A-level Biology
Biology
Background Knowledge and Qualifications
The course builds on the knowledge and understanding of GCSE Biology or Combined Science and further develops the core theme of ‘Working Scientifically’. It is expected that students will have achieved a high grade at GCSE – the demands of the course are such that a high grade is essential in this subject if a student is to meet with success at A-level. Biology is one of the most challenging but rewarding A-level subjects.
During parts of the course students will be expected to handle and interpret data, therefore it is essential that students have achieved at least GCSE Grade 6 in Mathematics.
Course Description
This A-level is a reformed A-level. For your A-level you will be studying the following areas:
Component 1
Biological molecules; Cells; Organisms exchange substances with their environment; Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms.
Component 2
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.
Component 3
Covers all the above areas.
The work at A-level covers new subject areas in Physiology, the Environment, Cytology and Biochemistry as well as building on a number of topics that were studied at GCSE. The first year will involve cells, bio-molecules, genetic variation and how organisms exchange substances with the environment. In the second year, the course covers energy transfers in cells and between organisms, how organisms including humans respond to their environment, the genetic basis of inheritance and the control and manipulation of gene expression.
The assessment of practical skills will be undertaken in both years, through a series of experimental tasks that will form the basis for a proportion of the questions in the written exams. As well as your A-level grade you will be awarded a ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ for your practical work in lessons. This will encourage the development of design and manipulative skills, together with data recording, analysis and drawing of conclusions.
Fieldwork forms an integral part of the A-level Biology course and provides the opportunity for an important element of assessment. Towards the end of the summer term in the first year you will spend three days in North Wales studying the intertidal rocky shore ecosystem on the Anglesey coast and the contrasting woodland ecosystem found on the fringe of the Snowdonia National Park. In the second year there is a further field trip to Cranedale in the North Yorkshire Wolds. This trip includes a study of freshwater ecology, farming and the opportunity to set invertebrate and small mammal traps.
Use of Course and Qualification
The Biology course has been designed to take account of the different needs of students:
– Those who go on to study a degree course with direct links to Biology – Agriculture, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, Dentistry, Marine Biology, Medicine, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Sports Science and Veterinary Medicine
– Those seeking employment in the applied areas of Catering, Land Management, Environmental Science, Social Science, Forensics etc.
– Those moving on to courses unrelated to this subject. Biology is a well-respected A-level that encourages development of key transferable skills, valued by universities and employers
– We shall all benefit from a greater awareness of man’s role as custodian of the planet
Student Testimonial
Year 13 student
Proposed University
Course: Medicine
Biology is a demanding yet enlightening field of science to study. Studying Biology will develop a wide range of skills such as analysing information, working with numbers, practical work, research skills and time management.
Technical Information
Technical
A-level Examinations:
Name Method of Assessment Component 1 Short and long answer questions plus one extended response question. 2 hours
Component 2 Short and long answer questions plus one comprehension question. 2 hours
Component 3 Structured questions covering practical techniques and critical analysis of given experimental data, plus a synoptic essay. 2 hours
QEGS Senior School (Boys 11-18 years)
154 Northgate Wakefield WF1 3QX
Telephone: 01924 373 943
Email: office@qegsss.org.uk
Twitter: @QEGSYorkshire
www.wgsf.org.uk
Awarding Body
AQA
Information A-level A-level Course Title Unit Code
Biology 7402
35%
35%
30%