Biology - A Level

In Year 12 you will study basic biochemistry, which begins with a more in-depth look at certain key biological molecules and how they are able to combine to form larger molecules. You will also study cells to a great depth including the immune system and life-threatening diseases such as HIV and cancer. Human anatomy and physiology along with other animal physiology is studied in the context of gas exchange and transport of blood. The year will finish off with a look at how genetic information is read and interpreted by the body and the consequences of mutations within the DNA. In Year 13 you will study the basic biochemistry of the respiratory process and the photosynthetic process. You will continue your studies of molecular level biology by examining how the body is coordinated through nervous and hormonal coordination. You will also learn how inheritance works at the genetic level along with how this influences variation within a population and natural selection mechanisms. Your studies in Year 13 will end with how genes are expressed and basic laboratory techniques such as gene cloning and polymerase chain reaction mechanism.

This course is 100% exam based. Students will complete three two hour exams at the end of the second year.

The course has three examined Units:

Paper 1: Examines topics 1-4

Paper 2: Examines topics 5-8

Paper 3: Examines topics 1-8

Papers 1 and 2 are comprised of 91 marks each. Students will be examined on a mixture of short and long answer questions and 15 marks for extended response questions on paper 1. Paper 2 contains questions, which are also a mixture of short and long answers and contains 15 marks on extended response questions.

Paper 3 is slightly different. This paper can contain questions from the entire specification. It contains structured questions, along with questions on critical analysis of given experimental data. There is also a 25-mark essay contained within the paper.

Students must have a good writing ability and a Grade 5 in English Language is recommended. At least a grade 6-5 in combined science or a grade 6 in Biology is also required.

Many students go on to study for a biology degree (BSc.) which can lead to a career as a research scientist or in a field of work where a highly numerate and scientific degree is valued. Some students take up work as scientific officers or medical scientists in hospitals or other government organisations. Biology students have also had careers outside the scientific field such as in banking, teaching, human resources, the police force, police support workers – such as forensic scientists or crime scene investigators.