What is this course about?

This course is designed to develop students’ interest in and enthusiasm for biology, including developing an interest in further study and careers in biology. You will:

• Appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.
• Develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of biology and how they relate to each other.

How you will be assessed?

A Level consists of 3 papers all sat at the end of the course:-

Paper 1 – Any content from topics 1-4, including relevant practical skills. Written exam: 2 hours, 91 marks, 35%

Paper 2 – Any content from topics 5-8, including relevant practical skills. Written exam: 2 hours, 91 marks, 35%

Paper 3 – Any content from topics 1-8, including relevant practical skills. Written exam: 2 hours, 78 marks, 30%

What you will study?

Topic 1 – Biological molecules

Topic 2 – Cells

Topic 3 – Organisms exchange substances with their environment

Topic 4 – Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

Topic 5 – Energy transfers in and between organisms

Topic 6 – How organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments

Topic 7 – Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems

Topic 8 – The control of gene expression.

What will it prepare you for?

An A level in biology could be the beginning of an exciting career in science. After all, the origins and workings of living things are fundamental to the world we live in, and form the basis of many research-based specialisations.

This is our Scheme of Learning