Biology O'level

The study area SEC Biology is informed by the National Curriculum Framework (NCF). GSCE Biology is informed by Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Biology is the study of life on Earth: the various forms of life, how they evolved and how they interact with each other and with their respective environment. Biology also looks at how living things are structured and how they function.

The course incorporates personal, social, political, economic, technological and environmental aspects of biology. It is expected that where possible the teaching of Biology treats these considerations with particular reference to Maltese settings. To achieve this, various syllabus items refer to locally occurring organisms as well as local situations to illustrate biological principles.

At the end of the programme, the student will be able to: 

• Identify the fundamental processes necessary for life on Earth
• Describe the relationship between energy and food for different organisms
• Explain the various mechanisms and processes that allow organisms to exchange substances with their environment and transport such substances internally
• Discuss how animals carry out fundamental processes necessary for the maintenance of the basic conditions for life
• Describe how organisms produce new offspring carrying inherited genetic material
• Recognise how organisms relate to one another and to their environment and how human activities impact the environment
• Understand how genetic variety leads to evolution and how evolution leads to the diversity of life
• Demonstrate an understanding of how Biology works and is communicated