Why study Biology? Biology is quite simply the study of life in all its awe-inspiring complexity. We are all part of the improbability of life and as such it holds a particular fascination for every one of us but a study of Biology starts to unlock a deeper understanding of how the living world functions at a range of different levels. The diversity with which science approaches biological understanding is part of its appeal; scientists study processes at the level of biological molecules right up to the level of whole ecosystems. Biology is also a fast-moving subject and the development of new techniques, such as in the field of molecular genetics, routinely offers up new insights, opportunities for exploitation as well as ethical challenges for society to debate. The new AQA Biology A level course is split into 8 topics, the first 4 of which are taught in Year 12 and the second 4 in Year 13. Subject content is examined for all 8 topics at the end of Year 13 for the A-level qualification. The 8 topics are as follows: 1. Biological molecules 2. Cells 3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment 4. Genetic information, variation, and relationships between organisms 5. Energy transfers in and between organisms 6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments 7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems 8. The control of gene expression For the A-level course, there are 3 written papers. The first two written papers last 2 hours each and cover topics 1 to 4 and 5 to 8, respectively. The third written paper also lasts for 2 hours but assesses practical techniques, and critical analysis of experimental data and includes a 25-mark synoptic essay question. Throughout the course, students will be assessed on their practical skills and receive a separate endorsement of practical skills alongside the A Level grade at the end of the course. This is reported as either a Pass or Fail. It is highly recommended that students wishing to study Biology at A level choose at least one other science, preferably Chemistry, as a supporting subject. Past students who have done so have, on average, performed significantly better in their exams. The ability to formulate and sequence ideas in good English should also not be underestimated as a skill necessary to gain a high grade in A-level Biology. In addition to their academic studies, students are offered several extracurricular opportunities that they can take part in. Genetic Engineering in Education (GENE) is a research project that runs on Wednesday afternoons in which students use molecular genetic techniques such as PCR, ligation, and gel electrophoresis to clone and express the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) gene in bacteria. GENE students also attend three additional practical workshops in the University of Kent Biosciences teaching laboratories, receiving instruction in advanced molecular techniques led by university research staff. During the year students can also take part in two national competitions, the British Biology Olympiad and the Intermediate British Biology Olympiad. There is also an annual day trip to the Biology in Action lecture series held at the Emmanuel Conference Centre in central London. Regular expert guest lectures are held after school throughout the year as part of the Biology Society; these lectures aim to broaden students' understanding of applied biology with a diverse range of lectures on offer throughout the year from cell biology to wildlife conservation.