GCSE Biology – Foundation Tier

Course codes: OSC1357 / OSC1356

Achieve a GCSE in Foundation Tier Biology with this distance learning course from Open Study College. Study whenever and wherever suits you.

Achieve an accredited AQA Biology GCSE Foundation Tier
Gain an understanding of biological facts, concepts and principles
Develop your interest in the study of living organisms
Gain a recognised qualification for further studies

SAVE £150 when you enrol onto 3 A Levels or GCSEs. Discount applied automatically at checkout.

Course Options	Please choose a course option to see prices	Course Material + Exams + Practicals Course Material
Study Options	Study Online Study Pack
Payment Options	Pay Upfront Pay Monthly Pay Monthly is not available in your currency.

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If you add on the exams, we will book and pay for your exams and practical sessions on your behalf. These must be taken at our Birmingham exam centre, so please ensure you’re able to travel to this location. The dates for the practical sessions will be during the Easter holidays.

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. This course can be completed without taking the exams and practical.

For students wishing to achieve grade 6-9, please choose our GCSE Biology – Higher Tier.

Course Duration

Up to 1 year.

Course Outcome

GCSE Foundation in Biology (you must take the exams and practical to achieve this).

Entry Requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this course.

Assessment

2 paper-based exams and practical assessment.

Topic 1

Cell Biology

Topic 2

Organisation

Topic 3

Infection and response

Topic 4

Bioenergetics

Topic 5

Homeostasis and response

Topic 6

Inheritance, variation and evolution

Topic 7

Ecology

Assessment

To achieve a GCSE Foundation Tier in Biology you will be assessed across the above sections. All sections will be assessed by 2 paper-based examinations.

A range of practical skills for this course will be assessed through written exams. This course includes practicals and exams in the cost of the course. We will book and pay for these on your behalf when you’re ready to take them.

A more detailed breakdown of the assessment details is provided below.

Course Duration

You have 1 full year to complete your course which starts from your enrolment date. During this time, you have access to full tutor support through email.

Course Requirements

You do not need any previous knowledge to enrol on this course. This course is for students aiming to achieve grades 1-5.

If you are wishing to study towards grades 4-9 choose GCSE Biology Higher Tier.

Study Method

Study for your GCSE biology around your life commitments. Whether that’s alongside work, college or family – study at a pace that suits you.

Choose to study online or from a course pack. As long as you have your study materials, you can study wherever you want.

Tutor support is available through email, so help is only a click away!

Course Outcome

Once you have studied the course and successfully passed the examinations, you will be awarded your AQA GCSE biology.

You will achieve grade between 1-5 with the higher tier paper. If you just fail to achieve grade 4, you will be awarded an allowed grade 3.

Students who fail to meet the minimum standard for an allowed grade 3 will be recorded as U (unclassified) and will not receive a qualification certificate.

For students wishing to study towards grades 4-9, please choose our GCSE Biology Higher Tier course.

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)

Is this the same qualification as a GCSE from a school or college?

Yes! Our GCSE course is accredited by awarding body AQA.

What skills are needed to enrol on this course?

You do not need any previous knowledge to enrol onto this course.

What is included in the cost of the course?

Dedicated personal tutor support
Dedicated student support
Accreditation
Assignment marking and feedback
FREE CV critique service
FREE employability guide to help you impress future employers
FREE XO Student Discounts card
Comprehensive study guide*
Open Study College pen and highlighter*
Student study planner*
Student notebook*
Document wallet*

* Not included with the online study option

Is there a required reading list?

No extra reading is required for the completion of this course.

What happens if I lose my course pack?

It's not a problem. We offer a course replacement service, so if you get into trouble and your course pack is lost or damaged, our Student Support Team can provide you with a new set of materials for a one-time additional fee.

What if I still have questions?

That's not a problem. We want to make sure you’re 100% confident about enrolling on the course and starting your study. So, just give our Student Adviser Team a call on 03300 563 100 and they’ll do their best to help.