Biology
Head of Department: Ms L Maguire
Awarding Body: AQA
Entry Requirements: GCSE Grade 66 or above in Combined Science (Higher level) or GCSE Grade 6 or above in Biology. It is important that students intending to study Biology should feel confident that they can handle the mathematical aspects of the course. The mathematical demand of the course is 10%.
Course Description
Biology is the scientific study of life. It encompasses the investigation of living organisms and life processes from the molecular, through cells and individuals to populations and whole communities of organisms.
A-level Biology is a two-year course, with exams at the end of the second year.
- Year 12 (AS) Biological molecules, Cells, Organisms exchange substances with their environment, Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms.
- Year 13 (A2) Energy transfers in and between organisms, Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments, Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems, The control of gene expression.
The Practical component
Throughout the course you will carry out practical activities including: using microscopes to see cell division, dissection of animal or plant systems, aseptic technique to study microbial growth, investigating activity within cells, investigating animal behaviours, investigating distributions of species in the environment. These practical activities will give you the skills and confidence needed to investigate the way living things behave and work. It will also ensure that if you choose to study a Biology-based subject at university, you will have the practical skills needed to carry out successful experiments in your degree.
Progression
Further study: Biology is a facilitating subject for the Russell Group Universities. Studying Biology at university opens the door to a wide range of interesting career options.
Careers: Some of the exciting careers that use biology include Medicine, Clinical Molecular Genetics, Nature Conservation, Veterinary Science, Education, Midwifery and Nursing and many more.