Biology A Level will give you the skills to make connections and associations with all living things around you. Biology literally means the study of life and if that’s not important, what is? Being such a broad topic, you’re bound to find a specific area of interest, plus it opens the door to a fantastic range of interesting careers.
Topics Studied
- Biological molecules
- Cells
- Organisms exchange substances with their environment
- Genetic information variation and relationships between organisms
- Energy transfers in between organisms
- Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
- Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
- The control of gene expression
Plus Required Practical’s throughout the 2-year course
Course Outline
| Paper 1 | Paper 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Year one Course Outline | What’s assessed Any content from topics 1-4 including relevant practical skills |
What’s assessed Any content from topics 1-4 including relevant practical skills |
| Assessed Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 75 marks |
Assessed Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes 75 marks |
|
| Questions 65 marks: short answer questions10 marks: comprehension question |
Questions 65 marks: short answer questions 10 marks: extended response questions |
| Paper 1 | Paper 2 | Paper 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A-Level Course Outline | What’s assessed Any content from topics 1-4 including relevant practical skills |
What’s assessed Any content from topics 5-8, including relevant practical skills |
What’s assessed Any content from topics 1-8, including relevant practical skills |
| Assessed 2 hour written exam 91 marks 35% of A-Level |
Assessed 2 hour written exam 91 marks 35% of A-Level |
Assessed 2 hour written exam 78 marks 30% of A-Level |
|
| Questions 76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions15 marks: extended response questions |
Questions 76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions15 marks: comprehension question |
Questions 38 marks: structured questions’ including practical techniques15 marks: critical analysis of given experimental data25 marks: one essay from a choice of two titles |
Course Requirements
To join the course you will need:
GCSE Triple Science Grade 6 or Grade 7 in Double Science
An interest in understanding yourself and the world around you, drive and the ability to study independently and work as part of a team.
GCSE Maths (Grade 6 or above)
Why Study Biology?
It is an ideal science to complement the study of Chemistry, Physics and Geography, plus for careers in Veterinary Science, Physiotherapy, Dentistry, Regenerative Biology and all the “Bio” sciences. In addition, you will gain skills that will make you a suitable candidate for a career or training it will motivate you and maintain the interest needed to be successful.
Possible Degree Options
According to bestcourse4me.com, the top seven degree courses taken by students who have an A-Level in Biology are:
- Biology
- Psychology
- Sport and exercise science
- Medicine
- Anatomy
- Physiology and Pathology Pharmacology
- Toxicology and Pharmacy Chemistry
Possible Career Options
Studying A-Level Biology at university gives you all sorts of exciting career options, including:
- Doctor
- Clinical molecular geneticist
- Nature conservation officer
- Pharmacologist
- Research scientist
- Vet
- Secondary school teacher
- Marine biologist
- Dentist
