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.

During the two-year course A level students will attend at least 40 practical sessions including two fieldwork activities, one of which being coastal fieldwork. The Biology department also organises a nature walk and a dissection week. During the dissection week Biology students themselves describe and explain the structure of organs such as the heart to other school 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 week1 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 2 practicals per week

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