Biology
A Level | AQA
‘Through Biology I have the knowledge to appreciate how beautiful life is. Although it is a difficult subject, it does make me realise the practicality of analytical skills. Moreover, this subject will support my ambition of a medical career’ - Feby, Year 12
Why study Biology?
Students with a qualification in Biology are amongst the most sought after students thanks to their fantastic problem solving skills, their ability to work within a team and their capabilities in a laboratory setting.
Biology includes the study of a wide range of exciting topics. In the first year you will look close at fundamental aspects of Biology including cells and transport mechanisms, with links to Human Biology. During your second year of study you will develop your scientific knowledge of genetic technology and the control of cells and other organisms.
Advanced Level Biology is suitable for you if you have an interest in and enjoy Biology and want to find out about how things work in the biological world by the application of imaginative, logical thinking.
Extra-curricular aspects of the course
Visits and trips may take place during the course to venues such as Museums, discovery centers, sites of biological
interest, nature reserves and other relevant institutions.
Entry Requirements
Students will be required to achieve either; a Grade 6 in GCSE Biology or a Grade 6-6 in GCSE Combined Science.
Given the level of difficulty of this A Level however, we would recommend a Grade 7 in Biology or a Grade 7-7 in
Combined Science. In addition, a minimum of a Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics is required and a Grade 7 is
recommended. It is strongly recommended that students taking Biology A Level also take Chemistry A Level.
Equipment required for the course
Pupils will be required to take care of and organise their own notes. Pupils will also need a scientific calculator.
Higher Education and Careers
The course provides an opportunity for a broad base of Biological studies with many pupils choosing a wide range of courses and careers including undergraduate degree in Life Sciences, Medicine, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Dietetics,
Environmental Science, Veterinary Science and Pharmacy. Careers that Biology naturally lends itself to include such
areas as Biotechnology, Teaching, the Health Service. Forestry, Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation and the Food
Industry.
Assessment
*Assessment arrangements may differ due to changes being made nationally.
1. Biological Molecules - Paper 1 & 3
2. Cells - Paper 1 & 3
3. Organism, exchange substances with their environment - Paper 1 & 3
4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms- Paper 1 & 3
5. Energy transfers in and between organisms -Paper 2 & 3
6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments -Paper 2 & 3
7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems - Paper 2 & 3
8. The control of gene expression -Paper 2 & 3
Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3
35% of A level 35% of A level 30% of A level