Biology A-level will give you the skills to make connections and associations with all 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 interesting careers. In Year 12 students study for an AS-Level in Biology. This is comprised of four units which are assessed through 2 examinations (each 1 hour 30 minutes long) in May/June of that year. Depending on their performance in the AS-exams, students will continue to study for the A-Level in Year 13. The A-level consists of the 4 units studied at AS plus 4 more units from year 13, all of which are assessed through 3 exams (each 2 hours long) at the end of Year 13. There is no course work on this course; however performance during practical work is assessed. At least 15% of the marks in the exams for A-level Biology are based on these practical investigations. AS and first year of A-level 1. Biological molecules 2. Cells 3. Organisms exchange substances with the environment 4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms Second year of A-level 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 Practical Investigations Throughout the course a number of practical activities will be carried out including: using microscopes to observe cell division, dissection of animal and plant systems, aseptic technique to study microbial growth, investigation of animal behaviours and distributions of species in the environment. They will provide 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’ll have the practical skills needed to carry out successful experiments in your degree. Possible degree options: Biology, Psychology, Sport and exercise science, Medicine, Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Pharmacy Possible career options: Doctor, Clinical molecular geneticist, Nature conservation officer, Dentist, Vet, Pharmacologist, Research scientist, Secondary school teacher, Marine biologist
Grade 6-6 or better in GCSE Combined Science or at least two grade 6s in GCSE Separate Science Grade 6 or better in GCSE English Language Grade 5 or better in GCSE Mathematics
Year 12 (AS Biology) Paper 1 Any content from topics 1–4, including relevant practical skills written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes (75 marks) 50% of AS 65 marks: short answer questions 10 marks: comprehension question Paper 2 Any content from topics 1–4, including relevant practical skills written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes (75 marks) 50% of AS 65 marks: short answer questions 10 marks: extended response questions Year 13 (A level Biology) Paper 1 Any content from topics 1–4, including relevant practical skills written exam: 2 hours (91 marks) 35% of A-level 76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions 15 marks: extended response questions Paper 2 Any content from topics 5–8, including relevant practical skills written exam: 2 hours (91 marks) 35% of A-level 76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions 15 marks: comprehension question Paper 3 Any content from topics 1–8, including relevant practical skills written exam: 2 hours (78 marks) 30% of A-level Questions 38 marks: structured questions, including practical techniques 15 marks: critical analysis of given experimental data 25 marks: one essay from a choice of two titles
About Education Provider
| Region | West Midlands |
| Local Authority | Birmingham |
| Ofsted Rating | Good |
| Gender Type | Mixed |
| Address | The Broadway, Perry Barr, Birmingham, B20 3DP |
Biology A-level will give you the skills to make connections and associations with all 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 interesting careers. In Year 12 students study for an AS-Level in Biology. This is comprised of four units which are assessed through 2 examinations (each 1 hour 30 minutes long) in May/June of that year. Depending on their performance in the AS-exams, students will continue to study for the A-Level in Year 13. The A-level consists of the 4 units studied at AS plus 4 more units from year 13, all of which are assessed through 3 exams (each 2 hours long) at the end of Year 13. There is no course work on this course; however performance during practical work is assessed. At least 15% of the marks in the exams for A-level Biology are based on these practical investigations. AS and first year of A-level 1. Biological molecules 2. Cells 3. Organisms exchange substances with the environment 4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms Second year of A-level 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 Practical Investigations Throughout the course a number of practical activities will be carried out including: using microscopes to observe cell division, dissection of animal and plant systems, aseptic technique to study microbial growth, investigation of animal behaviours and distributions of species in the environment. They will provide 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’ll have the practical skills needed to carry out successful experiments in your degree. Possible degree options: Biology, Psychology, Sport and exercise science, Medicine, Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Pharmacy Possible career options: Doctor, Clinical molecular geneticist, Nature conservation officer, Dentist, Vet, Pharmacologist, Research scientist, Secondary school teacher, Marine biologist
Grade 6-6 or better in GCSE Combined Science or at least two grade 6s in GCSE Separate Science Grade 6 or better in GCSE English Language Grade 5 or better in GCSE Mathematics
Year 12 (AS Biology) Paper 1 Any content from topics 1–4, including relevant practical skills written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes (75 marks) 50% of AS 65 marks: short answer questions 10 marks: comprehension question Paper 2 Any content from topics 1–4, including relevant practical skills written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes (75 marks) 50% of AS 65 marks: short answer questions 10 marks: extended response questions Year 13 (A level Biology) Paper 1 Any content from topics 1–4, including relevant practical skills written exam: 2 hours (91 marks) 35% of A-level 76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions 15 marks: extended response questions Paper 2 Any content from topics 5–8, including relevant practical skills written exam: 2 hours (91 marks) 35% of A-level 76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions 15 marks: comprehension question Paper 3 Any content from topics 1–8, including relevant practical skills written exam: 2 hours (78 marks) 30% of A-level Questions 38 marks: structured questions, including practical techniques 15 marks: critical analysis of given experimental data 25 marks: one essay from a choice of two titles
