WHY SHOULD I STUDY A LEVEL BIOLOGY? Biology literally means the study of life and if that’s not important, what is? Being such a broad subject, you are bound to find specific areas of interest, plus it opens the door to a fantastic range of interesting careers. A good number of Biology students will also take the opportunity to join the “Medics” program and to pursue a related Extended Project qualification in a topic related to their intended career. There is also an opportunity in the first year to take part in the Biology Olympiad to support your A-level Biology studies. On the Level Biology course, there is a trip to Colchester Zoo where students learn about Classification and Biodiversity. At the start of the second year of the Biology course, students go on an ecological field trip to Highwood’s Country Park to investigate the distribution of organisms in the environment. We have very good links with the universities of Essex and Suffolk. Members of their Biology departments come to speak to our Biology students about their research work, as well as biology-related careers and degree courses. COURSE CONTENT The first year consists of four topics: • Biological Molecules – Structure and Biological Significance of Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids (Fats/Oils), Nucleic Acids (DNA/RNA) and Water. • Cells – Structure of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells and their function. • Organisms exchange substances with their environment – Gas exchange, Digestion and Circulation in organisms. • Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms – Functioning of the Genetic Code. The second year of the course consists of a further four topics: • Energy transfers in and between organisms – Photosynthesis, Respiration, Energy flow, and Nutrient Cycles. • Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments – Stimuli and Response, Nervous System, Skeletal System and Homeostasis. • Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems – Inheritance, Populations, Ecosystems and Evolution. • The control of gene expression – Mutations, Regulation of Gene Expressions, Cancer, Genome Projects, Genetic Engineering, DNA analysis and Genetic fingerprinting.
At least 5 GCSE subjects at grade 4 - 9. Grade 5 GCSE English Language or English Literature AND Grade 6 GCSE Mathematics AND Grade 6 Both 1st and 2nd grade GCSE Combined Science OR if triple science is taken Grade 6 GCSE Biology and with a 6 in either GCSE Chemistry or Physics.
ASSESSMENT FOR THE FIRST YEAR: Two written assessment papers were taken at the end of the first year–the content of both papers is drawn from topics 1–4, including relevant practical skills. FINAL ASSESSMENT IS AT THE END OF YEAR 2: Three written examination papers are taken at the end of the second year.
About Education Provider
| Region | East of England |
| Local Authority | Essex |
| Ofsted Rating | Good |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| Address | North Hill, Colchester, CO1 1SN |
WHY SHOULD I STUDY A LEVEL BIOLOGY? Biology literally means the study of life and if that’s not important, what is? Being such a broad subject, you are bound to find specific areas of interest, plus it opens the door to a fantastic range of interesting careers. A good number of Biology students will also take the opportunity to join the “Medics” program and to pursue a related Extended Project qualification in a topic related to their intended career. There is also an opportunity in the first year to take part in the Biology Olympiad to support your A-level Biology studies. On the Level Biology course, there is a trip to Colchester Zoo where students learn about Classification and Biodiversity. At the start of the second year of the Biology course, students go on an ecological field trip to Highwood’s Country Park to investigate the distribution of organisms in the environment. We have very good links with the universities of Essex and Suffolk. Members of their Biology departments come to speak to our Biology students about their research work, as well as biology-related careers and degree courses. COURSE CONTENT The first year consists of four topics: • Biological Molecules – Structure and Biological Significance of Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids (Fats/Oils), Nucleic Acids (DNA/RNA) and Water. • Cells – Structure of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells and their function. • Organisms exchange substances with their environment – Gas exchange, Digestion and Circulation in organisms. • Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms – Functioning of the Genetic Code. The second year of the course consists of a further four topics: • Energy transfers in and between organisms – Photosynthesis, Respiration, Energy flow, and Nutrient Cycles. • Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments – Stimuli and Response, Nervous System, Skeletal System and Homeostasis. • Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems – Inheritance, Populations, Ecosystems and Evolution. • The control of gene expression – Mutations, Regulation of Gene Expressions, Cancer, Genome Projects, Genetic Engineering, DNA analysis and Genetic fingerprinting.
At least 5 GCSE subjects at grade 4 - 9. Grade 5 GCSE English Language or English Literature AND Grade 6 GCSE Mathematics AND Grade 6 Both 1st and 2nd grade GCSE Combined Science OR if triple science is taken Grade 6 GCSE Biology and with a 6 in either GCSE Chemistry or Physics.
ASSESSMENT FOR THE FIRST YEAR: Two written assessment papers were taken at the end of the first year–the content of both papers is drawn from topics 1–4, including relevant practical skills. FINAL ASSESSMENT IS AT THE END OF YEAR 2: Three written examination papers are taken at the end of the second year.