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Biology, GCE A Level

  • 3

    Level
    Level 3

  • Duration
    2 years

  • Start Date
    September 2024

  • Venue
    Paston College

  • Course Code
    S9414

Start Date

  • September 2024, Full Time

Summary

Biology engages and inspires students. The fundamentals of Biology help you to understand contemporary issues, such as genetic modification, advances in drug therapy and climate change. A-level Biology is a reformed two year course culminating in three written papers at the end of the second year. We follow a traditional specification which allows you to explore key areas of biology in depth leading to greater understanding.

We follow a traditional specification which allows you to explore key areas of biology in depth leading to greater understanding.

First Year
Between 'aardvark' and 'zorilla' (yes, there is such an animal!) 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 explore fundamentals such as cell structure, biological reactions, enzymes and DNA which help you to make sense of the big picture. You then explore how a range of biological organisms are adapted to carry out gas exchange and the digestion and transport of nutrients. The course has a large practical component and so you will become expert in using microscopes, testing for biochemicals and making biological measurements.

Second Year
In the second year of A-level Biology you explore new themes, but many build on the core concepts learnt in the first year of the course. Respiration is a feature of all living organisms and is studied in depth. This helps with the understanding of the energy transfer from plants to animals in food chains and the concept of ecosystems. This part of the course will include a field trip to measure biodiversity and you will research the influence man has on the environment and consider future implications.

Entry Requirements

3 A Level Programme

Minimum of 2 6/B grades and 3 4/C grades at GCSE. Vocational subjects cannot replace GCSEs for entry to an A Level programme.

Additional entry requirements for this course: Grade 6 in Biology or Additional Science GCSE and grade 5 in Maths GCSE

Assessment

Assessment will be by 3 written examinations at the end of the course, each contributing 33% to the final A-level grade.

Component One: Energy for Life (2 hours)

Component Two: Continuity of Life (2 hours)

Component Three: Requirements for Life (2 hours)

In addition, you will be required to keep a lab book which will record all practical work undertaken. This will lead to a practical endorsement qualification of either pass or fail alongside your final A-level grade.

Progression

Biology can be studied with a variety of other A-level courses but we recommend you take it alongside at least one science or social science. It prepares you for a wide range of degree courses.

Career Progression

This course can lead to careers in medicine, veterinary and forensic science, science journalism and many more.

Fees

If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over please contact the Advice Shop.

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