Course at a glance
Introduction
This course offers a comprehensive summary of biology, providing students with an understanding of the science behind human life. It is based on two approaches. The first explores general concepts, laws, theories, and models of biology, demonstrating their practical applications in everyday life. The second, a context-led approach, examines the relationship between humans and their environment. Questions such as how life began, how complex systems within humans, plants, and other living organisms formed, and how life evolved to its present state are explored in depth. Throughout the course, biological knowledge is reinforced through engaging activities and practical experiments, which students can try at home.
The following unit descriptors are brief content guides to the course components and should provide a holistic overview of structure and format.
Benefits of the Course:
Students will expect to derive the following benefits from the diploma course:
- Students will have an opportunity to learn lifestyle and health.
- Be able to review genetics and health.
- Look at different infectious diseases, energy and exercise in relation to health.
- Review how to use different aspects of Biology.
Assessment Objectives (AO)
AO: 1
Students must select and demonstrate clearly relevant knowledge and understanding through the use of evidence, examples and correct language and terminology appropriate to the course of study. This assessment, involves two written assignments: one halfway through the course and following the final unit. Both are assessed and graded by the assigned tutor, according to college procedures. The grading procedure if Pass or Fail. If you Fail an assessment you have the opportunity to amend where your tutor has highlighted and resubmit.
AO: 2
Students must critically evaluate and justify a point of view through the use of evidence and reasoned argument. Students can include evidence in different formats to support their written work such as documentation or images to support their course remembering Confidentiality and Data Protection.
Quality of Written Communication (QWC)
In addition, COLC require students’ to produce written material in English, candidates must: ensure that text is legible and that spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPG) are accurate so that meaning is clear; select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to studying a complex subject matter; organise information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary when appropriate and Harvard referencing of citation and sources. In this Specification, SPG will be assessed in all tutor marked assignments (TMAs)
To ensure that we maintain quality standards; all our students written assignments are subject to our plagiarism policy and procedure.
Accredited Level 3 Biology Diploma Entry Requirement
Entry to this Accredited Level 3 Biology Diploma requires that potential students have gained GCSE/IGCSE or equivalent qualifications and have, good English oral, reading and writing skills.
Advice on enrolment and guidance of prior learning (APL) can be obtained through out contact centre. The course is a rolling programme and can be started at any point in the year. Successful students can go on to Higher Education, including remaining as students at COLC to complete courses in our portfolio of higher awards.
All students must be aged 16 or over.
Assessment
The coursework is assessed through continuous assessment with no formal exit examinations.
Study Hours
Approximately: 200 hours of personal study time for the entire course is recommended. All of which is supported by the COLC Course Tutor, who we greatly encourage students to access support from throughout their course.
Quality Assurance
This course has been developed by the College’s professional team of tutors to meet the needs of sector based employers and employees.
Further details of our accreditations are provided on our website.
Course Length
1 Year.
Awarding Body
Accredited Level 3 Biology Diploma Course Content
Unit 1 – Lifestyle, Health and Risk Part 1
The course begins with life’s fundamental building blocks, from basic atoms to complex molecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Questions explored include the origins of oxygen and the properties of water that sustain life. This unit also examines how simple molecules combine to form amino acids and diverse proteins, such as enzymes and the muscles enabling movement in animals.
Unit 2 – Lifestyle, Health and Risk Part 2
Building on Unit 1, this unit investigates the importance of complex molecules, particularly in our diet. Topics include the components of a balanced diet, food processing, and body control mechanisms. Students learn about transport systems, such as those managing food and oxygen, and how the heart regulates circulation. Unhealthy lifestyle consequences, including diseases and disorders, are also examined. The unit concludes with data collection and analysis, showcasing the role of statistics in biology.
Unit 3 – Genes and Health
This unit explores cellular processes, including food and oxygen intake and waste expulsion. Topics cover cell differentiation, organelle functions, and how these support vital processes like breathing, transport, and homeostasis. Students examine similarities and differences between simple organisms and complex animals, studying enzyme roles, cell division, and reproduction. An introduction to DNA and genetic codes provides insights into gene abnormalities.
Unit 4 – The Voice of the Genome
This unit delves into genetic diversity across living organisms, covering asexual and sexual cell division (mitosis and meiosis). Students study cell structure and organelle functions, replication, and tissue formation. The reproductive systems of plants and humans are examined, along with the role of cellular reproduction in forming male and female cells. Evolutionary genetics and associated discoveries and theories are also discussed.
Unit 5 – Biodiversity and Natural Resources
The efficient yet complex transport system of plants is the focus of this unit, examining how plants harness water, nutrients, and sunlight. Darwin’s theory of natural selection is discussed, explaining plant development and classification. Students learn about plants’ use in food and medicine, concluding with classification systems.
Unit 6 – The Wild
This unit reviews plant structure and function, covering energy production through chlorophyll in chloroplasts. Topics include environmental cycles (Carbon, Nitrogen, Calvin cycles), food chains, and ecosystems. Students study pollutants, climate change, sustainability, and the impact of human activities on the environment.
Unit 7 – Infection, Immunity and Forensics
This unit examines pathogens, including microbes, bacteria, and viruses, discussing their structure, function, and role in disease or product production (e.g., antibiotics, yoghurt, and beer). Students learn about their impact on health and practical methods to study these organisms in laboratories or at home.
Unit 8 – Infectious Disease
This unit focuses on infectious diseases such as influenza, malaria, and HIV/AIDS. It explores their causes, symptoms, and spread, as well as preventive measures, immunity, and the body’s defence mechanisms. Advances in DNA and genetic research in disease prevention and treatment are discussed. The unit also covers decomposition and its forensic applications.
Unit 9 – Energy and Exercise
Beginning with the anatomy of bones and the skeletal system, this unit examines movement systems, such as muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Topics include the coordination of transport, respiration, and muscular systems, as well as performance-enhancing strategies. The unit ends with homeostasis, exploring how the body maintains balance through sensory, hormonal, and regulatory systems.
Unit 10 – Grey Matter
The final unit focuses on human responses to external environments, covering the nervous and endocrine systems. Students learn about neurons, the brain, and message transmission. The effects of different drugs on the nervous system are also studied, along with the sensory organs and their connection to external stimuli. Theories of evolution, natural selection, and the impact of nature versus nurture on human development complete the course.
Progression
This Accredited Level 3 Biology Diploma can be used to gain entry to a Level 4+5 Diploma or higher.
You can view a lit of our Level 4+5 Diplomas here: Accredited level 4+5 Diplomas
