Biology AS/A Level

General information

As well as covering more traditional topics such as cell biology and human physiology, this specification includes the study of some of the exciting new advances made recently in the biological sciences and considers the contributions they have made to modern society.

Full AQA specification (2401) information is available online at http://www.aqa.org.uk/qualifications/a-level/science/biology.php.

Course content

• Unit 1: Biology and Disease. This unit covers digestion and gas exchange systems and how they may be affected by disease. Examination is by a written paper, likely taken in January.
• Unit 2: The Variety of Living Organisms. This unit covers aspects of cells, causes of variation and the variety of life. Examination is by written paper, taken in June.
• Unit 3: Practical and Investigative Skills. This will be assessed through an internally assessed practical assignment (ISA), which will involve both laboratory skills and written papers. This is likely to take place in the second term.
• Unit 4: Populations and Environment. This unit covers ecology and evolution. Examination is a written paper, likely taken in January.
• Unit 5: Control in Cells and in Organisms. This unit covers homeostasis, nervous and endocrine systems. Examination is by a written paper, taken in June.
• Unit 6: Practical and Investigative Skills. This will be assessed through an IPA.

Entry requirements

AS Biology students must also be studying at least one AS from Chemistry, Physics or Maths.

On very rare occasions there may be exceptions to this requirement, so please contact the advice and admissions team at the College. They will direct your enquiry to the subject team.

In addition, students will need to have:

• 7 GCSEs grade A-C including English Language
• BB in 2 GCSE science subjects i.e. from Core, Additional Science or separate GCSE sciences
• B grade GCSE Maths

Students with vocational qualifications at level 2 or other non-standard entry qualifications should contact the guidance team at the College for advice.

Progression

Biology A level can lead to many university courses including medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, paramedical sciences, veterinary medicine, biomedical sciences, nursing, plant biology and many others.

Biologists can also pursue careers in law, business, accountancy and industry as the A level course enables students to develop many useful practical and analytical skills.

Dates and times

This course begins in September. The duration of this course is one year or two years.