Biology

Biology is the science of life.  There are 6 modules within the Biology courses, the first 4 modules are covered in AS Level Biology, and all 6 are taught in A Level Biology.

Module 1 – Development of practical skills in biology

Skills of planning, implementing, analysis and evaluation.

Module 2 – Foundations in biology

Cell structure, biological molecules, nucleotides and nucleic acids, enzymes, biological membranes, cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation.

Module 3 – Exchange and transport

Exchange surfaces, transport in animals  and transport in plants

Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution and disease

Communicable diseases, disease prevention and the immune system, biodiversity, classification and evolution

Module 5 – Communication, homeostasis and energy

Communication and homeostasis, excretion as an example of homeostatic control, neuronal communication, hormonal communication, plant and animal responses, photosynthesis and respiration.

Module 6 – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems

Cellular control, patterns of inheritance, manipulating genomes, cloning and biotechnology, ecosystems, populations and sustainability.

Examinations:

AS Level

2 Examination papers equating to 3 hours of exams at the end of the course. 

The exams will cover core biology concepts and their applications, as well assessing understanding of practicals.

10% of the question paper will assess mathematical skills.

A Level

3 Examination papers equating to 6 hours of exams at the end of the course. 

The exams will cover core biology concepts and their applications, as well assessing understanding of practicals.

10% of the question paper will assess mathematical skills. 

There are a number of practicals that you must complete as a part of this course, that in themselves do not carry any marks, but must be evidenced as completed.

Career Pathways:

Health Care professions such as Medicine, Veterinary, Dentistry…

Biological Sciences such as biochemistry, molecular biology, forensic science, medical research…

There are also many transferable skills within biology that are useful in other areas such as problem solving, research and methodology of investigative work.

Entry Criteria:

Grade 6 or above in Biology and another single science or Grade 7,7 or above in Combined Science