Biology is the study of life, from the single cell to the evolution and distribution of all living organisms. It is important to know about how the body works at a cellular level and how it copes with pressures or disease. An A level in Biology may lead to a career in a scientific field, however, Biology can also complement humanities students in adding breadth to their curriculum. You will discover how plants and animals respond to and interact with their surroundings, and examine the effects of environmental changes such as deforestation and climate on biodiversity and ecosystems around the world, and indeed what this means for all life on earth. You will also need to consider ethical issues raised by advancements in science such as gene therapy and genetic engineering. By exploring the complexities and wonders of nature you will find a whole world of employment awaits you in fields such as medicine, genetics, biochemistry, ecology, environmental science, agriculture, forensics, law, botany, veterinary medicine, sports training and therapy. There are 10 modules in the A-level Biology course. AS-level students study modules 1–5 and A-level students study all modules, outlined below. Topic 1 Biological molecules This topic introduces the chemicals of life: the organic and inorganic molecules and ions that are fundamental to the structure and physiology of living organisms. The role of monomers in the synthesis of polymers and how the structure and properties of these relate to their functions are considered. Topic 2 Cells, Viruses and Reproduction This topic considers the ultrastructure of prokaryotes, eukaryotes and viruses. Details of the types of nuclear division are included as to how these are involved in animal and plant reproduction. Microscopy and observational skills are developed through the preparation of stained plant tissue. Topic 3: Classification and Biodiversity This topic considers the evidence used in the development of models for the classification of organisms. It also considers the limitations of these models. The topic includes the principles underlying natural selection and how this can lead to speciation. Topic 4: Exchange and Transport This topic considers the requirements for transport mechanisms in cells and mass flow systems in organisms. The roles of the components of the mammalian circulatory system and the vascular system in plants are studied. Practical skills are developed through the investigation of factors that affect membrane permeability and water potential of plant tissues. Topic 5: Energy for Biological Processes This topic builds on knowledge of carbohydrates and enzymes. It considers the sources of energy in living organisms and how energy transfers take place. Details of the stages in respiration and photosynthesis, the roles of co-enzymes and electrons along with the uses of intermediates are included. Topic 6: Microbiology and Pathogens This topic builds on knowledge of prokaryotes, eukaryotes, viruses and transport systems. It considers how some microorganisms act as pathogens. Details of how the human body responds to infection are included. Topic 7: Modern Genetics This topic builds on the knowledge of nucleic acids and proteins and how they are involved in gene expression. Knowledge of epigenetics, the use of stem cells and how these are contributing to medical advances are considered. Topic 8: Origins of Genetic Variation This topic builds on the knowledge of meiosis and natural selection. It considers the dihybrid inheritance of alleles and genes. The inheritance of unlinked and linked genes is studied. Topic 9: Control Systems This topic builds on knowledge of transport mechanisms and considers the processes of chemical and nervous coordination. Details of the role of plant growth substances and hormonal control in mammals are included. Osmoregulation in mammals adapted to dry environments is considered. Topic 10: Ecosystems This topic considers the interactions between the organisms and the environment within an ecosystem. It includes details of how biotic and abiotic factors are involved in the development of ecosystems over time. Human influences on ecosystems are also discussed along with the need for conservation.
We look for students who exhibit the following characteristics: • a strong interest in education and learning. • a mature approach to learning and interacting with staff and students. • exemplary behaviour and attitude. • a strong desire to contribute to the school community inclusive of extra-curricular activities. • a willingness to work hard towards goals. Admission Requirements: • Completed Application Form • Copy of Passport Data Page • Previous 2 years' transcripts • Proof of English (if available) • Successful Interview with Bales College staff member English Requirements: • Lower school – English requirements for lower school applicants varies dependent upon which year group you are applying to. • Sixth Form – students over the age of 18 must have an overall IELTS score of 4.5, sufficient to meet the CEFR B1 requirement.
About Education Provider
| Region | London |
| Local Authority | Westminster |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £34,299 - £37,485; |
| Address | 742 Harrow Road, London, W10 4AA |
Biology is the study of life, from the single cell to the evolution and distribution of all living organisms. It is important to know about how the body works at a cellular level and how it copes with pressures or disease. An A level in Biology may lead to a career in a scientific field, however, Biology can also complement humanities students in adding breadth to their curriculum. You will discover how plants and animals respond to and interact with their surroundings, and examine the effects of environmental changes such as deforestation and climate on biodiversity and ecosystems around the world, and indeed what this means for all life on earth. You will also need to consider ethical issues raised by advancements in science such as gene therapy and genetic engineering. By exploring the complexities and wonders of nature you will find a whole world of employment awaits you in fields such as medicine, genetics, biochemistry, ecology, environmental science, agriculture, forensics, law, botany, veterinary medicine, sports training and therapy. There are 10 modules in the A-level Biology course. AS-level students study modules 1–5 and A-level students study all modules, outlined below. Topic 1 Biological molecules This topic introduces the chemicals of life: the organic and inorganic molecules and ions that are fundamental to the structure and physiology of living organisms. The role of monomers in the synthesis of polymers and how the structure and properties of these relate to their functions are considered. Topic 2 Cells, Viruses and Reproduction This topic considers the ultrastructure of prokaryotes, eukaryotes and viruses. Details of the types of nuclear division are included as to how these are involved in animal and plant reproduction. Microscopy and observational skills are developed through the preparation of stained plant tissue. Topic 3: Classification and Biodiversity This topic considers the evidence used in the development of models for the classification of organisms. It also considers the limitations of these models. The topic includes the principles underlying natural selection and how this can lead to speciation. Topic 4: Exchange and Transport This topic considers the requirements for transport mechanisms in cells and mass flow systems in organisms. The roles of the components of the mammalian circulatory system and the vascular system in plants are studied. Practical skills are developed through the investigation of factors that affect membrane permeability and water potential of plant tissues. Topic 5: Energy for Biological Processes This topic builds on knowledge of carbohydrates and enzymes. It considers the sources of energy in living organisms and how energy transfers take place. Details of the stages in respiration and photosynthesis, the roles of co-enzymes and electrons along with the uses of intermediates are included. Topic 6: Microbiology and Pathogens This topic builds on knowledge of prokaryotes, eukaryotes, viruses and transport systems. It considers how some microorganisms act as pathogens. Details of how the human body responds to infection are included. Topic 7: Modern Genetics This topic builds on the knowledge of nucleic acids and proteins and how they are involved in gene expression. Knowledge of epigenetics, the use of stem cells and how these are contributing to medical advances are considered. Topic 8: Origins of Genetic Variation This topic builds on the knowledge of meiosis and natural selection. It considers the dihybrid inheritance of alleles and genes. The inheritance of unlinked and linked genes is studied. Topic 9: Control Systems This topic builds on knowledge of transport mechanisms and considers the processes of chemical and nervous coordination. Details of the role of plant growth substances and hormonal control in mammals are included. Osmoregulation in mammals adapted to dry environments is considered. Topic 10: Ecosystems This topic considers the interactions between the organisms and the environment within an ecosystem. It includes details of how biotic and abiotic factors are involved in the development of ecosystems over time. Human influences on ecosystems are also discussed along with the need for conservation.
We look for students who exhibit the following characteristics: • a strong interest in education and learning. • a mature approach to learning and interacting with staff and students. • exemplary behaviour and attitude. • a strong desire to contribute to the school community inclusive of extra-curricular activities. • a willingness to work hard towards goals. Admission Requirements: • Completed Application Form • Copy of Passport Data Page • Previous 2 years' transcripts • Proof of English (if available) • Successful Interview with Bales College staff member English Requirements: • Lower school – English requirements for lower school applicants varies dependent upon which year group you are applying to. • Sixth Form – students over the age of 18 must have an overall IELTS score of 4.5, sufficient to meet the CEFR B1 requirement.