Biology
The A level syllabus is designed to be a natural continuation from GCSE with emphasis on developing subject knowledge and exploring new technologies and topical conservation issues.
If you have an interest in the living world around you and how the human body works at a molecular level then Biology is a good course for you. You will need to enjoy reading and independent research and watching biology / medical related programmes. Biology has traditionally been studied alongside Chemistry, Mathematics and Geography for students wishing to follow any Life Science related degree.
Studying Biology gives you the skills and opportunities to advance human knowledge and understanding in today’s world, in order to make a difference to tomorrow’s world (IOB 2008).
Requirements
Students wishing to study Biology at A level should have achieved a minimum of Grade 7 in GCSE Biology or Grade 77 in GCSE Combined Science, and at least a Grade 6 in GCSE Maths and English Language.
Course Structure (Year One):
- Biological Molecules
- Cells, Viruses and Reproduction of Living Things
- Classification and Biodiversity
- Exchange and Transport
Course Structure (Year Two):
- Energy for biological processes
- Microbiology and pathogens
- Modern genetics
- Origins of genetic variation
- Ecosystems
- Control systems
Additionally there are core practicals which are not graded, but are assessed for competency. There are three papers in total for the complete A level which are sat at the end of Year 13.