Secondary Biology Subject Booster

Develop subject knowledge in biology and prepare to teach the subject effectively to learners aged 11-16 on this flexible free enhancement course for those with the offer a place on our PGCE in Secondary Science (Biology).

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Overview

Course length:	8-16 weeks full-time
Start dates:	April 2025 April 2026
Location:	Edge Hill University and Online study
Subject(s):	Education and Teaching
Faculty:	Education
Department:	Secondary and Further Education

students in lab coats writing notes and preparing experiment

This course is for you if you have applied to study on the PGCE Secondary Science (Biology) with QTS (11-16) at Edge Hill University and your admissions tutor has determined that you require enhancement of your subject knowledge.

The aim of the course is to develop your subject knowledge in biology to prepare you to teach the conceptual and applied aspects of the subject effectively, with competence, enthusiasm and confidence, to learners aged 11-16 years. Trainees will be encouraged to prepare for teaching A Level topics where appropriate.

Different course lengths are available and the most suitable structure for you will depend on whether you studied a degree in a science discipline or a non-science subject. The course structure and length will be flexible to reflect the needs of each individual trainee

What you'll study

If your degree contains less than 50% biological science, or if your degree is in an alternative science discipline, and you wish to train as a biology teacher, then this course will be suitable for you prior to a Secondary Science (Biology) PGCE. It is designed for applicants without a breadth and depth of Biology study in their degree who may need to improve their subject knowledge as a condition of entry to the PGCE. The actual length of the course depends on your qualifications and experience and will be discussed as part of the interview process.

The course is designed to address subject knowledge gaps in/around:

Biological molecules
Cells
Organisms exchanging substances with their environment
Genetic information, variation and taxonomy
Energy transfer in ecosystems
Organisms response to stimuli
Genes, populations, ecosystems
Gene expression

How you'll study

The course structure and length will be flexible to reflect your individual needs. The course is divided into individual units, each requiring 50 hours of learning time, normally within a space of two weeks. This learning will be a blend of face-to-face sessions, online learning, and supported self-study, with one day every fortnight on campus.

How you'll be assessed

There are no formal examinations. You will build a portfolio from directed activities.

You can expect to receive your timetable at enrolment. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day or evening of the week.

Entry criteria

Entry requirements (2025 / 2026)

You may apply for the course if you have been offered a place on the PGCE Secondary Science (Biology) with QTS (11-16) at Edge Hill University.

Completion of this booster course may form part of your offer conditions for a place on the PGCE Secondary Science (Biology) with QTS (11-16). Please note, however, that completion of this course does not necessarily qualify you for a place on the PGCE.

How to apply

Applications are currently closed for this course.

Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

Facilities

The Faculty of Education enjoys the enviable position of being one of the country’s leading providers of transformative education, training and research for the teaching and education workforce. Housed in a state-of-the-art £9m building, the Faculty of Education enjoys a stunning setting from both its lakeside and piazza buildings.

Facilities in the lakeside building include a 300-seat lecture theatre, five well-equipped ICT suites, and 18 teaching rooms complete with the latest technology.

Our nearby piazza building houses our Research Hub and our Secondary and Further Education department including a lecture theatre and a number of seminar rooms.