Biology
Why choose this subject?
Biology is awe-inspiring. Biology enables pupils to investigate and research the key questions defining how our bo9dy works and our interactions within the natural environment.
There is the opportunity to grapple with some of the more contentious issues of our day- cardiovascular disease; genetic finger printing; in vitro fertilisation, to name a few.
This is highly rewarding and challenging course which will take you from the lab to theory and out into the field in your quest for information and explanations.
Entry requirements: BB in Science at GCSE, Maths at B grade and C in English at GCSE.
B grades in Biology, Chemistry and Physics are essential.
Combine this course with: Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, a Language, and History
Essential if you go on: Medicine, Research work, Nursing, teaching
A Level BIOLOGY
Learn about
  • Biological molecules
  • Biological molecules
  • Cells
  • Organisms exchange substances with their environment
  • Genetic information, variation and relationships
  • Energy transfer
  • Organisms respond to changes in their environment
  • Genetics
  • Control of gene expression
Practical endorsement
During the course you will also be assessed on a minimum of 12 practical techniques and investigations. As you progress through the course you will demonstrate your ability to undertake each of these skills and compile a portfolio of your practical work. This will be assessed internally by moderated externally.
The 5 competencies
You will also be assessed on the 5 competencies, which are:
•Follows written procedures
•Applies investigative approaches and methods when using instruments and equipment
•Safely uses a range of practical equipment and materials
•Makes and records observations
•Researches, references and reports
This cannot be assessed during the 3 examination papers but will form a section of the practical endorsement.
How you will be assessed for A level
You will sit 3 externally assessed examination papers at the end of the * 2 year course
Paper 1 / Paper 2 / Paper 3
Content /
  • Biological molecules
  • Cells
  • Organisms exchange substances with their environment
  • Genetic information, variation and relationships
/
  • Energy transfer
  • Organisms respond to changes in their environment
  • Genetics
  • Control of gene expression
/ •Whole course
•Relevant practical skills and synopsis
Assessment / •2-hour written exam
•91 marks
•35% of A-level / •2-hour written exam
•91 marks
•35% of A-level / •2-hour written exam
•78 marks
•30% of A-level
Questions / •76 marks on structured questions
•15 marks on structured free-response question / •76 marks on structured questions
•15 marks on a comprehension passage / •38 marks on structured questions, including practical techniques
•15 marks questions on critical analysis of given experimental data
•25 marks essay- choice of two titles
How you will be assessed for AS level
(If you choose to study the course over 1 year)
Paper 1 / Paper 2
Content /
  • Biological molecules
  • Cells
  • Organisms exchange substances with their environment
  • Genetic information, variation & relationships
/ •Biological molecules
•Cells
•Organisms exchange substances with their environment
•Genetic information, variation & relationships
Assessment /
  • 1 hours 30 minutes written exam
  • 75 marks
  • 50% of AS
/
  • 1 hours 30 minutes written exam
  • 75 marks
  • 50% of AS

Questions /
  • 65 marks: short answer questions
  • 10 marks: comprehension question
/
  • 65 marks: short answer questions
  • 10 marks: extended response question