Biology
Biology is the scientific study of living organisms. The word ‘biology’ means the study of life, deriving from the Greek bios (life) logia (to study).
Alongside expanding knowledge of the biological world, students also develop many transferable skills, such as researching, problem-solving and critical thinking, and an understanding of scientific methods, data analysis, observation, correlations and causal relationships. Qualifications in Biology open up many exciting career paths in human and veterinary medicine, as well as other medical related careers such as dentistry, optometry, physiotherapy, the pharmaceutical sciences, forensic science, biomedical and biological sciences, and environmental health and food sciences.
Sixth Form (Year 12-13)
Examination Board: AQA
Course Description
In A Level Biology students will study how our bodies function at a molecular level and how diseases stop them working. The course develops an appreciation for the fragility of life on Earth, the implications of developments in areas such as genetic engineering and the wider effects of climate change on biological systems, including our own quality of life.
An important outcome of studying A Level Biology is the skills that students acquire to think logically, be critically analytical and work collaboratively. As part of the course, all Year 12 students take part in the Biology field trip, spending a week at Aberystwyth University, with the focus on deepening students’ understanding of our natural world and appreciation of how we can preserve habitats. The trip also allows students to apply inferential statistics to real life situations, developing their mathematical skills.
Assessment
This is a linear course. This means that students opting for this subject will be committing to a two-year linear course, with all units examined at the end of Year 13. Practical work is embedded throughout the course and students must complete 12 required practical tasks. A pass or fail grading for practical skills is awarded. Assessment of practical skills is through questions in the exams at the end of the course.
Entry Requirements
A grade 6 in GCSE Biology or a 6-5 in GCSE Combined Science is required. A grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics is also required; where students have a grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics they will be required to complete the additional Core Mathematics qualification alongside their A Level choices.
Where might it lead?
A Level Biology can help open doors to careers in:
- Biological Sciences
- Biomedical
- Conservation Biology and Ecology
- Dentistry
- Engineer
- Environmental Health
- Food Science
- Forensic Science
- Marine Biology
- Medicine
- Optometry
- Physiotherapy
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Researcher
- Veterinarian Medicine
Student Destinations
Kaninat Ali
2024 Offers from:
- University of Aberdeen – Immunology and Pharmacology with Industrial Placement
- University of Brighton – Pharmacy
