Biology

Course summary

Biological life is every part of us. You will explore the world at a molecular level, through cells, organism, genetics, and their relationships with the environment. Studying in the Science department will give you access to state-of-the-art scientific laboratories, specialist equipment, and an experienced technical team, to help you to achieve and explore the scientific world. You will also have the opportunity to take part in field trips as part of the practical endorsement qualification. Previous students have traveled to Scarborough and Southport to test various sites and improve their teamwork, research, and analytical skills. You will develop your scientific knowledge to a high standard, covering a range of modules: - Biological Molecules: All life on Earth exists as cells and share a common chemistry, providing indirect evidence for evolution. Despite their great variety, the cells of all living organisms contain only a few groups of carbon-based compounds that interact in similar ways. You will study these biological molecules and interactions. - Cells: All life on Earth exists as cells. These have basic features in common. Differences between cells are due to the addition of extra features. You will study the features of cells, including the cell surface membrane, and methods of cell reproduction. - Organisms exchange substances with their environment: The internal environment of a cell or organism is different from its external environment. The exchange of substances between the internal and external environments takes place at exchange surfaces. You will study these surfaces and the different ways in which exchange occurs. - Genetic information, variation, and relationships between organisms: Biodiversity is reflected in the vast number of species of organisms, in the variation of individual characteristics within a single species, and in the variation of cell types within a single multicellular organism. You will study the cause and types of variation within and between species.