Biology A'Level

This course is for students who want to continue studying biology after GCSE. You'll already be familiar with some of the topics but the A level will give you the chance to study these and some new ones, in much greater depth. You might be choosing biology because you're headed for a healthcare or scientific career, though it will give you a set of skills that can be used in a wide range of non-scientific careers too. This course links well with most other A level subjects but particularly with those such as Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Geography and Psychology.

Grade 6 in Biology or 2 grade 6's in Trilogy combined science, Maths Grade 6 and English Grade 5.

You'll develop your skills as a scientist, learning to use practical apparatus and following experimental techniques. You'll be doing research, analysis, recording and interpreting experimental results and producing scientific drawings. Your maths and ICT skills will be employed along the way. You'll explore the applications of scientific principles and their relevance to daily life including in health, industry and sustainability. You'll cover a range of topics including: Biological molecules Cells Organisms exchange substances with their environment Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms Energy transfers in and between organisms Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems The control of gene expression.

Through case studies, lectures, presentations, discussions, films, individual and group project work and debates. You will be expected to undertake private study including research, revision and homework tasks. There will be field trips and visits to organisations employing geographers. You will have the opportunity to attend university geography talks and guest lectures. There will be presentations from professionals using geography in their careers as well as higher education experts.

A scientific calculator. You may wish to purchase revision textbooks at a cost of £??

Assessment is through final examination at the end of the course. There will be 3 exam papers each of 2 hours duration. Exams will comprise short-answer, multiple choice, extended answer and essay questions, critical analysis and questions on practical techniques. There will also be a teacher assessed practical.

Degree opportunities such as biology, bioscience, medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary science, health therapies, pharmacy as well as subjects like psychology, forensic and environmental science. Biology students are numerate, analytical, and practical, with good problem solving abilities, transferable skills useful for a variety of careers. Technician jobs and apprenticeship exist in animal care, healthcare science, food science, environmental conservation and horticulture.