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Assessment
Biology
Course Overview
Biology is taught as a linear course that is practical, modern and relevant to society today. The course covers
a diverse and exciting curriculum including key biological principles such as biochemistry, cytology and ecology but also modern medical advances in genetics, anatomy and physiology. If you are interested in how the body functions, genetics, disease, nature and the environment – if you
can absorb facts, sort and synthesise a lot of information, as well as explain things fully – if you want to continue
to study Biology at university level – then Biology A Level
is for you. Ideally you will be a good communicator, confident, conscientious and able to work independently. We work with individuals to find suitable career paths and work placements, where necessary, to motivate you and support you in gaining a place at the university of your choice.
Examination Board:
AQA
Entry Requirements:
Grade 6 in Biology/6-6 Combined Science. Grade 4 in Maths. Candidates at A level who achieve a grade E or above have the above requirements, plus a grade 6 in at least 2-3 more related subjects at GCSE.
You must have 5 qualifications at level 2 at grade 4/pass or above.
Course Level:
A Level
Assessment Objectives
- Biological Molecules.
- Cells.
- How organisms exchange substances with the environment.
- Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms.
- Energy Transfers in and between organisms.
- How organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments.
- Genetics, populations and ecosystems.
- The control of gene expression.
What skills will I develop?
| Application of knowledge to unfamiliar contexts | |
| Mathematical skills | |
| Scientific essay writing Research and referencing | |
| Analysing data Drawing conclusions from evidence |
How will I be assessed?
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Exam
As with Physics and Chemistry, Biology is taught as a linear course that is assessed by examinations in June of Year 13.
Paper 1: Topics 1 – 4, including relevant practical skills and extended response questions. Examination – 2 hours 35% of the overall A Level Marks
Paper 2: Topics 5 – 8, including relevant practical skills and comprehension question. Examination – 2 hours 35% of the overall A Level Marks
Paper 3: Topics 1 – 8, including relevant practical skills, critical analysis of given experimental data and one essay question. Examination – 2 hours 30% of the overall A Level Marks.
Progression Routes
Biology is highly regarded and considered a ‘facilitating subject’ for the top universities in the country, regardless of the degree that you wish to study. It provides an excellent grounding for those wishing to progress onto Law and other traditionally ‘humanities’ subjects but also for Medicine and Veterinary Science as well as Business or Management.
Biology is a good choice for students looking to progress into careers such as Health, Research and Clinical Professionals in areas including Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Education, Optometry, Nursing, Zoology or Marine Biology.