety of different environments can impact organisms.
Throughout this unit, you will look at a range of environments in detail, food chains, and the ways in which different plants and animals can impact on the life of others.

Use of biological resources

Biological resources are a range of materials that have originated from living organisms e.g. cultivated plants, pollinators etc.
Throughout this unit, you will study the methods used in food production and the role of microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria. It will also cover the process of selective breeding to develop plants and animals, genetic modification, and the process of cloning.

Why study GCSE Biology?

GCSE Biology without further study, will not allow you to pursue a career as a biologist, however, you will have the good foundations and understanding of the main concepts to support future study, giving you the opportunity to examine some of the most interesting concepts and theories concerning the evolution and the development of living organisms. You will have learnt valuable skills, such as those that can be applied to future career options.

If you choose to follow a career in Biology and go on to further study of this subject, you will be able to choose from a range of exciting and promising career paths, such as:

If you have an interest in a career in teaching the subject of Biology and wish to influence future generations of biologists, then this may be a viable career option to follow.
To have a career as a secondary school Biology teacher, you will need to undertake an undergraduate degree in Biology in university and then complete a PGCE course to obtain the full qualification in teaching.

Taking the initial step of studying GCSE Biology is a terrific start to a rewarding learning experience in this field of study.

Taking a GCSE at home

When you are an adult learner, it is more likely that you will have a packed schedule, making it more difficult to find time to study along with all other parts of day-to-day life that can be demanding.

Enrolling with a distance learning college can provide you with the opportunity to re-start your education, without impacting greatly on your already established everyday routine. This is beneficial, as you will not have to forfeit any aspects of your current routine to incorporate your studying.

This type of studying can supply you with the opportunity to tailor your learning to your own needs, allowing you to work in your own time frame and at your own pace. Learning like this can lead to a more agreeable overall experience for yourself.

All the GCSEs offered are regulated by Ofqual, a non-ministerial government agency, who will ensure that all the GCSEs offered by the college meet specific requirements, which in turn means that the course offered is the same as what is offered in a physical college environment.

All learning materials are made available as soon as you are enrolled onto the course, which can provide you with the opportunity to start your learning immediately, at your own speed.

You will have one year from when you have enrolled on the course to complete. You can decide whether you wish to utilise the whole year to complete the work or you can do it in less time if you wish to do this. It is entirely up to you and how you feel.

Whilst distance learning can be a more independent style of learning, you will have access to expert tutors who are available to give guidance, feedback, and support throughout your time with us. They will give you constructive feedback and advice on any improvements needed to help you achieve the best grade.

Taking the first step and completing your GCSE in Biology, will be a rewarding and fulfilling learning opportunity, leading to a range of exciting career opportunities in the future. All from the comfort of your own home!

Contact one of our Course Advisors today to enrol on the course. Why hesitate? Get started on your dream career with us today!

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