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Biology

Is this course for me?
Biology A level will give you the skills to make connections and associations with all the living things around you. Biology literally means the study of life and if that's not important, what is? Being such a broad topic, you're bound to find a specific area of interest, plus it opens the door to a fantastic range of careers.

What qualifications do I need?
You will need at least 5 GCSEs grade 4 or above, including English and maths, with grade 6 or above in science and preferably at least a grade 6 in Maths. It is also advisable to study mathematics at A level or the Core Maths qualification.

What does the course involve?
The A level qualification consists of 8 topics:

1. Biological molecules

2. Cells
3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment
4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
5. Energy transfers in and between organisms
6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
8. The control of gene expression

What can I do afterwards?
A level biology is an excellent pathway to higher education in any scientific, medical or sport related discipline.

How will my work be assessed?

Paper 1

  • Content: Any content from topics 1-4, including relevant practical skills.
  • Assessment: Written exam: 2 hours. 91 marks. 35% of A level.
  • Questions: 76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions. 15 marks: extended response questions.


Paper 2

  • Content: Any content from topics 5·8, including relevant practical skills.
  • Assessment: Written exam: 2 hours. 91 marks. 35% of A-level.
  • Questions: 76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions. 15 marks: comprehension question.
 
Paper 3
  • Content: Any content from topics 1-8, including relevant practical skills.
  • Assessment: Written exam: 2 hours. 78 marks. 30% of A-level.
  • Questions. 38 marks: structured questions, including practical techniques.