Human Biology – Level 3 AAQ Extended Certificate (OCR)

Are you 16–19 and fascinated by the human body, health, and disease? This course is your chance to explore biology in a hands-on, real-world context, while earning a qualification equivalent to one full A Level.

Over two years, you'll combine practical assignments with exam-based learning, studying topics like:

• Fundamentals of Human Biology
• Health and Disease
• Genetics
• Biomedical Techniques

Plus two exciting optional units such as Nutrition and Metabolism, The Brain, or Drug Development.

This course is perfect alongside A Levels like Psychology, PE, or Sociology. You’ll carry out scientific investigations, interpret real clinical data, and learn how biology is applied in medicine and healthcare—ideal preparation for university or careers in biomedical science, nursing, sports science, and more.

If you're ready to build your future with skills that matter, this course offers the perfect mix of theory, lab work, and opportunity.

Unit F170 – Fundamentals of Human Biology (Externally assessed)

• Understand the structure and function of cells, tissues, and organ systems.
• Explore physiological links between systems, especially endocrine, nervous, and reproductive.
• Gain foundational knowledge in microbiology, including the human biome and immune response.

Unit F171 – Health and Disease (Externally assessed)

• Understand causes, effects, and treatments of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
• Explore risk factors and preventative strategies.
• Investigate screening, diagnosis, and epidemiological data in public health contexts.

Unit F172 – Genetics (Non-Exam Assessment)

• Understand DNA structure and function, including replication and protein synthesis.
• Study inheritance, gene expression, and variation.
• Explore the use of genetic testing, counselling, gene therapy, and genetic engineering.

Unit F173 – Biomedical Techniques

• Learn practical lab techniques for biochemical analysis (e.g., chromatography, urinalysis, titration).
• Understand the roles of biomedical scientists in diagnosis and treatment.
• Conduct and interpret investigations on biological samples.

Unit F174 – Nutrition and Metabolism (Optional)

• Understand nutrients, human metabolism, and metabolic pathways.
• Investigate dietary requirements and nutrition-related disorders.
• Explore the diagnosis and treatment of nutritional deficiencies.

Unit F175 – Human Reproduction (Optional)

• Study the human reproductive system, menstrual cycle, fertilisation, and pregnancy.
• Learn about contraception, infertility, and assisted reproductive technologies.

Unit F176 – The Brain (Optional)

• Explore brain structure, function, and the role of the nervous system.
• Understand neurological conditions and treatments.
• Examine technologies used in brain investigation and imaging.

Unit F177 – Drug Development (Optional)

• Learn how pharmaceutical drugs are discovered, developed, and tested.
• Explore regulation, safety, and ethics in medicine development.
• Apply knowledge to case studies in drug formulation and patient care.

You will need to meet the minimum entry criteria, plus:

• Triple Science grade 3x5s or Double Science grades 5 and 5
• Maths grade 5
• English Language and another written subject grade 5

Please click here to see the minimum entry requirements.

Coursework

• Students complete four OCR-set assignments.
• Internally assessed and externally moderated.
• Covers practical skills, lab investigations, research, and report writing.

External assessment

Two written exams:

• Unit F170: Fundamentals of Human Biology
• Unit F171: Health and Disease

Each exam is 1 hour and 15 minutes, marked by OCR.

AGED 16 - 18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August 2025 before the start date of the course, and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your course then your study with us will be free.

Please see here for the documents you need to show us.

Some courses have additional costs, such as specialist materials and trips.

Many of our students are eligible for financial support. See here for details.

Completing this course can lead to a wide range of exciting opportunities.

University courses:

• Biological Sciences 
• Human Biology 
• Biomedical Science 
• Nursing and Midwifery 
• Public Health 
• Sports Science 
• Psychology 
• Nutrition and Dietetics 

Higher and Degree Apprenticeships 

• Healthcare Science 
• Laboratory Technician 
• Clinical Healthcare Support 
• Pharmacy Services 

Employment opportunities 

• NHS and private healthcare laboratories 
• Biomedical research and diagnostics 
• Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies 
• Health promotion and education roles 
• Support roles in physiotherapy, radiography, and care work 

This qualification provides strong foundations in both scientific knowledge and practical skills, ideal for further study or entering health and science-based careers.