Human Biology

Why Choose this course?

The BTEC level 3 extended certificate (equivalent to 1 A level) in applied human biology will allow you to study this subject in much more detail that you were able to at GCSE level. This course will allow you to develop your knowledge, practical skills and report writing skills, all of which will be a good foundation for university study or the world of work.

The BTEC programme has more flexibility than A level courses as it allows optional units to be studied in year 13

Prospects

This course is supported by higher education establishments when taken alongside other A level and BTEC courses

- If combined with Health and Social Care you could progress onto Occupational Health, Nursing or Midwifery
- If combined with Sport you could progress onto Sport Science
- If combined with A Levels in Psychology and Sociology, for example, you could progress onto Nursing.

This course will also support your progression in many routes of study and employment in the health care sector.

NOTE - 2024 Update - The Government are conducting a review of Applied BTEC subjects and as such changes may be made to this course. Once the review is complete, we will update the Course content to reflect the updated qualification.

Course Content

Year 12
Principles of Applied Human Biology (mandatory - externally assessed exam)

Topics include cells, tissues, biological molecules, body systems, immune response, genetics and health.

Practical in microbiology and infectious disease (mandatory - internally assessed portfolio)

Year 13
- Human biology and health Issues (mandatory - externally assessed exam)
- Optional unit (One unit from the list below - chosen as a class)
- Functional physiology
- Disease, disorders, treatments and therapies
- Genetics and genetic engineering
- Biomedical science
- Human reproduction and fertility.

Course Opportunities/ Activities

In this course, you will have the opportunity to do complete dissections. You will explore a range of laboratory techniques including investigating aseptic techniques, making agar plates to grow E.coli and B subtillis and complete gram staining on bacteria. You will investigate how antibiotics and anti-microbial solutions affect bacteria as part of the coursework.

Support and Challenge

The study area has a selection of useful resources for students to access. Students are provided with Pearson's student resource booklet to help them with their studies throughout the course. Students with additional needs are provided with the specialist support they need and all students benefit from the usually small class sizes that allow for much 1:1 help to be given. Our most able students are challenged to complete wider reading and a range of resources such as New Scientist magazine and similar scientific publications are available for students to borrow.

Student Comment

Human biology is a very interesting course and provides lots of opportunities to learn more about the human body. I have enjoyed learning about how the body works.