Biology (A Level)

A Level Biology explores the theories and principles involved in living systems, in all their intricate beauty. Biology is a great choice of subject for students who have an interest in the world around them. The course is divided into 8 Units (4 covered at AS: Biological molecules, Cells, exchange surfaces & variation (paper1) and 4 covered at A2: Energy, coordination and control, genetics and evolution & control of gene expression (paper2)

What will you Learn?

Understanding of the human body, its biochemistry and physiology are key components along with evolution, ecology and genetics.

Key topics studied are; the structure of biological molecules (amino acids, DNA), transport across membranes (diffusion, osmosis), immunology, gas exchange, the heart, blood. Genes and the control of proteins, the control of gene expression and gene technologies. The nervous and hormonal control of the body.

How will you learn?

The course is structured as ‘spiralled learning,’ building upon the ‘foundation’ blocks of understanding of simple molecules and processes of life.

Practical work: In addition to other practical work, there are 12 ‘required practicals’ which are specifically examined in final exam questions. Dissections are carried out, but these are optional. Field work is carried out in the Summer term.

Throughout the course there is a programme of ‘retrieval practice’ to embed content covered. Regular assessments.

Year 1

The 4 sections / topics covered in Year 1 are those tested in Paper 1:

• Biological molecules (Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids, Enzymes, DNA, ATP, Water)
• Cells (Ultra Cell Structure, Movement across membranes, Osmosis, Immunity)
• Organisms exchange substances with their environment (Heart, Lungs, Digestion)
• Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms (Protein synthesis, mutations, genetic diversity.)

There are also 6 required practicals which may be tested in written papers. Being a practical subject, other practicals are also carried out, that enhance the understanding of the theory content.

Year 2

The 4 sections / topics covered in Year 2 are those tested in Paper 2:

• Energy transfers in and between organisms (Photosynthesis, Respiration, Energy transfers)
• Organisms respond to change in their internal and external environments (Nerves, Muscles, Homeostasis)
• Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems (Inheritance, Evolution, Ecosystems)
• The control of gene expression (Gene mutation and expression, Recombinant DNA technology.)

There are also another 6 required practicals which may be tested in written papers.

The content of year 1 is frequently revisited in the concepts of year 2, which helps to make it easier when covering the content of the 2 years at the end of year2.

Assessment 1: Paper 1, written examination, 2 hours in length. 35% of final grade.

Written examination based around the following topics:

• Biological molecules
• Cells
• Organisms exchange substances with their environment
• Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms.

Assessment 2: Paper 2, written examination, 2 hours in length. 35% of final grade.

Written examination based around the following topics:

• Energy transfers in and between organisms
• Organisms respond to change in their internal and external environments
• Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
• The control of gene expression.

Assessment 3: Paper 3, written examination, 2 hours in length. 30% of final grade.

Any topic listed in Paper 1 and Paper two assessed in a written examination (including essay question.)

College minimum entry requirements plus:

• If studying separate sciences: Grade 6 in GCSE Biology and a Grade 6 in GCSE Physics or Chemistry and a Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics
• If studying combined science Grades 6-6 and a Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics

Where Next?

It is essential for students 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. It also enables progression to careers as diverse as law, computing, accounting or teaching.

Course Combinations

Students who take Biology often also study from a wide range of subjects including Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Geography, Psychology, PE and Sociology.