Biology

Introduction to A level Biology Video

AQA

An A level Biology course involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics, ranging from molecular biology to the study of ecosystems and from microorganisms to mammoths. A level Biology helps students to develop a number of skills including how to collect data and evaluate it, how to investigate facts and use deduction, how to put over your point of view effectively and how to take responsibility for your own learning.

SUBJECT COMBINATION AND PROGRESSION 

Biology is one of the most popular A level subjects, attracting students studying a wide range of other subjects including psychology, chemistry and physics.  Many students enjoy the subject so much they eventually choose a biology related degree course such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, physiotherapy, pharmacy, optometry, nursing, zoology, marine biology or forensic science.  Others go into careers in law, computing, accounting or teaching.  So, regardless of the field you eventually work in, you will find biology a very rewarding and challenging course which will develop many of the skills required for a successful career.

COURSE OVERVIEW 

AS level: The course consists of 4 topics and 2 exam papers are to be taken at the end of the year. 

A level: The course consists of 8 topics and 3 exam papers at the end of the 2 years. 

Practical skills: The assessment of practical skills is a compulsory requirement of the course of study for A level. It will appear on all students’ certificates as a separately reported result, alongside the overall grade for the qualification. A minimum of 12 practical activities to be carried out by each student. Each student will keep an appropriate record of their assessed practical activities. Students who demonstrate the required standard across all the requirements of the CPAC will receive a ‘pass’ grade. Students will answer questions in the AS and A level examination papers that assess the requirements of practical skills

SUBJECT CONTENT

AS Level

1 Biological molecules

2 Cells

3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment

4 Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

A level

5 Energy transfers in and between organisms

6 Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments

7 Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems

8 The control of gene expression

EXAMS OVERVIEW

AS level:

Paper 1: Any content from topics 1-4, including relevant practical skills.

Assessed: Written exam 1hr 30mins 50% of AS.

Questions: 65 marks: short answer questions. 10 marks: comprehension question

Paper 2: Any content from topics 1-4, including relevant practical skills.

Assessed: Written exam 1hr 30mins, 75 marks, 50% AS.

Questions: 65 marks short answer questions. 10 marks: extended response questions

A level:

Paper 1: Any content from topics 1-4, including relevant practical skills.

Assessed: Written exam 2 hours 35% of A-level

Questions: 76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions.

15 marks: extended response questions

Paper 2: Any content from topics 5-8, including relevant practical skills.

Assessed: Written exam 2 hours 35% A- level

Questions: 76 marks a mixture of long answer questions.

15 marks: comprehension question

Paper 3: Any content from 1-8, including relevant practical skills.

Assessed: Written exam 2 hours 30% of A level. Questions: 38 marks: structured questions, including practical techniques. 15 marks: critical analysis of given data, 25 marks: one essay from a choice of 2 titles.

The course is suitable for students who have achieved a grade 6 in GCSE Biology (or a grade 7 in GCSE Trilogy Sciences) and a grade 6 in GCSE Maths.

 Marc Perry - Curriculum Leader, Science