Biology

Course summary

Biology is one of the most popular A Level subjects in the country, attracting students studying a wide range of other subjects. Many students enjoy the subject so much they eventually choose a biologically related degree. Others go on to careers in law, computing, accounting or teaching. Whatever field of work you will eventually work in, you will find Biology a very rewarding and challenging course which will develop many of the skills essential for a successful career. In the first year the main topics you will study are: Biological Molecules, Cells, Organisms exchange substances with their environments and Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms. Practical work is at the heart of Biology, with six required practicals embedded into the year. In the second year you will be building on the firm foundation of year one by consolidating and expanding that knowledge. The topics covered are: Energy transfers in and between organisms; Organisms respond to changes in their environments; Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems and the control of gene expression. Practical work again features heavily with another six required practicals across the topics. During this section of the course, students are required to show competency in all areas of practical skills in order to gain a pass in the practical endorsement section of the qualification that universities will be looking for. The Biology A Level course helps students develop a number of skills: • How to collect data and evaluate it • How to investigate facts and use deduction • How to put over your point of view effectively • How to take responsibility for your own learning