Christian Head, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria, CA17 4HA

017683 71693

Kirkby Stephen Grammar School

A Co-operative Academy

A Level Biology

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

  1. Biological molecules
  2. Cells
  3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment
  4. Genetic information variation and relationships between organisms
  5. Energy transfers in between organisms
  6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
  7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
  8. 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 questions

10 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 questions

15 marks: extended response questions

Questions
76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions

15 marks: comprehension question

Questions
38 marks: structured questions’ including practical techniques

15 marks: critical analysis of given experimental data

25 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