A-Level Programme - Biology

Our A-Level in Biology will enable you to enhance your previous scientific study, across both theory and practical sessions.

On our A-Level programme, you will study three or four subjects. Please apply for three or four subjects and use our course selector here to check what options you can do!

What will I study?

• Biological molecules

• Cells exchange and transport and biodiversity

• Energy transfers in and between organisms

• How organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environment

• Genetics

• Populations and evolution systems and control of gene expression

The course is taught in theory and practical sessions for 4.5 hours per week.

Students are expected to complete independent study tasks outside of the lessons on a weekly basis. Various teaching methods are used throughout the course. Practical laboratory sessions are particularly important and the development of investigative skills is fostered.

The written examination includes questions on experimental work and handling of data from experiments. All exams are taken at the end of the second year of study.

Exam information

Paper 1 lasts 2 hours, 35% of the marks. Short and long response written questions with one extended response question. Paper 2 lasts 2 hours, 35% of the marks. Short and long response written questions with one comprehension question. Paper 3 lasts 2 hours, 30% of the marks. Structured questions including practical techniques, critical analysis of experimental data and one essay question.

You will need:

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English and maths and, for this specific subject;

• GCSE grade 6 or above in biology (6-5 in combined science)

• GCSE grade 6 or above in maths (5 if foundation taken)