Biology
Course summary
You’ll learn about the complexity and diversity of life in such detail that you’ll become an expert in plant, bacterial and animal physiologies. Successful students will become problem-solvers, logical thinkers, and will be able to apply their advanced biological knowledge to unfamiliar contexts. Twelve compulsory experiments will produce practical scientists who can analyse data and evaluate methodologies expertly. Many students go on to study biological, chemical, or environmental sciences. Others pursue courses in psychology, physiology, or sport sciences. Students with exceptional GCSE and A level grades go on to study the biological or natural sciences at Oxford or Cambridge, or vocational courses like medicine, veterinary sciences or dentistry. Visits, guest speakers, essay competitions, university summer schools, and the Biology Olympiad are all available to our students. Course content: You’ll begin with an in-depth analysis of the chemistry of biological molecules, then cellular biology, along with the functions of up to ten intra-cellular structures. From the microscopic to much larger systems, the transportation systems of plants, insects, fish and mammals are studied. Larger still, you’ll learn how diversity emerges in whole populations due to mutation and natural selection. The biochemistry of photosynthesis and respiration in ecosystems comes next, then homeostasis and the nervous systems of individual organisms. Ending where you began – at the molecular level – genetics, inheritance and the control of gene expression complete the course and this prepares you for studying the biological sciences at university.
Entry Requirements
Checked against your grades — every rule traces to the school's published source.
| Requirement | Rule | You |
|---|---|---|
Combined Science | Grade 7-6 in Combined Science | — |
Biology Alternative route | Grade 7 in Biology | — |
Chemistry Alternative route | Grade 6 in Chemistry | — |
Physics Alternative route | Grade 6 in Physics | — |
Mathematics | Grade 6 in Mathematics | — |
English Language | Grade 6 in English Language | — |
As published by the school
Grade 6 in GCSE mathematics and English language - and 7 + 6 in Science Combined Trilogy or OR grade 7 biology + 6 chemistry + 6 physics.
Am I eligible?
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Assessment
Exam - 2 hours - 35% 91 marks. Short and long questions with an extended response question of 15 marks Molecules Cells Exchange Diversity Exam - 2 hours - 35% 91 marks. Short and long questions with an extended response question of 15 marks Energy Response Genetics Genetic control Exam - 2 hours - 30% 78 marks. Short and long questions with an essay of 25 marks Examines all eight topics through questions and an essay
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