The Biology Department aims to provide students with the opportunity to explore life, in all its complexity and diversity.
During the A Level course, students will be taken on an exciting journey through a broad range of topics including human biology, microbiology, ecology, genetics and many more.
They will be actively encouraged to pursue their interests in studying the living world; and through classroom practicals, discussions, debates and extra-curricular opportunities, they will become equipped with the skills and understanding to thrive in their study of the subject, however far they wish to pursue it.Courses Offered
A Level Biology: 7402 (AQA)
Syllabus Breakdown
The A Level course consists of:
Topic 1: Biological Molecules
Topic 2: Cells
Topic 3: Organisms Exchange Substances With Their Environment
Topic 4: Genetic Information, Variation and Relationships With Other Organisms
Topic 5: Energy Transfers In & Between Organisms
Topic 6: Organisms Respond To Changes In Their Internal & External Environments
Topic 7: Genetics, Populations, Evolution & Ecosystems
Topic 8: The Control of Gene Expression
Subject Key Concepts
#1 CELL BIOLOGY #2 ORGANISATION (ORGANS) #3 INFECTION AND RESPONSE #4 BIOENERGETICS
#5 INHERITANCE, VARIATION AND EVOLUTION #6 ECOLOGY #7 BIOLOGICAL MOLECULES
Please click here for Subject Key Concepts.
Minimum Entry Requirements
Students who studied GCSE Combined Science must secure at least a Grade 6 in Combined Science and GCSE Maths.
For students who studied the separate GCSE sciences, they must attain at least a Grade 6 in GCSE Biology and GCSE Maths, with at least a Grade 5 in any remaining GCSE Science qualifications.
It is recommended that all students also achieve at least a grade 5 in GCSE English and it is strongly advised this A level is studied in combination with another Science and/or Maths.
Why Study Biology?
As well as allowing students to pursue their own interests in studying the living world, the biology course will nurture many transferrable skills of great benefit to students. These include:
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Independent planning and organisation
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Research skills
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Confidence in working with statistical data
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Looking critically at data and associated conclusions
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Improving evaluative judgements
Wider Opportunities
Students will have an opportunity to undertake their own ecological sampling work during a ‘Biology Field Trip’ to further their understanding of species diversity and distribution. Due to the changes in A Level specification, this practical work now forms part of the 'Required Practical' element of the course. It is therefore recommended that every A Level student participates in this trip.
What Our Students Say:
‘Science A Levels are very highly regarded, even if you plan on doing a non-scientific degree.’
‘With the initial ideas of studying Medicine or Engineering at university, I chose science subjects that could get me on to those paths; Chemistry and Biology. It was as the first year progressed that I learnt far more about the human anatomy, and the huge range of professions that it involves. My focus changed, and I haven't looked back since.’
‘I really enjoyed Biology and it also fitted nicely with my other options, Geography, Maths and Business. This range and combination opened up a lot of career paths, however my main focus was agriculture. I am now going on to Uni to study agri-business where biology features a lot in many of the modules.’
What Can I Do Next?
Biology, as one of the traditional sciences, is a very well respected A level and opens the door to many courses and careers.
It is an essential choice for students wishing to study Medicine, Pharmacology, Dentistry and Veterinary Science but can also lead to degrees in Biomedical Science, Natural Sciences, Environmental Science, Genetics and Botany as well as courses in Conservation and Biodiversity.
