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The Association of Learning provides high-quality, accessible online education. Collaborating with awarding bodies like AQA, Edexcel and OCR, they offer...
GCSE Biology Foundation Tier
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Our online GCSE Biology Foundation Tier course will provide all of the knowledge you need to pass your exams from the comfort of home. Say goodbye to stressful and tedious revision!
GCSE Biology Foundation Tier
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About This Course
Our GCSE Biology Foundation Tier online course is your gateway to understanding living organisms. Designed for those aspiring to pursue A-Level Biology, enter biology-related fields, or simply expand their knowledge, this course offers flexibility and recognition.
The foundation tier of GCSE Biology covers the fundamental concepts and principles of biology. It focuses on core topics rather than the more advanced aspects offered in the higher tier. The foundation tier allows for students to achieve grades in the range of 1-5 (with 5 being the highest). It’s intended for students who may find Biology difficult and would like a more accessible method of passing the exam.
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London, Greater London
You’ll be supported every step of the way by our dedicated personal tutors, who will be there whenever you need them to provide guidance, feedback, and advice on how to ace your exam.
Achieve your GCSEs from home, without the pressure of the classroom, assignments, and constant quizzes!
While it’s possible to complete this course without exams and practicals, taking them is essential to achieve the GCSE Biology qualification.
Please keep in mind that the foundation tier has a maximum grade of 5. Students aiming for grades 6-9 can take a look at our GCSE Biology Higher Tier course.
Bundle Offer
Buy this course as a bundle and save 30%
GCSE Combined Science: Foundation Trilogy
Total cost if courses bought separately: £1,485
Course Benefits
Split into 7 units, every element of this course seeks to expand your understanding of Biology, so you can achieve the theoretical knowledge you need to pass your exam.
This course will allow you to:
- Get an AQA GCSE Biology foundation tier Qualification
- Access support from our exam experts, who will give you feedback and support
- Study for your GCSE from the comfort of home, at your own pace
Course Units
Qualification Number: 601/8752/9
Unit 1: Cell Biology
- Cell Structure and Function
- Microscopes and Cell Division (Mitosis and Meiosis)
Unit 2: Organisation
- The Human Circulatory System
- The Human Respiratory System
- The Digestive System
- Enzymes and Digestion
- The Human Excretory System
Unit 3: Infection and Response
- Communicable Diseases and Pathogens
- The Immune System and Vaccination
- Antibiotics and Drug Resistance
Unit 4: Bioenergetics
- Photosynthesis
- Cellular Respiration
- Energy transfers in living organisms
Unit 5: Homeostasis and Response
- The Nervous System and Control of Body Functions
- The Endocrine System and Hormones
- Homeostasis and Negative Feedback Mechanisms
Unit 6: Inheritance, Variation, and Evolution
- DNA, Genes, and Chromosomes
- Genetic Inheritance (Punnett Squares, Genetic Crosses)
- Genetic Mutations
- Natural Selection and Evolution
Unit 7: Ecology
- Ecosystems and Interdependence
- Biotic and Abiotic Factors
- Adaptations and Food Webs
- Human Impact on the Environment
Assessment
To successfully achieve a Biology GCSE, you will be required to sit and pass two GCSE written exams, as well as a practical examination. You will need to complete these under the supervision of an examiner at an exam centre. There is a separate fee for the examinations, which are paid directly to the exam centre at the time of booking. We’ll help you book your exams when you’re ready (to ensure your place, we recommend booking well in advance). Exams take place in May & June.
Paper 1
This is a written exam, and will take 1 hour and 45 minutes. It’s worth 50% of your total GCSE mark. The exam assesses units 1-4 (Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection and Response, and Bioenergetics).
Paper 2
This is a written exam and will take 1 hour and 45 minutes. Similar to paper 1, it is weighted as 50% of your marks. In this paper, you will be assessed on units 5-7 (Homeostasis and Response, Inheritance, Variation and Evolution, and Ecology).
Practical Assessment
Practicals are required to achieve this qualification but if you are unable to participate, you can enrol on the IGCSE Biology instead. In this qualification, you would not be required to complete the practicals, however examination is still required.
Required Knowledge
No prior knowledge or skills in this area are needed in order to enrol onto this course.
Awarding Body
Successful completion of the GCSE Biology Foundation Tier will result in you being awarded your AQA GCSE Biology.
Support
When you enrol to study GCSE courses with us, you’ll be enrolling into a learning journey where you are supported every step of the way.
We understand that preparing for exams can be overwhelming, but don’t worry, we are committed to providing you with all the support you need to succeed.
Our study guides and materials have been created to make studying for your GCSE’s as engaging and accessible as possible. Our team of personal tutors and support staff will be on-hand to offer advice, guidance, and feedback.
We provide a range of self-assessment exercises and tutor-marked study questions to help you understand and consolidate your learning, and our tutors will work with you to guide and mentor you towards success.
We’re firm believers that no student should feel alone in their studies, and our team is committed to giving you the support you need to reach your full potential. Whether you have a quick question or require more detailed guidance, rest assured that our team is here to help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a question that our team are often asked, there are many reasons but here are the main reasons to choose Association of Learning:
- No hidden charges, the price you see includes everything, from tutoring to certification.
- Our average tutor marking time is 3 working days (most providers are 10+).
- Our customers have rated us ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot.
- Our courses are up to date. Many providers create course content and fail to keep it up to date.
- We are open later than any other home learning provider.
- As many submissions as you need to complete, many providers cap how many times you can submit work.
- All courses are fully endorsed by external awarding organisations.
- 14 day money back guarantee or course switch.
If you need any more reasons to choose Association of Learning, contact our team!
You have 2 years to complete this course, but can complete at a faster pace without any additional costs.
Practical exams are currently only available in our Birmingham exam centre. Theory exams are available at most of our centres UK wide.
Alternatively, you are also welcome to use a private exam centre of your choosing.
When you’re ready, we’ll help you book your exams.
There are two payment options, pay in full for your course or monthly. Our monthly payment option allows you to spread the cost of your course over a 10 month period.
If you choose to pay using a payment plan, to apply you must be able to answer yes to the following:
- Your billing address is based in the UK
- You have a UK based bank account
- Bill payer must be 18 or above.
No, this is a distance learning course, which means your assessments will be submitted and marked using our online LMS (Learner Management System).
The decision to study at a foundation or higher tier for your GCSEs depends on your current level of knowledge and your future goals.
Foundation Tier
- Designed for students who may find the subject challenging or need additional support. There is a more limited range of topics at a lower level of difficulty.
- You can achieve grades 1-5 (formerly G to C) on the foundation tier.
- Foundation tier may be suitable if you struggle with the subject or don’t plan to pursue further education in that subject. It’s considered a more achievable pathway to success.
Higher Tier
- Higher tier is more comprehensive and covers a broader range of topics at a higher level of difficulty.
- You can achieve grades 4-9 (formerly C-A*) on the higher tier.
- If you are confident in the subject and plan to study it at a higher level or pursue a career that requires a strong understanding of the subject, then a higher tier might be the right choice. It also leaves more doors open for advanced studies.
Students who reside outside of the United Kingdom are able to study our GCSE courses. However, examinations must occur within the UK.
There are no prerequisites or required qualifications to study this course.
In other words, if you’re reading this, you’re ready!
This is a government-regulated qualification, with certification provided by an Ofqual-regulated awarding body.
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