What will I learn?
The 'how science works' element of the biology course allows students to apply their knowledge to current scientific developments and to look at the evidence that led to some fundamental discoveries in the living world. Course content covers:
- Biological molecules
- Cells
- How organisms exchange substances with their environment
- Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
- Energy transfers in between organisms (A level only)
- How organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (A level only)
- Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems (A level only)
- The control of gene expression (A level only)
What skills do I need?
The topics covered at AS and A level are at a much greater depth than those covered at GCSE and as a consequence, the approach to learning includes increased independent study, meaning students will be expected to:
- read around the subject both prior to and after the lesson
- researching given topics
- be able to manage their time.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements are open to negotiation with individual students once final GCSE results are known, but as a general rule:
- GCSE Grade B (or better) in both additional and core science - Grade A (or better) in GCSE additional science is advisable.
- For students intending to take the full two-year A level course, Grade Bs (or better) in both GCSE courses are advisable.
- Students will also need a Grade B/6 or above in mathematics at GCSE.
How is the course graded?
AS level |
A level |
Paper 1 – 1 hour 30 minutes, 75 marks 50% of AS level Assessing any content from first four units assessed plus relevant practical skills. |
Paper 1 – 2 hours, 91 marks 35% of A level Assessing any content from topics 1-4, plus relevant practical skills |
Paper 2 – 1 hour 30 minutes, 75 marks 50% of AS level Assessing any content from first four units assessed plus relevant practical skills. |
Paper 2 – 2 hours, 91 marks 35% of A level Assessing any content from topics 5-8, plus relevant practical skills |
|
Paper 3 – 2 hours, 78 marks 30% of A level Assessing any content from topics 1-8, plus relevant practical skills |