Choosing Biology
Biology is the science of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, and distribution. Organisms studied range from simple one-celled organisms not seen with the naked eye (micro-organisms) to large complex organisms such as human beings. It includes botany and zoology, the study of plant life and animal life respectively.
A level students attend practical sessions including two fieldwork activities (one coastal fieldwork), a nature walk and a dissection week during which students explain the structure of organs such as the heart to other students. The Biology department also organises a brief work experience for its students at the beginning of summer. Students who would like to start studying biology may do so by taking a SEC level course. This course also includes relevant practical work.
Courses available
You can study Biology at:
| Course | Prerequisites | Duration | Lessons | Practical/Tutorial Sessions |
| Advanced Level | A minimum of grade 5 at SEC level or equivalent is required | 2 years | 5 lessons per week | 1 tutorial per week 1 practical (2 lessons) per week |
| Refresher | Students must have previously completed the two year course in any institution | 1 year | 5 lessons per week | 1 practical (2 lessons) per alternate week |
| Intermediate Level | No previous knowledge is required | 2 years | 3 lessons per week | N/A |
| SEC Level | Preferably subject must have been studied at SEC level | 1 year course | 4/5 lessons per week | 1 practical (1 lesson per week)if required |
Special Considerations
- Advance/Intermediate Biology cannot be taken with Intermediate Environmental Science.
- For SEC level students, practical sessions are available only for beginners.
The teaching programme is supplemented by
- Fieldwork activities
- Site visits (for Advanced level and Ordinary level students)
Further Studies/Career opportunities
- University of Malta
- MCAST
- Institute of Tourism Studies
- Careers in field biology & agriculture, forensic science, nursing & dental assistants, paediatric & geriatric carers