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GCSE Biology Foundation Tier Course -AQA

This online GCSE Biology Foundation course and materials are written and developed, to match the curriculum content of the AQA syllabus. The key parts of the course are important in every aspect of planning your studies and practice assessments and accompanying exercises. Providing you with all the necessary information, knowledge and support you need in order to take the exams in confidence.

The GCSE Biology Foundation Course will help students understand the following topics:

  • Acquire knowledge and understanding of biological facts, concepts and principles
  • Develop an appreciation of the significance of biological facts, concepts and principles and the skills needed for their use in new and changing situations
  • Appreciate the importance of accurate experimental work to scientific method and reporting
  • Form hypotheses and design experiments to test them
  • Sustain and develop an enjoyment of, and interest in, the study of living organisms
  • Evaluate, in terms of their biological knowledge and understanding, the benefits and drawbacks of scientific and technological developments, including those related to social, environmental and economic issues.

Note: Exam fees are not included in the fees paid to UK Open College. We do not book exams for students. However, you may wish to try www.tutorsandexams.uk who have a number of centres located across the UK. They deal with private candidates all the time and will be happy to help with booking if required. You can also find a list of centres on the AQA website who may also be able to assist.


Qualification: GCSE Biology Foundation Tier
Support: 1-year support included - Email your tutor or call our support line
Start Date: Anytime - We enrol 365 days a year 
AQA Specification: Code 8461
Exams: Book your own exams & Practicals
Price: Interest-Free Finance
Type of Study: Study online 

We also offer the GCSE Biology Higher Tier Course too

Require a Company or School Invoice? You can request an invoice here.

Course Details

Course Syllabus

Learners will cover 7 topics as below:

Cell Biology
Organisation
Infection & response
Bioenergetics
Homeostatis & responce
Inheritance, variation & evolution
Ecology

Please note: The highest grade students choosing Foundation Tier Biology can achieve is 5. Students will be awarded a grade in the range of 1-5.

Students who fail to meet the minimum standard for grade 1 will be recorded as U (unclassified) and will not receive a qualification certificate.

Students aiming for Grade 4-9 should take the GCSE Biology Higher Tier Course. 

Entry Requirements

There are no previous qualifications required to register for this course.

Course Duration

This GCSE Biology Course comes with 12 months of support included:

Guided Learning Hours (GLH) – 200 Hours
Total Qualification Time (TQT) – 270 Hours

Tutors & Support

All learners have access to a qualified tutor via email for the stated support period. In addition to this, you are able to speak to our support team via telephone with any query you may have relating your course.

Our tutors and support team have years of experience in delivering online and distance learning courses. If you require help, then we are only a phone call away.

Assessment

To achieve a GCSE Foundation in Biology you will be assessed across the sections displayed . All sections will be assessed by 2 paper-based examinations. A more detailed breakdown of the assessment details is provided below:

Paper 1

  • Type: Written examination
  • Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Weighing: 50% of GCSE
  • Total Marks: 100

Question type: multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response

Assessed: Topics 1-4 (cell biology; organisation; infection and response; bioenergetics)

Paper 2

  • Type: Written examination
  • Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Weighing: 50% of the GCSE
  • Total Marks: 100

Question type: multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response

Assessed: Topics 5-7 (homeostasis and response; inheritance, variation and evolution; ecology)

In addtion, there are 10 practical assessments required to complete this GCSE. 

Examination Fees

As a private candidate, it is the student’s responsibility to arrange their own examinations and practical assessment if required. This is not part of the service offered by UK Open College.

This should be done prior to enrolment with us. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the necessary arrangements in place & confirmed.

Fees for these services can vary hugely from centre to centre. It may be worth travelling out of the area. (It’s worth it)
You can view a list of official AQA Approved Centres here

The later you leave it to arrange, the more expensive it can be. At times, it can be impossible to arrange so plan ahead. (8 months minimum recommended)

Your contract with us is for the course and support only. We will not refund you outside of the 14 days cooling-off period if you have not confirmed these arrangements with your selected centre.

Enquire & confirm with your chosen centre, do not leave it to chance!

Payments plans - Guaranteed acceptance*

Select whether to pay in full upon enrolment or opt to pay a deposit and spread the cost with our Interest-free payment plan.  *Guaranteed acceptance for those who meet the following conditions:

Aged 18 and above (Maximum age 75)
Permanent resident in the UK
Be able to provide 3 years of address history from the UK
Have a UK bank account that accepts direct debits
Hold a valid UK credit or debit card

Please note: We do not carry out credit checks

Alternative payment plans may be available for those that do not meet these conditions. Please speak to a member of our team who will be happy to assist on 0121 792 3872.

Applicants choosing the monthly option will be required to complete and sign a financial agreement for the remaining payments.  All payments to be set up via direct debit.  We are only able to set up monthly payments for students resident in the UK. 

Please note: Once a payment plan is set up, you are liable to pay the course fees in full whether you complete the course or not.  Please ensure the monthly repayments are affordable before agreeing to any payment plan offered.

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14 Day Money Back Guarantee

Once received at your requested delivery address, you have 14 days to ensure this course meets your needs and requirements. If for any reason you are not happy, simply return your course pack unused for a refund.*

*Minus postage. An admin fee is deducted from any deposit refunded if a finance plan is arranged and then cancelled.

Our full T’s & C’s can be viewed here.

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