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 of the students enjoy the subject so much they eventually choose a biologically related degree course. Others go on to careers in law, computing, accounting or teaching. So, 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 practical's 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 during this year are: Energy transfers in and between organisms; Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments; Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems and the control of gene expression. Practical work again features heavily with another six required practical's spread throughout 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.
Entry Requirements
Checked against your grades — every rule traces to the school's published source.
| Requirement | Rule | You |
|---|---|---|
GCSE qualifications | 5 gcse qualifications at grade 4.0 or above | — |
Combined Science | Grade 7-7 in Combined Science | — |
Biology Alternative route | Grade 7 in Biology | — |
Chemistry Alternative route | Grade 7 in Chemistry | — |
Physics Alternative route | Grade 6 in Physics | — |
Biology Alternative route | Grade 7 in Biology | — |
Chemistry Alternative route | Grade 6 in Chemistry | — |
Physics Alternative route | Grade 7 in Physics | — |
English Language | Grade 6 in English Language | — |
English Literature Alternative route | Grade 6 in English Literature | — |
Mathematics | Grade 6 in Mathematics | — |
As published by the school
• Grades 7 & 7 in Double Science or Triple Science: Grade 7 in Biology and also in one other science. • 5 Grades 9-4 • Grade 6 or above in GCSE Mathematics • Grade 6 or above in GCSE English Language or English Literature.
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Assessment
• Paper 1 covers just the Year 1 Biology topics and practicals, is 91 marks and makes up 35% of the A Level. • Paper 2 covers the Year 2 Biology topics and practical's, is 91 marks and makes up 35% of the A Level. • Paper 3 covers all Biology topics and practical’s from the two years, is 78 marks and makes up 30% of the A Level. The required practical's will make up 15% of the written exam papers.
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