Entry Requirements

Grade 6 or higher in GCSE Biology and a Grade 6 or higher in either GCSE Chemistry or Physics with a GCSE grade 5 in the other science OR GCSE Grade 66 in Combined Science.  Grade 6 or above in Maths and English Language or Literature. 

Exam Board: OCR

Why Study Biology?

Biology is the study of organisms and their interactions between each other and their environment. It ultimately provides us with an understanding of our bodies, food production and how life sustains itself. Biologists learn not just the rapidly increasing knowledge base of life, but the methods by which we can experiment to learn more about organisms and ethical issues surrounding various aspects related to Biology. You will develop skills in experimentation, thus developing good practical and lateral thinking skills. This involves developing good communication, observational, research, predictive, statistical, analytical, evaluative, critical and planning skills. Independent learning is a core part of A Level Biology. Above all, a successful Biologist will have a passion for all aspects of Biology, be a creative thinker, and be willing to take risks. 

'Biology has been a fascinating yet challenging subject to study at A-level. My knowledge from GCSE has been developed through well structured lessons and I've really enjoyed learning about certain topics, such as DNA, in greater depth. My teachers have made lessons accessible, even at home, and have provided extra support to aid our learning.'

​Madiha K, Year 13 

What Topics Will I Study?

Development of practical skills in Biology, Foundations in Biology, Exchange and Transport, Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease, as well as learning about Communication, Homeostasis, Energy, Genetics and Ecosystems.

You will also undertake class practicals as part of your work towards Practical Endorsement in Biology, which can include carrying out slide preparation, microscopic diagrams/analysis, field work, DNA fingerprinting and dissections. There will also be visits and residential field trips to leading universities and teaching hospitals, opportunities to meet leading speakers in Biological fields, take part in Biology Olympiad and apply for a Nuffield Research Placement. Students who are eligible for medicine/dentistry will attend workshops run by specialists held at various Merton schools in order to support their application for university.

How Will I Be Assessed?

Unit 01 (Biological Processes) consists of a 2 hour 15 minute written paper worth 37% of the A2 qualification

Unit 02 (Biological Diversity) consists of a 2 hour 15 minute written paper exam worth 37% of the A2 qualification

Unit 03 (Unified Biology) consists of a 1 hour 30 minute written paper worth 26% of the A2 qualification

What Careers or Higher Education Follow from this Subject?

A Level Biology opens up doors to specialising in a variety of fields. These include biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, zoology, marine biology, genetics, cell biology, and ecology. As a result, Biology can lead to an array of future prospects. With the obvious being any medical degree course, future careers could include biomedical science, neuroscience, pharmacy, pharmacology, genetics, histopathology, dentistry, veterinary science, sports science, nursing, physiotherapy, chiropractic, nutritionist, marine science, teaching, or further research into a specialist area of Biology such as stem cell research. The list is endless.

Biology is regarded as a core academic subject due to its complexity, detail, numerical and written skill base. The course exercises problem-solving skills and the ability to apply one’s knowledge to unknown situations. Consequently, Biology can also open up other career pathways, as the thinking skills required make candidates eligible for careers in the financial sector, law, marketing, journalism, politics, and media.

(For more information see: http://www.societyofbiology.org/education/careers).

Compulsory Field Trip

This course requires the student to attend a compulsory field trip; details to be confirmed by the subject teacher during Academic year.