Biology - A Level

Biology literally means the study of life. Being such a broad subject, you are bound to find specific areas of interest, plus it opens the door to a range of interesting careers.

A good number of Biology students will also take the opportunity to pursue a related Extended Project qualification in a topic related to their intended career. In the first year there is a trip where students learn about Classification and Biodiversity. At the start of the second year, students will go on an ecological field trip to investigate the distribution of organisms in the environment. We have very good links with universities and members will visit to speak to our students about their research work, as well as related careers. The Sixth Form College also has an impressive Animal Science and Horticulture campus nearby where you will be able to conduct extensive field studies.

COURSE CONTENT

You will cover a range of topics such as:

Biological Molecules – Structure and Biological Significance of Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids (Fats/Oils), Nucleic Acids (DNA/RNA) and Water.
Cells – Structure of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells and their function.
How organisms exchange substances with their environment – Gas exchange, Digestion and Circulation in organisms.
Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms – Functioning of the Genetic Code.
Energy transfers in and between organisms – Photosynthesis, Respiration, Energy flow and Nutrient Cycles.
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments – Stimuli and Response, Nervous System, Skeletal System and Homeostasis.
Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems – Inheritance, Populations, Ecosystems and Evolution.
The control of gene expression – Mutations, Regulation of Gene Expressions, Genome Project, Genetic Engineering, DNA analysis and Genetic fingerprinting.

ASSESSMENT IN YEAR 1

Two written assessment papers taken at the end of the first year and assessment of relevant practical skills.

PROGRESSION ONTO YEAR 2

Progression to the second year of this A Level course will be dependent on having made satisfactory progress in the first year of the course, including achieving at least an E grade in a formal late spring assessment, as well as the maintenance of a good level of attendance and commitment throughout the year.

FINAL ASSESSMENT AT END OF YEAR 2

The A Level is entirely based on three written examination papers taken at the end of the second year and is based on both years’ work.

MINIMUM ENTRY CRITERIA

For an A Level programme of study, we normally require students to have a range of at least five to seven GCSE passes at grade 4 or higher, ideally including English and Mathematics, but students must also satisfy the minimum entry criteria for A Level Biology below.

Grade 5	GCSE English Language or English Literature
AND
Grade 6	GCSE Mathematics
AND
Grade 5	Both 1^st and 2^nd grade GCSE Combined Science

WHAT CAN I DO AFTER STUDYING A LEVEL BIOLOGY?

The top degree courses taken by students who have an A Level in Biology are Biology, Biomedicine, Biochemistry, Psychology, Sport and Exercise Science, Medicine, Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Pharmacy, Forensic Science, Zoology and Chemistry. Studying A Level Biology gives you all sorts of exciting career options, including doctor, dentist, molecular geneticist, nature conservation officer, pharmacologist, research scientist, vet, science teacher and marine biologist.