Biology is one of the most popular A Level subjects here at St. Mary’s and many students choose to study it at A Level every year. Many of these go on to read a ‘biological’ degree at university. The atmosphere within the department is friendly and relaxed but students are expected to make a serious commitment to Biology and are encouraged to read widely to broaden their knowledge of a fascinating subject. We have a weekly subscription to ‘Nature’, the most highly respected of all scientific journals and it is also available online. This enables students to develop the independent learning skills which are so vital at university.
Sixth Form admission is based on a combination of interview, present school report (for external applications) and performance at GCSE. As a guide, applicants should have received a combined total of at least 36 points in their seven best GCSEs and they should have achieved at least a grade 6 in the GCSE subjects they wish to take forward as their A Level subject choices and preferably a 7-9 grade.
Students follow the AQA A Level Biology course, which is divided into 8 modules: Biological molecules – studies the common chemistry shared by all life on earth. This unit studies carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids along with ATP and water. Cells – look at similarities and differences between different cell types, the structure of the cell membrane and movement of substances in and out of cells, the processes involved in producing new cells and interactions between cells in the immune system. Organisms exchange substances with their environment – looks at the exchange surfaces in different organisms, digestion in mammals, and the role of tissue fluid and mass transport in meeting the needs of cells. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms – combines studying DNA as the genetic material with the process of protein synthesis, factors affecting genetic diversity in populations and the process and importance of meiosis, biodiversity and classification. Energy transfers in and between organisms – studies the biochemistry of photosynthesis and respiration and the efficiency of transfers between living organisms. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments – looks at the role of specific growth factors in controlling response in plants, the structures of receptors and how the nervous system enables animals to respond to their environment including control of muscle contraction. Mechanisms of homeostasis are studied including control of blood glucose and water. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems – this unit covers patterns of inheritance of one and two genes including the use of the chi-squared statistic, gene pools and allele frequencies and the Hardy-Weinberg principle, and how evolution may lead to the production of new species. The factors affecting the sizes of populations including abiotic and biotic factors are also studied. The control of gene expression – looks at the effect of mutation on the production of a polypeptide, and how gene expression is controlled by the regulation of transcription and translation, including the role of tumour suppressors and oncogenes in the development of cancer. The uses and potential of advances in genetic techniques and knowledge including recombinant DNA technology, genome and proteome databases and genetic screening are considered. Students follow the AQA A Level Biology course, which is divided into 8 modules: 1. Biological molecules – studies the common chemistry shared by all life on earth. This unit studies carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids along with ATP and water. 2. Cells – look at similarities and differences between different cell types, the structure of the cell membrane and movement of substances in and out of cells, the processes involved in producing new cells and interactions between cells in the immune system. 3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment – looks at the exchange surfaces in different organisms, digestion in mammals, and the role of tissue fluid and mass transport in meeting the needs of cells. 4, Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms – combines studying DNA as the genetic material with the process of protein synthesis, factors affecting genetic diversity in populations and the process and importance of meiosis, biodiversity and classification. 5, Energy transfers in and between organisms – studies the biochemistry of photosynthesis and respiration and the efficiency of transfers between living organisms. 6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments – looks at the role of specific growth factors in controlling response in plants, the structures of receptors and how the nervous system enables animals to respond to their environment including control of muscle contraction. Mechanisms of homeostasis are studied including control of blood glucose and water. 7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems – this unit covers patterns of inheritance of one and two genes including the use of the chi-squared statistic, gene pools and allele frequencies and the Hardy-Weinberg principle, and how evolution may lead to the production of new species. The factors affecting the sizes of populations including abiotic and biotic factors are also studied. 8. The control of gene expression – looks at the effect of mutation on the production of a polypeptide, and how gene expression is controlled by the regulation of transcription and translation, including the role of tumour suppressors and oncogenes in the development of cancer. The uses and potential of advances in genetic techniques and knowledge including recombinant DNA technology, genome and proteome databases and genetic screening are considered.
About Education Provider
| Region | North West |
| Local Authority | Sefton |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | Unknown |
| Address | St. Mary's College, Everest Road, Liverpool, L23 5TW |
Biology is one of the most popular A Level subjects here at St. Mary’s and many students choose to study it at A Level every year. Many of these go on to read a ‘biological’ degree at university. The atmosphere within the department is friendly and relaxed but students are expected to make a serious commitment to Biology and are encouraged to read widely to broaden their knowledge of a fascinating subject. We have a weekly subscription to ‘Nature’, the most highly respected of all scientific journals and it is also available online. This enables students to develop the independent learning skills which are so vital at university.
Sixth Form admission is based on a combination of interview, present school report (for external applications) and performance at GCSE. As a guide, applicants should have received a combined total of at least 36 points in their seven best GCSEs and they should have achieved at least a grade 6 in the GCSE subjects they wish to take forward as their A Level subject choices and preferably a 7-9 grade.
Students follow the AQA A Level Biology course, which is divided into 8 modules: Biological molecules – studies the common chemistry shared by all life on earth. This unit studies carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids along with ATP and water. Cells – look at similarities and differences between different cell types, the structure of the cell membrane and movement of substances in and out of cells, the processes involved in producing new cells and interactions between cells in the immune system. Organisms exchange substances with their environment – looks at the exchange surfaces in different organisms, digestion in mammals, and the role of tissue fluid and mass transport in meeting the needs of cells. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms – combines studying DNA as the genetic material with the process of protein synthesis, factors affecting genetic diversity in populations and the process and importance of meiosis, biodiversity and classification. Energy transfers in and between organisms – studies the biochemistry of photosynthesis and respiration and the efficiency of transfers between living organisms. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments – looks at the role of specific growth factors in controlling response in plants, the structures of receptors and how the nervous system enables animals to respond to their environment including control of muscle contraction. Mechanisms of homeostasis are studied including control of blood glucose and water. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems – this unit covers patterns of inheritance of one and two genes including the use of the chi-squared statistic, gene pools and allele frequencies and the Hardy-Weinberg principle, and how evolution may lead to the production of new species. The factors affecting the sizes of populations including abiotic and biotic factors are also studied. The control of gene expression – looks at the effect of mutation on the production of a polypeptide, and how gene expression is controlled by the regulation of transcription and translation, including the role of tumour suppressors and oncogenes in the development of cancer. The uses and potential of advances in genetic techniques and knowledge including recombinant DNA technology, genome and proteome databases and genetic screening are considered. Students follow the AQA A Level Biology course, which is divided into 8 modules: 1. Biological molecules – studies the common chemistry shared by all life on earth. This unit studies carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids along with ATP and water. 2. Cells – look at similarities and differences between different cell types, the structure of the cell membrane and movement of substances in and out of cells, the processes involved in producing new cells and interactions between cells in the immune system. 3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment – looks at the exchange surfaces in different organisms, digestion in mammals, and the role of tissue fluid and mass transport in meeting the needs of cells. 4, Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms – combines studying DNA as the genetic material with the process of protein synthesis, factors affecting genetic diversity in populations and the process and importance of meiosis, biodiversity and classification. 5, Energy transfers in and between organisms – studies the biochemistry of photosynthesis and respiration and the efficiency of transfers between living organisms. 6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments – looks at the role of specific growth factors in controlling response in plants, the structures of receptors and how the nervous system enables animals to respond to their environment including control of muscle contraction. Mechanisms of homeostasis are studied including control of blood glucose and water. 7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems – this unit covers patterns of inheritance of one and two genes including the use of the chi-squared statistic, gene pools and allele frequencies and the Hardy-Weinberg principle, and how evolution may lead to the production of new species. The factors affecting the sizes of populations including abiotic and biotic factors are also studied. 8. The control of gene expression – looks at the effect of mutation on the production of a polypeptide, and how gene expression is controlled by the regulation of transcription and translation, including the role of tumour suppressors and oncogenes in the development of cancer. The uses and potential of advances in genetic techniques and knowledge including recombinant DNA technology, genome and proteome databases and genetic screening are considered.