Certainly custom is most perfect, when it beginneth in young years: this we call education; which is, in effect, but an early custom.
Francis Bacon, Viscount St. Alban, (1561-1626), statesman, philosopher, lawyer and scientist
A level Biology practical courses at Greene's
There are four A level Biology practical courses to chose from.
An A level foundation practical course of four sessions suitable for people who have little or no experience of working in a laboratory or who need a refresher on laboratory techniques and the correct and safe use of laboratory equipment and materials. This is a course designed to help prepare the groundwork for the twelve assessed practicals required to achieve the A level practical endorsement.
The foundation course is strongly recommended for students who have not studied A level science before; who are unsure of their A level Biology practical skills; and who need to pass their A level practical endorsement first time.
An A level year 1 practical course of six practicals as part of the practical endorsement required for the full Biology A level qualification.
An A level year 2 practical course consisting of a second set of six practicals to complete the practical endorsement required for the Biology A level qualification.
The year 1 and year 2 courses can be taken consecutively for those wishing to complete the practical endorsement in one year.
Intensive spring A level practical endorsement course – An alternative one week intensive course in Oxford if you are unable to come to Greene’s on a regular weekly basis. Success on these intensive courses requires some pre-course preparation.
The table below may help you select the right course(s):
| Examination board: | Experimental competency | AS | A level | Practical endorsement |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AQA | Edexcel | OCR | WJEC | |||||
| A level Foundation course | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| A level year 1 course | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| A level year 2 course | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Intensive practical endorsement course | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
A level Biology practicals course tutor: Dr Saif Bham
A level Biology practicals at Greene’s are taught and led by Dr Saif Bham. Saif has been running Biology A level practicals at Greene’s for the last two years. He is a passionate tutor and keen scientific researcher – even building his own artificial coral reef. Saif has a B.Sc in Biochemistry from the University of Manchester and a D.Phil in Medical Oncology from University of Oxford. One of his specialities is microscopy.
A level Biology practicals at Greene’s
Saif describes A level Biology practicals in the following way:
Practical sessions in Biology allow you to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and their real world applications. It is a powerful method of reinforcing your understanding of the science, and facilitates the development of a wide range of practical skills which will undoubtedly be useful should you choose to pursue a science based course in higher education.
To apply to attend a Biology practical course please complete our online application.
If you would like to contact us before applying you are welcome to do so using the enquiry form below.