Biology

AQA

What will I be studying? 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. 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: • 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 Practical work is an integral part of the course and students attend a residential field course at the end of Year 12.

What skills or qualities will I need? To get the most from this course you will need: • An interest in current advances in the subject such as gene cloning technology • To apply knowledge and understanding of biological principles • To explain biological principles • To analyse and interpret data • 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 What about future prospects and careers? 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. Do I need to have studied this for GCSE? Everyone studies Biology as part of GCSE Science. Additional information The course usually includes lectures from visiting university lecturers and visits to university departments.