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.
You can study Biology at:
Course | Prerequisites | Duration | Lessons | Practical/Tutorial Sessions |
Advanced Level | A minimum of grade 5 at SEC Level (MQF Level 3) or equivalent is required | 2 years | 5/6 lessons per week | 1 tutorial per week 1 practical (2 lessons) per week |
Intermediate Level |
No previous knowledge is required |
2 years | 3 lessons per week | N/A |
Refresher (Advanced) |
Students must have previously completed the two year course in any institution |
1 year | 5 lessons per week |
1 tutorial per week & |
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
- Advanced/Intermediate Biology cannot be taken with Intermediate Environmental Science.
- For SEC level students, practical sessions are available only for beginners.
Recommended Textbooks
Students will be informed at the start of the course.
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 and agriculture, forensic science, education psychology and health care