Biology

Course summary

This is an academically challenging course which is highly respected by universities. This course will give you the skills, knowledge and understanding to make decisions about the way Biology affects your everyday life, by applying concepts to contemporary areas of Biology and highlighting its relevance to scientific developments. Pupils will be expected to: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures: apply knowledge and understanding in a theoretical and practical context as well as interpret both qualitative and quantitative data: analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including making judgements, reaching conclusions and developing and refining practical design and procedures. Additionally, this is an experimental subject, so your education involves both learning concepts in a traditional setting as well as a great deal of practical work. In Year 1: Biological molecules, cells, and organisms exchange substances with the environment, genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms. In Year 2: Energy transfers in and between organisms, organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments, genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems, and control of gene expression. Pupils will complete required and additional ‘teacher’ practicals throughout the two-year course, designed to help develop investigative skills, and experience using a variety of practical equipment and reinforce concepts encountered in the AQA specification. This practical work will include a three-day residential field trip to a field studies centre in Surrey, where the pupils will complete the majority of their learning on Ecology topics.