Biology Summary

The last 30 years have brought an enormous insight into the dynamic interactions of the millions of species existing on our planet.  The field of cell and molecular biology has explored the intricacy of DNA – the molecule of heredity. The human genome has recently been sequenced giving us the possibility of peering into the molecular machinery of the cell in even more detail. The potential changes in the field of medicine are enormous.  We live in a difficult and challenging time. The human population level on planet Earth has now passed 6.6 billion individuals. More than five children are born every second! For every day that goes by our species puts even more pressure on the species that we share the planet with.  The glaciers and ice fields of our poles are breaking up contributing to the evidence that global warming is a fact.  Wildlife habitats on the continents are disappearing at an alarming rate.  Even the great Amazonian rainforest is predicted to be depleted within the next few decades.

Entry Requirements

Grade 5 or above in Trilogy Science including Maths and English

Course Duration

2 years full-time

Specification

AQA

How you will study

Through the course learning will take many forms from traditional lessons with supporting practical work.  There will be many opportunities to work in groups but resilience in independent study will be developed in preparation for further studies.   ‘Required practical’s will be completed during the appropriate topics, and at least 15% of the marks for A-level Biology are based on these practicals.

Component breakdown

Paper 1 written exam – 35% – 2hr exam
AS Biology Content

Paper 2 written exam – 35% – 2hr exam
A2 Biology Content

Paper 3 written exam – 30% – 2hr exam
AS and A2 content with a 25-mark essay (choice of two titles)

12 Required practicals assessed and written up in lab books: Pass/Fail component

  • Doctor
  • Clinical molecular geneticist
  • Nature conservation officer
  • Pharmacologist
  • Research scientist
  • Vet
  • Secondary School Teacher
  • Marine Biologist
  • Dentist