Course information
Biology
Mander Portman Woodward Independent College - Birmingham
01214549637
16 - 18 Greenfield Crescent, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3AU
Course summary

Biology explores and investigates living creatures and the processes that occur in nature. It aims to understand how organisms work and interact with each other by exploring the disciplines of biochemistry, physiology, genetics and ecology. Potential Biology students will need a solid grounding in basic scientific and mathematical theory and should have some experience in using basic laboratory equipment. The course is vital to students wishing to pursue careers in most scientific disciplines, such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Microbiology, Genetics, Sports Science and Environmental Science. The course aims to develop skills in observation, analysis and manipulation of data and in writing clearly and scientifically but also seeks to improve knowledge and understanding of topical issues related to the subject. The A-level course aims to build on the knowledge and understanding developed during the AS course. The importance of wider reading is further emphasised to make links between areas of theory covered. Once again, this is backed up by setting regular homework and weekly Timed Assignments based on past exam questions. Emphasis is particularly placed on developing skills to effectively answer synoptic questions. A Level Specification – AQA 7402 A level Biology requires topics 1-4, plus: Topic 5 – Energy transfers in and between organisms • Photosynthesis • Respiration • Energy and Ecosystems • Nutrient cycles Topic 6 – Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments • Stimuli and response • Nervous coordination • Skeletal muscle • Homeostasis Topic 7 – Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems • Inheritance • Populations • Evolutions may lead to speciation • Populations in ecosystems Topic 8 – The control of gene expression • Alteration of the sequence of bases in DNA • Gene expression • Using genome projects • Gene technologies

Entry requirements

To be eligible for the MPW University Foundation Programme you must: • Be aged 17+ at the start of the programme* • Entry requirements: Successful completion of local high school (either 11 or 12-year system) with good grades • Meet our English entry requirements • January 2 term programme 5.5 IELTS or equivalent (with no less than 5.0 in any single band) – Pearson PTE (42-49), TOEFL iBT (46-59) or Cambridge (162) also accepted. • September 3 term programme 5.0 IELTS or equivalent (with no less than 4.5 in any single band) – Pearson PTE (36-41), TOEFL iBT (35-45) or Cambridge (154) also accepted.

How you'll be assessed

Paper 1 • 35% of the total A-level marks • 2 hours • Covers any content from topics 1-4, including relevant practical skills Paper 2 • 35% of the total A-level marks • 2 hours • Covers any content from topics 5-8, including relevant practical skills Paper 3 • 30% of the total A-level marks • 2 hours • Covers any content from topics 1-8, including relevant practical skills • Includes a 25-mark synoptic essay

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionWest Midlands
Local AuthorityBirmingham
Ofsted Rating
Gender TypeCo-Educational
ISI ReportView Report
Boarding FeeUnknown
Sixth Form Fee£11,829 - £23,913
Address16 - 18 Greenfield Crescent, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3AU