Biology is the academic study of life, encompassing everything from molecules to ecosystems.
In this A-level, you will explore a huge variety of disciplinary knowledge and build skills. From drawing microscope images, to studying biochemical pathways and examining problems of human population growth.
A challenging course that is 100% exam based, students looking to progress into Higher Education or aspiring for a science related careers should consider studying A Level Biology alongside Chemistry, Physics or Maths.
Course content
Year 1
- Cell structure
- Biological molecules
- Nucleic acids
- Enzymes
- Biological membranes
- Cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation
- Exchange surfaces
- Transport in animals and plants
- Diseases and the immune system
- Biodiversity
- Classification and evolution
Year 2
- Homeostasis
- Excretion
- Neuronal communication
- Plant and animal responses
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration
- Cellular control
- Patterns of inheritance
- Manipulating genomes
- Cloning and biotechnology
- Ecosystems
- Populations and sustainability
Year 1
- Cell structure
- Biological molecules
- Nucleic acids
- Enzymes
- Biological membranes
- Cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation
- Exchange surfaces
- Transport in animals and plants
- Diseases and the immune system
- Biodiversity
- Classification and evolution
Year 2
- Homeostasis
- Excretion
- Neuronal communication
- Plant and animal responses
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration
- Cellular control
- Patterns of inheritance
- Manipulating genomes
- Cloning and biotechnology
- Ecosystems
- Populations and sustainability
Enrichment
Students can also join the BioMed group; which aims to inspire, encourage and support students aspiring to study Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Nursing, Midwifery or Biomedical sciences. This group can help students to gain work experience and prepare for the competitive application processes. Extra-curricular events have included masterclasses delivered by scientists, skills workshops, practice interviews and personal statement workshops.
Students can also join the BioMed group; which aims to inspire, encourage and support students aspiring to study Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Nursing, Midwifery or Biomedical sciences. This group can help students to gain work experience and prepare for the competitive application processes. Extra-curricular events have included masterclasses delivered by scientists, skills workshops, practice interviews and personal statement workshops.
Progression
Our students have progressed to university to study a wide range of courses including Animal Biology and Conservation, Biochemistry, Biology, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Biology, Dentistry, Medicine, Microbiology, Ophthalmology, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy and Veterinary Sciences.
If you intend to study Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science at university you must study Chemistry alongside Biology A-level.
A-level Biology is suitable for Nursing and Midwifery. However, those students intending on pursuing a career in a more practical health-care related career may benefit from the hands-on application and experience gained on the AAQ.
Our students have progressed to university to study a wide range of courses including Animal Biology and Conservation, Biochemistry, Biology, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Biology, Dentistry, Medicine, Microbiology, Ophthalmology, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy and Veterinary Sciences.
If you intend to study Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science at university you must study Chemistry alongside Biology A-level.
A-level Biology is suitable for Nursing and Midwifery. However, those students intending on pursuing a career in a more practical health-care related career may benefit from the hands-on application and experience gained on the AAQ.
Methods of teaching and learning
Students studying A level Biology will be expected to take a very active role in their learning. Before each lesson students will prepare for their learning by watching videos and reading through relevant sections of our online textbook to familiarise themselves with the topic and make notes. This means that there is more time in lessons for students to practise skills, investigate topics further, consolidate learning and complete practical investigations.
Additional support can also be offered to those students who are not studying Maths and/or Chemistry along with Biology.
Methods of Assessment
A-level Biology is entirely assessed by written examination at the end of the 2-year course; a total of six hours of assessment split over three examination papers. Students will also complete a range of practical activities; and the knowledge and understanding will also be assessed within the written exams.
Laboratory skills will be assessed by teacher observation in class for the Practical Endorsement.
Students studying A level Biology will be expected to take a very active role in their learning. Before each lesson students will prepare for their learning by watching videos and reading through relevant sections of our online textbook to familiarise themselves with the topic and make notes. This means that there is more time in lessons for students to practise skills, investigate topics further, consolidate learning and complete practical investigations.
Additional support can also be offered to those students who are not studying Maths and/or Chemistry along with Biology.
Methods of Assessment
A-level Biology is entirely assessed by written examination at the end of the 2-year course; a total of six hours of assessment split over three examination papers. Students will also complete a range of practical activities; and the knowledge and understanding will also be assessed within the written exams.
Laboratory skills will be assessed by teacher observation in class for the Practical Endorsement.
Resources
Biology has modern, well-equipped laboratories serviced by a team of Science Technicians.
We use a range of online learning resources including an online textbook, the learning platform Seneca and curated video clips.
Biology has modern, well-equipped laboratories serviced by a team of Science Technicians.
We use a range of online learning resources including an online textbook, the learning platform Seneca and curated video clips.
Additional costs
Trips may incur a small cost for transport.
Students need to buy a CGP revision guide and workbook at the start of the course to help with preparing for lessons, regularly reviewing learning as well as revision for Key Assessments in class.
Trips may incur a small cost for transport.
Students need to buy a CGP revision guide and workbook at the start of the course to help with preparing for lessons, regularly reviewing learning as well as revision for Key Assessments in class.
Where can this course lead?
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