Course at a glance
The Accredited Level 2 Diploma in Biology is designed to facilitate development of a broad understanding of biological principles and concepts and also includes relevant biological investigative skill development. Students will also learn how to evaluate the positive and negative aspects of scientific developments and advances.
The course is designed to be accessible for those with limited scientific backgrounds, and as such is an excellent starting point for students wishing to learn more about biological science.
The Accredited Level 2 Diploma in Biology course includes aspects of science that are relevant to everyday life and therefore appropriate for distance and adult learning. There is no practical coursework associated with the course but science skills and knowledge are integral elements of the core topics, so embedded within the course syllabus are independent learning activities and evaluation of practical based components to further assist students understanding of the subject.
The course is a year in length and divided into 2 units of study. At the end of each unit there is an associated TMA (Tutor Marked Assessment) which students are required to complete and submit. The course is formally assessed by an average grade being attained from the 2 submitted Assessments.
Accredited Level 2 Biology Diploma Entry Requirements
Basic English reading and writing skills, as full tutor support is given.
All students must be 16 years of age or above.
Study Hours
Approximately 160 hours.
Accredited Level 2 Biology Diploma Course Duration
1 Year.
Enrolment
You can enrol on the course at any time.
Awarding Body
Assessment Method
Two tutor marked assignments; one assignment after each unit.
Accredited Level 2 Biology Diploma Course Content
Accredited Level 2 Biology Diploma Unit 1: Nature and Living Organisms
Module 1: Nature and variety of living organisms
- Common features and characteristics of organisms
- Differences between animals and plants
- Diffusion and osmosis
- Active transport
- Respiration and enzymes
- Investigative skills in biology
Module 2: Structures and functions in living organisms Part 1
- Human nutrition: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids
- Processes of ingestion, digestion, absorption and assimilation
- Production, storage and action of bile
- The structure of villi and their role in absorption and digestion
- Structure of the alimentary canal and functions of each component
- Peristalsis
- Transport systems in humans and plants
- Gas exchange in plants and animals
- Investigative skills in biology
Module 3: Structures and functions in living organisms Part 2
- Excretion and homeostasis: oxygen, carbon dioxide; organs of excretion; homeostatic maintenance
- The human nervous system: structure and functions; responding to changes in environment (internal and external); sense organs
- Hormone production and action in plants and animals
- Human reproduction: sexual and asexual reproduction; fertilization
- Reproduction in plants: asexual and artificial reproduction; pollination in plants; fruit formation; germina-tion
Accredited Level 2 Biology Diploma Unit 2: Inheritance, Ecology and the Environment
Module 4: Inheritance
- Chromosomes, genes and DNA: variation and mutation
- Cell division: mitosis and meiosis
- Genes and inheritance: genetic diagrams and pedigree charts; monohybrid inheritance; inheritance in human begins; co dominance
- Natural and artificial selection; evolutionary processes; resistance and bacterial populations; selective breeding
- Genetic engineering and cloning: applications; micro propagation in plants; processes of cloning; organ transplant
Module 5: Ecology and the environment
- Understanding ecosystems and energy transfer (trophic levels, biomass, energy transfer), eco cycles
- Human impact on the environment; biological consequences of pollution; effects of deforestation; global warming concerns; eutrophication
- Food production: crops; pest control; yields; fish farming; use of microorganisms and fermentation
Progression
This Accredited Level 2 Biology Diploma can be used in preparation for progressing to higher level study in relevant biological subjects (for example Accredited Level 3 Diplomas) or as a vehicle for career development or to fulfil entry requirements to education courses.
