Biology A level

A LEVEL AND LEVEL 3 QUALIFICATIONS

To gain a place on this course students will ideally have at least grade 4 in both English Language and Mathematics and at least three other GCSEs, or equivalent Level 2 qualifications, at grade 5 or above. Some subjects also have additional entry requirements.

All students are to choose 3 subjects from 3 different blocks. Further Mathematics may be taken as a fourth choice.

LEVEL 2 QUALIFICATIONS

Subjects have individual entry requirements.

Students only need to apply for either Bricklaying or Hairdressing.

BIOLOGY

Year 12 and Year 13 A Level Biology: Course Overview

Biology A Level is split into eight modules: Modules 1 to 8, combined with Required Practicals, constitutes the full A Level. The modules can be summarised as:

Module1—4 (Year 12):

1—Biological molecules

2— Cells

3—Organisms exchange substances with their environment

4—Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

Module 5—6 (Year 13):

5—Energy transfers in and between organisms

6—Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environment

7— Genetics, populations, evolution

8—The control of gene expression

At A Level:

Paper 1 assesses content from Modules 1—4 and includes short and long answer questions as well as extended response questions. It constitutes 35% of the A-level.

Paper 2 assesses content from Modules 5—8 and includes short and long answer questions as well as comprehension questions. It constitutes 35% of the A-level

Paper 3 assesses the content from all modules and includes structured questions, critical analysis of data and a 25 mark essay question.

Required Practicals include a portfolio of practical work collected by the student over the 2 year of study. Practical skill questions are assessed in all 3 papers.

Subject Specific Requirements

Grade 6 in Biology /Combined Science and Grade 5 in Mathematics

Future Applications

An A-level in Biology is the starting point for a wide variety of career choices including: medicine, veterinary science, microbiology, sports science, nursing and research.