Biology CCEA

Subject Overview

The CCEA course in GCSE Biology provides a broad, coherent, and practical course that develops confidence in, and a positive view of, science. It encourages students to appreciate the value of science in their lives and in the wider world around them. The specification allows students to develop practical skills as well as a knowledge of science. It improves their understanding of the relationship between hypotheses, evidence, theories, and explanation. It also gives students opportunities to apply their knowledge and understanding of the nature of science and the scientific process.

Content

Unit 1: Cells, Living Processes and Biodiversity

Unit 2: Body Systems, Genetics, Microorganisms & Health

Unit 3: Practical Skills – controlled assessment

Assessment

Unit 1: External written examination lasting 1 hour 15 minutes -

Unit 2: External written examination lasting 1 hour 30 minutes. (40% of GCSE) -

Unit 3: Practical Skills Assessment involving a 2- hour practical session in school, and an external written examination lasting 1 hour -

(35% of GCSE)

What can you do with this subject?

A levels

Biology is often studied with one or more other science subject, but many students study it as their only Science at A Level

From a student:

Further Study

(40% of GCSE)

(25% of GCSE) https://ccea.org.uk/key-stage-4/gcse/subjects/gcsebiology-2017

Possible Careers

Biological Sciences, Zoology, Genetics, Ecology, Botany, Marine Biology, Environmental Sciences

Medicine/Dentistry/Veterinary Medicine, Wildlife Management, Biological research, Conservationist

“I have always really enjoyed wildlife programmes on TV. I loved Biology in Junior School because it was relevant to me. There are always lots of fun experiments and the topics are really interesting. I studied it because I would like to continue to study Biology for A-level.”