Biology

About the course

Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology builds on the skills acquired at Cambridge IGCSE (or equivalent). The syllabus includes the main theoretical concepts which are fundamental to the subject, a section on some current applications of biology, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills. Practical skills are assessed in a timetabled practical examination.

The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of biology ideas in novel contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills which are transferable to any future career path. Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology is ideal for learners who want to study biology or a wide variety of related subjects at university or to follow a career in science.

Assessment

Characteristics of successful students

Characteristics are wide ranging and there is no one recipe for success. A confidence in working with information and ideas – their own and those of others helps. A student who is reflective as a learner and able to develop their ability to learn but also one who is innovative and equipped for future challenges.

Minimum entry requirements/prior learning

Students who intend to study Biology should have obtained at least a grade A in Biology for their IGCSE or an A_ in the SPM examination. Prospective students with neither of these qualifications will need to produce evidence, possibly by means of an entrance test, that they have sufficient capability to take this course and have the ability to manage the demands of the subject.

Further studies and careers

Students who take A Level Biology can go on to study veterinary science, medicine, dentistry, optometry, psychology, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, sports science, microbiology, forensic science, biophysics, genetics, neuroscience, botany, zoology, ecology and environmental science, bioengineering, marine biology and of course, biology. It will also provide evidence of breadth even if you are applying for the humanities or the arts.

Reading list

Some ideas for preparatory reading, before arriving in Cambridge:

- Ashcroft, F. (2012) The Spark of Life: Electricity in the Human Body. London: Penguin Books.

- Greenfield, S. (1997) The Human Brain: A Guided Tour. London: Phoenix.

- King, J. (2011) Reaching For The Sun: How Plants Work, 2nd ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

- Lavers, C. (2000) Why Elephants have Big Ears. London: Victor Gollancz.

- Widmaier, E.P. (1998) Why Geese don’t get Obese (and we do). New York: W.H. Freeman and Co.

For those without A-level Biology, or equivalent:

- Campbell, N.A. & Reece, J.B. (2002) Biology: Concepts and Connections, 3rd ed. San Francisco: Addison-Wesley.

Useful text-books for students (discuss which to buy with your supervisors):

- Hill, R.W., Wyse, G.A. & Anderson, M. (2016) Animal Physiology, 4th ed. Sunderland: Sinauer Associates, Inc.

- Hopkins, W.G. & Hüner, N.P. (2004) Introduction to Plant Physiology, 3rd ed. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

- Randall, D., Burggren, W. & French, K. (2002) Eckert Animal Physiology, 5th ed. New York: W.H. Freeman & Co.

- Schmidt-Nielsen, K. (1997) Animal Physiology, 5th ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

- Taiz, L., Zeiger, E., Møller, I.M. & Murphy, A. (2015) Plant Physiology and Development, 6th ed. Sunderland: Sinauer Associates, Inc.