Biology

A level | AQA

Students in A level Biology will develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other. They will develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods to gain competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills.

Progression Opportunities

Biology A level can lead to an array of possible opportunities that include: Research scientist, biologist, forensic science, doctor, nurse, pharmacologist, farmer, tree surgeon, ecologist, athlete, nutritionist, personal trainer, biochemical engineer, paramedic, crime scene investigator and police officer to name but a few.

Subject Visits and Enrichment Opportunities

The Biology and Environmental Science Department run an annual summer field course to Dorset. Students take part in various sampling and data handling techniques. Entry Requirements

• Grade 6-5 in Combined Science and Grade 5 in Maths

or • Grade 6 in Biology + Grade 5 in another Science plus Grade 5 in Maths

Assessment Overview

Paper 1 Any content from the following topics (1-4) including relevant practical skills: • Biological Molecules • Cells • Organisms exchange substances with their environment • Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

Assessed: • Written exam: 2 hours • 91 marks • 35% of the A level

Questions: • 76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions • 15 marks: extended response questions

Paper 2 Any content from the following topics (5-8), including relevant practical skills: • 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 Assessed: • Written exam: 2 hours • 91 marks • 35% of the A level

Questions: • 76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions

Paper 3 Any content from the above topics (1-8), including relevant practical skills: Assessed: • Written exam: 2 hours • 78 marks • 30% of the A level

Questions: • 38 marks: structured questions, including practical techniques • 15 marks: critical analysis of given experimental data • 25 marks: one essay from a choice of two titles