Biology

Applications Open: 5th December 2025

Applications Close: 31st January 2026

Entry Requirements: 5 GCSE grades of 4 or above of which must include English & Maths. Then individual subject criteria

Science and Maths - require level 7 in subject to study (plus 6 in maths for science subjects)

Most other courses require level 6 to study

Biology involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics, ranging from Molecular Biology to the study of ecosystems and from microorganisms to Mammoths. Biology is never far from the headlines either. The human genome has been sequenced and we know the complete arrangement of the three thousand million bases that make up human DNA. In Kenya 350 people die every day from AIDS and in South East Asia the skies are dark with smoke as the last Bornean rainforests are burned to grow oil palms. Biologists are concerned with all these issues. They work in the fields of cell biology, medicine, food production and ecology... and the work they do is vital to us all. If you have an interest in the Biological world around you, and enjoyment of Biology at GCSE, then A Level Biology could be the choice for you.

The OCR A-Level Biology course content is structured around six modules, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. These modules cover: development of practical skills in biology, foundations in biology, exchange and transport, biodiversity, evolution and disease, communication, homeostasis and energy, and genetics, evolution, and ecosystems

The linear A Level in Biology involves three examinations at the end of Year 13. Two papers are 2 hour and 15 minutes long and one paper is 1 hour and 30 minutes long. These cover the overarching themes of:

• Biological Processes
• Biological Diversity
• Unified Biology

There is no coursework element to the linear A Level. However, students will be required to complete 12 core practical’s throughout the course that cover specific skills and techniques. These are given a pass/fail grade alongside the A Level grade achieved at the end of the course and often form part of a university offer to study biological degrees as an undergraduate. It is possible to take an AS Level examination in Biology at the end of Year 12.

Students will need to have achieved a GCSE grade 7 in Separate Biology , or a GCSE grade 7:7 in Combined Science (including a grade 7 for both Biology papers). Additionally, students will need a GCSE grade 6 in Mathematics. It is vital that the Mathematics grade is achieved due to the extensive calculations and analysis that is required.

Biology is a great choice of subject for people who want a career in health and clinical professions, such as Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Optometry, Nursing, Zoology, Marine Biology or Forensic Science. Many students who study Biology at A level enjoy the subject so much they eventually choose a biologically related degree course. Others go on to careers in Law, Computing, Accounting or Teaching.