Biology A level

We ask for a minimum GCSE score of 5 grades at grade 4 or above in five different subjects including English Language and Mathematics. We accept equivalent Level 2 qualifications such as BTEC and OCR Nationals but will only count them as 1 grade.

In addition most subjects require at least a grade 5 at GCSE in order to take them at Level 3. Maths and Science subjects require a grade 6.

Is this course for me?

If you have enjoyed Biology at GCSE and want to study the subject in more depth, then this is the subject for you.

You will be required to read around the subject and you will need to spend time understanding and learning

biological concepts in depth. Therefore, be prepared for some challenging work as it is a real step up from GCSE.

There are a great deal of new names and words to deal with throughout the course.

Specific entry requirements: Grade 6 in Biology (or Combined Science) plus a grade 5 in maths.

The Basics…..

Develop practical skills and knowledge of biological principles. Independent research and work required.

Strongly advised to study alongside another science subject. Gain an understanding of how all life is connected

What will I learn?

Content is in six modules, each divided into key topics:

1: Development of practical skills in

biology

• Practical skills assessed in a written

examination

• Practical skills assessed in the

practical endorsement

3: Exchange & transport

• Exchange surfaces

• Transport in animals

• Transport in plants

5: Communication, homeostasis &

energy

• Communication & homeostasis

• Excretion as an example of

homeostatic control

• Neuronal communication

Hormonal communication

• Plant & animal responses

• Photosynthesis

• Respiration

2: Foundations in biology

• Cell structure

• Biological molecules

• Nucleotides & nucleic acids

• Enzymes

• Biological membranes

• Cell division, cell diversity & cellular

organisation

4: Biodiversity, evolution & disease

• Communicable diseases,

disease prevention and the

immune system

• Biodiversity

• Classification and evolution

6: Genetics, evolution & ecosystems

• Cellular control

• Patterns of inheritance

• Manipulating genomes

• Cloning and biotechnology

• Ecosystems

• Populations and sustainability

Anything else I need to know?

Overall, at least 10% of the marks in examinations will come via the use of mathematical skills e.g. percentage

changes and statistical tests. These will be the standard of higher tier GCSE mathematics.

Students gain practical skills throughout the course. These are assessed in the written examinations and in

the practical endorsement (component 04).

The Basics…..

Develop practical skills and knowledge of biological principles. Independent research and work required.

Strongly advised to study alongside another science subject. Gain an understanding of how all life is connected

Future careers:

Medicine Dentistry Biochemist Pharmacologist

Teacher Vet Environmental health officer Ecologist

Biology is a subject of global impact. It has a profound effect on our planet and is involved in almost every aspect of everyday life. Biology is taught in a varied way with lectures, presentations, research, practicals, discussions, essays, visits and a field trip.

https://vimeo.com/469699089

https://www.kesacademy.org.uk/31/subject-information/subject/4/science

We expect that students will have Grade 6 in GCSE Biology/Additional Science or equivalent. Additional Applied Science is not an adequate foundation for this course.