Biology

Entry Requirements:

• Six GCSEs 9-4 (or A*-C),Two from English, Maths OR Science
• Two at least grade 6 (or B)
• GCSE Maths (higher tier) grade 9-6 (will consider grade 5 depending on overall GCSE grade profile) WITH EITHER GCSE Biology grade 9-6 OR GCSE Combined Science grades 9,9-6,6

Please Note:It is highly recommended that students following a combination of Maths/Biology/Chemistry/Physics A level courses have at least one GCSE grade 7 in one of these chosen subjects.

What is Biology?

A Level Biology covers a wide range of exciting topics. Some topics include: respiration, photosynthesis, microbiology, populations, cell division, inheritance, variation, evolution,nutrition, homeostasis and the nervous system.

Please Note: It is beneficial if you are confident with written English, as each exam will contain a 9-mark quality of extended writing essay. We will practice these throughout the year.

Component 1: Energy for Life

Marks: 100
Method of assessment (coursework, exam, etc.): Written paper, 2 hours.

This unit looks at respiration, photosynthesis, microbiology, populations, ecosystems and human impact on the environment.

Component 2: Continuity of Life

Marks: 100
Method of assessment (coursework, exam, etc.): Written paper, 2 hours.

This unit includes biodiversity, cell division, sexual reproduction in animals and plants, inheritance, variation, evolution and applications of reproduction and genetics.

Component 3: Requirements for Life

Marks: 100
Method of assessment (coursework, exam, etc.): Written paper, 2 hours.

Section A includes adaptions for gas exchange in animals and plants, transport in animals and plants, nutrition, homeostasis and the nervous system (80 marks). Section B is from a choice of three options: immunology and disease, human musculoskeletal anatomy, neurobiology and behaviour (20 marks).

Core Concepts:Basic biochemistry and cell structure will be examined in all three A level components.

Practical Endorsement:This will be evidenced by a minimum of 12 experiments carried out over the two-year course. Practical skills and application will be assessed in written papers (15% of content).

Skills

You will develop your practical skills throughout the two years in order to gain a separate practical endorsement certificate. For this you will complete a minimum of 12 experiments, assessing a variety of lab skills. Additionally, in the exams you will be assessed on practical, application and mathematical skills.

Careers/Destinations

Biology students go on to pursue a wide variety of related destinations. These include degree courses in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, biomedical science, biochemistry, zoology, animal behaviour, marine biology, environmental science, physiotherapy and sports science. Many careers within research, healthcare and
conservation are accessible through studying biology.

also consider

Chemistry

also consider

Applied Science