| Subject specific entry requirement: |
Standard Sixth Form entry plus 2x Grade 6 in GCSE Science, including Biology and Grade 5 in GCSE Maths |
| Qualification: |
AQA A Level Biology
It is possible to sit Biology at AS level.
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| Topics and areas covered: |
Year 12: Topics 1-4
- Biological Molecules: Explores the structure and function of essential biological molecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
- Cells: Covers cell structure, cell recognition and the immune system, and cell division processes such as mitosis and meiosis.
- Organisms Exchange Substances with Their Environment: Investigates how organisms exchange gases, nutrients, and waste products with their surroundings, including topics like transport systems and gas exchange mechanisms.
- Genetic Information, Variation, and Relationships Between Organisms: Focuses on DNA structure, protein synthesis, genetic diversity, and evolutionary relationships among organisms.
Year 13: Topics 5-8
- Energy Transfers in and Between Organisms: Examines processes like photosynthesis and respiration, and how energy flows through ecosystems.
- Organisms Respond to Changes in Their Internal and External Environments: Looks at how organisms detect and respond to environmental stimuli, including nervous and hormonal communication.
- Genetics, Populations, Evolution, and Ecosystems: Explores genetic inheritance, population dynamics, natural selection, and the structure and functioning of ecosystems.
- The Control of Gene Expression: Investigates how gene expression is regulated, including topics like transcription, translation, and epigenetics.
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| Future career path: |
A wealth of varied career options such as: Medicine, Veterinary Sciences, Nursing, Emergency Services, Dentistry, Biological Research, Careers within the NHS, Teaching, Bio-Engineering, Food industry, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Environmental Conservation, Zoology, Biotechnology, Forensics, Various careers in government and policy, careers within Science publishing |
| Examination information: |
Paper 1:
- Content: Topics 1–4
- Duration: 2 hours
- Weighting: 35% of A-level
- Question Types: A mixture of short and long answer questions (76 marks), plus extended response questions (15 marks)
- Practical Skills: Assesses practical techniques and data analysis
Paper 2:
- Content: Topics 5–8
- Duration: 2 hours
- Weighting: 35% of A-level
- Question Types: A mixture of short and long answer questions (76 marks), plus a comprehension question (15 marks)
- Practical Skills: Assesses practical techniques and data analysis
Paper 3:
- Content: All topics (1–8)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Weighting: 30% of A-level
- Question Types:
- Structured questions, including practical techniques (38 marks)
- Critical analysis of experimental data (15 marks)
- One essay from a choice of two titles (25 marks)
- Practical Skills: Assesses practical techniques, data analysis, and application of knowledge
Practical Assessment:
- At least 15% of the overall assessment focuses on practical skills.
Students must complete a minimum of 12 practical activities during the course.
- Practical skills are assessed through written exams and are not separately reported.
Mathematical Requirements:
- Approximately 10% of the overall assessment will assess mathematical skills equivalent to Level 2 or above.
- Skills include data analysis, statistical tests, and interpreting graphical data.
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| Additional information: |
We take a 3 day residential field trip at the end of the Year 1 course (usually in July) to cover the practical techniques required for one of the required practical tasks relating to ecology. |
