Biology AQA
What will I be studying?
• To explain biological principles
A total of eight core topics are taught across two years, all of which will be examined at the end of the second year. The topics will also involve a number of practical skills which are assessed throughout the course during lessons and on a three day residential field course at the end of the first year.
• To analyse and interpret data
There are four topics studied in Year 12: • Biological molecules • Cells • Organisms exchange substances with their environment • Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms There are a further four topics in Year 13:
• To present scientific arguments • To evaluate ethical, moral and social issues • To carry out investigative activities including appropriate risk management • To evaluate methodology, evidence and data • To consider the role of the scientific community in validating evidence and in resolving conflicting evidence • To consider the contributions that scientists make to decision-making and the formulation of policy • To recognise the need for regulation of scientific enquiry and how this can be achieved
• Energy transfers in and between organisms
What about future prospects and careers?
• Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
Practical work is an integral part of the course and students attend a residential field course at the end of Year 12.
A-Level Biology students have gone on to study the following related degree courses: natural sciences, medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, nursing, physiology, biomedical science, genetics, marine biology, equine studies and others. Some students go on to study an unrelated discipline such as law; the range of generic skills developed in Biology makes this a feasible option.
What skills or qualities will I need?
Do I need to have studied this for GCSE?
To get the most from this course you will need:
Everyone studies Biology as part of GCSE Science.
• An interest in current advances in the subject such as gene cloning technology
Additional information
• Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems • The control of gene expression
• To apply knowledge and understanding of biological principles
The course usually includes lectures from visiting university lecturers and visits to university departments.
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