Biology (AS/A Level 3)

Applications Open – 3PM Thursday 26th November 2026

Applications Close – August 2027

Entry Requirements – For Level 3 courses, students must have 5 or more Grade 4s at GCSE. No minimum entry for Level1/2 courses

How to Apply – Please apply via KentChoices

Biology, like all sciences, is a practical subject.

Throughout the course you will carry out practical activities which will give you the skills and confidence needed to investigate the way living things behave and work. It will also ensure that if you choose to study a Biology based subject at University, you'll have the practical skills needed to carry out successful experiments in your degree.

Due to Government changes to curriculum policy from September 2015, this subject will require all units (both AS and A2) to be assessed at the end of Year 13. However, our intention is for students to take the stand alone AS qualification at the end of Year 12.

'Biology is bigger than physics. It enjoys bigger budgets, a bigger workforce, and achieves more major discoveries. Biology is likely to remain the biggest part of science through the twenty-first century.'

Freeman Dyson, theoretical physicist and mathematician.

AS and First Year of A Level

1. Biological molecules

2. Cells

3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment

4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

Second Year of A Level

5. Energy transfers in and between organisms

6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments

7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems

8. The control of gene expression

There is no coursework for this course. However, performance during practicals will be assessed. There are three exams at the end of the two years for A Level (2hrs each). 15% of marks for A level are based on practicals.

5 GCSEs at 4 / C or above, including Science

A-level biology is essential if you are considering applying to university to study biology, zoology, ecology, animal science, marine biology, life sciences, medicine, environmental science, forensic science or any other subject related to the natural world.

Possible career choices that require A-level biology include: biological testing, biotechnology, independent research, food industry jobs, nutrition, medicine, doctor, nurse, veterinarian, zoologist, zookeeper, animal care, veterinary nurse, scientist, amongst a huge range of others.