A Level Biology

Why study A Level Biology?

Biology is the study of life.Ā Ā  It involves the study of a wide range of exciting and challenging topics. These range from cell biology, human physiology, DNA technology, disease, biochemistry, molecular biology through to ecosystems & human effect on the environment.

What will I study?

Year 1

Year 2
  • Biological Molecules
  • Cells
  • Exchange in organisms with their environment
  • Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
  • Energy transfers in and between organisms
  • Organisms respond to change
  • Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
  • The control of gene expression

Assessment

A Level

Three exams will be taken, Paper 1, 2 and 3, at the end of the two year course.

Exam

Course Content Examined

Details of Exam

Paper 1

Assesses content of the four Year 1 topics listed above and relevant practical skills

1.5 hour exam (35% of final mark)

Paper 2

Assesses content from the four extra units studied in the Year 2 and relevant practical skills

2 hour exam (35% of final mark)

Paper 3

Assesses any content of the eight topics listed so far and any relevant practical skills.

2 hour exam (30% of the final mark)

Entry Requirements

Students must have a grade 6 or above in Mathematics and grade 6 or above in Biology andĀ a grade 5 in a second scienceĀ or a Grade 5,6 in Combined Science.

A- level Biology Person Specification

  • Have an interest in the study of living organisms and the environment they live in.
  • Enjoy carrying out practical investigations
  • Have excellent written communication skills
  • Be organised and able to plan and schedule your work
  • Have a good mathematical ability in order to analyse and interpret experimental data
  • Able to apply knowledge to unfamiliar situations
  • Good research and referencing skills

What skills will I gain from studying A Level Biology?

  • Analysing and interpreting data
  • Problem solving skills
  • Evaluative skills
  • Practical skills
  • Team building skills
  • Organisational skills

Where can Biology lead to in the world of work?

Medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, physiology, nursing, forensic science, research scientists, teachingā€¦as well as non-science related courses such as accountancy and law.Ā  The list goes onā€¦

Specimen papers and course information available

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/biology-7401-7402