Biology - A Level

Course summary

Why study A level Biology? Students will be expected to demonstrate and apply the knowledge, understanding and skills described in the content for each topic below. In addition, they will be expected to analyse, interpret and evaluate a range of scientific information, ideas and evidence using their knowledge, understanding and skills. Each topic begins with an overview of the wider biological context designed to encourage an overarching approach to both the teaching and learning of the subject. There are opportunities for students to develop mathematical skills throughout the content. They are required to apply the skills to relevant biology contexts. Practical work is central to any study of biology. For this reason, the specification includes 16 core practical activities which form a thread linking theoretical knowledge and understanding to practical scenarios. In following this thread, students will build on practical skills learned at GCSE, becoming confident practical biologists, handling apparatus competently and safely. Using a variety of apparatus and techniques, they should be able to design and carry out both the core practical activities and their own investigations, collecting data which can be analysed and used to draw valid conclusions. What will I study during the course duration? The course is split up into 10 topics: Topic 1 – Biological molecules Topic 2 – Cells Topic 3 – Organisms exchange substances with their environment Topic 4 – Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms Topic 5 – Energy transfers in and between organisms Topic 6 – Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments Topic 7 – Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems Topic 8 – The control of gene expression A-Level Biology is a 2 year course which consists of 8 units of study and internally assessed practical write-ups. The units of study form the basis of 3 examinations worth 100% of the final grade.