Biology is one of the most popular subjects in the country, attracting students studying a wide range of other subjects or considering a future in a health-related field.
The OCR Human Biology AAQ was first introduced at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College for students joining in 2025, and is designed to provide learners with a more practical, real-world approach to learning human biology.
Over the two years of this course, you will gain access to specialist knowledge on topics such Health and disease, genetics, biomedical techniques and more to build skills to prepare you for employment or higher education.
Course content
Compulsory modules (all colleges complete these units):
Fundamentals of human biology (exam unit)
Health and disease (exam unit)
Genetics (coursework unit)
Biomedical techniques (coursework unit)
Optional modules (as a college we will choose which 2 of these we will do following consultation with universities):
Nutrition and metabolism (coursework unit)
Human reproduction (coursework unit)
The brain (coursework unit)
Drug development (coursework unit)
Compulsory modules (all colleges complete these units):
Fundamentals of human biology (exam unit)
Health and disease (exam unit)
Genetics (coursework unit)
Biomedical techniques (coursework unit)
Optional modules (as a college we will choose which 2 of these we will do following consultation with universities):
Nutrition and metabolism (coursework unit)
Human reproduction (coursework unit)
The brain (coursework unit)
Drug development (coursework unit)
Methods of Assessment
Coursework units: Make up 56% of the marks. 4 out of the 6 units studied are assessed by coursework assignments with multiple criteria to address.
Exam units: Make up 44% of the marks. 2 of the units are externally assessed with formal exams.
For both of the external exams there is the opportunity for students to improve grades by retaking the exams.
Coursework units: Make up 56% of the marks. 4 out of the 6 units studied are assessed by coursework assignments with multiple criteria to address.
Exam units: Make up 44% of the marks. 2 of the units are externally assessed with formal exams.
For both of the external exams there is the opportunity for students to improve grades by retaking the exams.
Resources
The Science curriculum area has well-equipped laboratories serviced by a team of excellent science technicians. Laboratories have access to laptops linked to the College network and the internet. Students are able to use the College Learning Resource Centre (LRC) together with the extensive computer suites. The LRC is well stocked with books, journals and has Internet facilities.
The Science curriculum area has well-equipped laboratories serviced by a team of excellent science technicians. Laboratories have access to laptops linked to the College network and the internet. Students are able to use the College Learning Resource Centre (LRC) together with the extensive computer suites. The LRC is well stocked with books, journals and has Internet facilities.
Methods of teaching and learning
The course is tutored by well-qualified Science specialists. The delivery of the course is through a mixture of theory lessons, practical work, independent study, group work and assignment research. This course is suited to students who are well organized and can take responsibility for their own learning and meet deadlines.
The course is tutored by well-qualified Science specialists. The delivery of the course is through a mixture of theory lessons, practical work, independent study, group work and assignment research. This course is suited to students who are well organized and can take responsibility for their own learning and meet deadlines.
Enrichment
There is a programme of making students aware of open days, events and opportunities that students can sign up for via the Biomed programme.
Visiting speakers from a range of different disciplines which students are encouraged to attend.
There is a programme of making students aware of open days, events and opportunities that students can sign up for via the Biomed programme.
Visiting speakers from a range of different disciplines which students are encouraged to attend.
Progression
The AAQ in Human Biology provides an opportunity for students to gain a qualification which will enable them to enter employment in a science related area, or progress to Higher Education.
Former students in the equivalent Human Biology course have progressed onto courses in nursing, midwifery, paramedic science, sports science and therapy, physio and occupational therapy, and health and social care.
The AAQ in Human Biology provides an opportunity for students to gain a qualification which will enable them to enter employment in a science related area, or progress to Higher Education.
Former students in the equivalent Human Biology course have progressed onto courses in nursing, midwifery, paramedic science, sports science and therapy, physio and occupational therapy, and health and social care.
Where can this course lead?
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