What You Will Study

Biology seeks to define the fundamentals upon which all living organisms base their existence, while seeking to understand the pressures that give rise to a multitude of specialised forms. This engaging and inspiring course will advance your biological understanding and in the process help you to make sense of a wide range of contemporary issues, from genetic modification, to advances in drug therapies and climate change.

Between ‘aardvark’ and the ‘zika virus’ there are about 30 million different kinds of living organism, yet in spite of this incredible variety, many features of their structure and biochemistry are surprisingly similar. In the first year of Biology you will build on the knowledge you have gained from studying GCSE science and will explore fundamentals such as cell structure, biological reactions, enzymes and DNA. You then explore how a range of organisms are adapted to carry out gas exchange, digestion, and transport of nutrients and gases.

In the second year you will explore further new themes, many of which build on the core concepts learnt in the first year. You will develop your understanding of the energy transfer from plants to animals in food chains and the concept of ecosystems, supported by a field trip to measure biodiversity. You will also develop understanding of human physiology such as the nervous and endocrine systems.

Lessons are taught in a well-equipped modern laboratory. This includes DNA technology equipment which will allow you to carry out experiments in molecular biology such as PCR. You will also benefit a field trip to Winterton Dunes, a rare example of sand dune succession, as well as trips to nature reserves and zoos.