Biology

Course summary

A course with both theoretical and practical aspects, details for the topics are shown below. Modules 1-4 are common to AS and A Level, modules 5 and 6 only taken as part of the full A Level in Biology. Module 1: Development of practical skills in biology Module 2: Foundations in biology - cell structure; biological molecules; Nucleotides and nucleic acids; Enzymes; Biological membranes; Cell division, cell diversity and cellular organization Module 3: Exchange and transport – exchange surfaces, transport in animals, transport in plants Module 4: Biodiversity, evolution and disease – communicable diseases, disease prevention and the immune system, diversity, classification and evolution Module 5: Communications, homeostasis and energy – excretion, neuronal communication, plant and animal responses, photosynthesis and energy Module 6: Genetics evolution and ecosystems – cellular control, patterns of inheritance, manipulating genomes, cloning and biotechnology, populations and sustainability Students who achieve a grade 6 at GCSE will be expected to complete additional work in the summer, between GCSE and A Level in order to help them make a successful transition to A Level. Career & Further Study: Biology can be used as a basis for the study of Sciences at University, such as medicine, veterinary or physiotherapy. Biology at A Level requires strong discipline and a willingness to work and think systematically. Considering the working mechanisms of biological systems requires excellent memory of key words. Such skills are highly prized no matter which subject you apply for at university. A wide range of employers recruit graduates for biology-related jobs including: ● Universities and clinical research organizations (research scientists) ● Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies Private hospitals and NHS trusts (clinical biologists) National and global health and environmental charities ● Marine biologists to study environmental populations and the impact of fishing or pollution ● Environmental scientists to monitor water pollution in rivers and streams ● Scientific and technical consultancies ● Schools and colleges (teachers and lecturers) ● Biology (alongside Chemistry and Physics) is seen as a ‘facilitating subject’ by the Russell group of universities.