Why Study Human Biology?
Human Biology is an Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) designed for post-16 students with an interest in medical sciences and aiming to progress into higher education and then graduate level employment. Students interested in developing key theoretical knowledge and understanding of human biology. Students will study core principles such as human anatomy, physiology, and learn to apply what they learn to different contexts and practical situations.
Human Biology is designed to be taken alongside A Levels such as Physical Education, Sociology, Chemistry and Psychology or Applied courses such as Sport or Food Science and Nutrition. The course is assessed through a mixture of externally marked exams and internally marked coursework.
Core mandatory modules include:
- Fundamentals of Human Biology
- Health and disease
- Genetics
- Biomedical techniques
Why Study Human Biology at Worcester Sixth Form College?
This exciting new qualification is being offered in response to an increasing interest in progression into medical sciences in place of traditional academic routes into medicine. At Worcester Sixth Form College we want to be the first to act on local and national employment sector demands and provide you with the skills and qualifications you need for a successful career.
Your lessons will be delivered in modern and well-equipped teaching laboratories in the new Science Centre and the clinical skills room (complete with model patients to practice on!). The curriculum will be delivered by a highly qualified team via a number of lessons each week ranging from practical investigations to theory-based sessions. Learning will be hands-on and you can expect to take part in dissections, laboratory experiments, data collection and many more activities using models, specimens and equipment such as microscopes.
We have identified potential informative and exciting trips and visit opportunities which will support your learning and help embed your knowledge in real world situations such as a specialist medical museum. You will also be supported in identifying and completing relevant work experience in the sector. Finally, to help you build a wealth of skills we have a number of relevant enrichment opportunities such as Medics Academy and Clinical Skills as well as academic enrichments such as Biology Journal Club.
Progression Opportunities
Higher Education -
- BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
- BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences
- BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences
- BSc (Hons) Nursing (adult health/child health/mental health)
Further training and career opportunities –
- Paramedic
- Midwifery
- Applied sciences
- Biomedical research
- Biomedical technician
Course Specifics / Entry Requirements
Qualification Name | Maths GCSE Req. | English GCSE Req. | Other Req. | Desirable Qualifications | Skills & Attributes Required for Success | Guidance on Costs or Commitments |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Human Biology | 5 | 4 | Grade 5 or above in Combined Science or grade 5 or above in GCSE Biology. | Critical thinking, independence for research, keen interest in practical science and resilience to cope with coursework and deadlines. | Commitment to taking part in practicals including dissections. |
What are Alternative Academic Qualifications?
These qualifications will run from 2025 and will provide students with accredited, meaningful and practical learning widely recognised by higher education and industry. AAQs are accessible and future focused, meaning they provide students the opportunity to learn in relatable practical ways designed to help develop critical knowledge and transferable skills for a range of progression opportunities. The BTEC transferable skills framework will help you: manage yourself (developing responsibility and resilience); solve problems (developing creativity and critical thinking); demonstrate interpersonal skills (developing teamwork and social intelligence); become an effective learner (developing research skills).