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.
Grade 7-7 in Combined Science, Grade 5 in Maths, Grade 5 in English (Language or Literature)
How will I be assessed? Practical Assessment There are 16 core practicals that cover all of the 12 techniques required for the practical competency measure. Knowledge of all the core practicals can be tested within exam papers. Core practicals form part of the practical competency assessment. Paper 1 – Advanced Biochemistry, Microbiology and Genetics (30%) 90 marks that covers half the A level topics and some AS content AO1 - 11-13% AO2 - 12-14% AO3 - 5-7% Total for AOs - 30% Overview of content This paper will examine the following topics: Topic 1: Biological Molecules Topic 2: Cells, Viruses and Reproduction of Living Things Topic 3: Classification and Biodiversity Topic 4: Exchange and Transport Topic 5: Energy for Biological Processes Topic 6: Microbiology and Pathogens Topic 7: Modern Genetics Overview of assessment Assessment is 1 hour 45 minutes. The paper consists of 90 marks. The paper may include multiple-choice, short open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions. The paper will include questions that target mathematics. A minimum of 10% of the marks across the three papers will be awarded for mathematics at Level 2 or above. Paper 2 – Advanced physiology, evolution and ecology (30%) 90 marks that covers half the A level topics and some AS content AO1 - 11-13% AO2 - 12-14% AO3 - 5-7% Total for AOs - 30% Overview of content This paper will examine the following topics: Topic 1: Biological Molecules Topic 2: Cells, Viruses and Reproduction of Living Things Topic 3: Classification and Biodiversity Topic 4: Exchange and Transport Topic 8: Origins of Genetic Variation Topic 9: Control Systems Topic 10: Ecosystems Overview of assessment Assessment is 1 hour 45 minutes. The paper consists of 90 marks. The paper may include multiple-choice, short open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions. The paper will include questions that target mathematics. A minimum of 10% of the marks across the three papers will be awarded for mathematics at Level 2 or above. Paper 3 – General and Practical Principles in Biology (30%) 90 marks that covers half the A level topics and some AS content AO1 - 8-10% AO2 - 16-18% AO3 - 13-15% Total for AOs - 40% Overview of content This paper will assess topics 1-10. Experimental methods (including questions on core practicals) Overview of assessment Assessment is 2 hours 30 minutes. The paper consists of 120 marks. The paper may include short open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions. The paper will include synoptic questions that may draw on two or more different topics. The paper will include questions that target mathematics. A minimum of 10% of the marks across the three papers will be awarded for mathematics at Level 2 or above. The paper will include questions that target the conceptual and theoretical understanding of experimental methods.
About Education Provider
| Region | South East |
| Local Authority | Medway |
| Ofsted Rating | Good |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| Address | Carnation Road, Strood, Rochester, ME2 2SX |
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.
Grade 7-7 in Combined Science, Grade 5 in Maths, Grade 5 in English (Language or Literature)
How will I be assessed? Practical Assessment There are 16 core practicals that cover all of the 12 techniques required for the practical competency measure. Knowledge of all the core practicals can be tested within exam papers. Core practicals form part of the practical competency assessment. Paper 1 – Advanced Biochemistry, Microbiology and Genetics (30%) 90 marks that covers half the A level topics and some AS content AO1 - 11-13% AO2 - 12-14% AO3 - 5-7% Total for AOs - 30% Overview of content This paper will examine the following topics: Topic 1: Biological Molecules Topic 2: Cells, Viruses and Reproduction of Living Things Topic 3: Classification and Biodiversity Topic 4: Exchange and Transport Topic 5: Energy for Biological Processes Topic 6: Microbiology and Pathogens Topic 7: Modern Genetics Overview of assessment Assessment is 1 hour 45 minutes. The paper consists of 90 marks. The paper may include multiple-choice, short open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions. The paper will include questions that target mathematics. A minimum of 10% of the marks across the three papers will be awarded for mathematics at Level 2 or above. Paper 2 – Advanced physiology, evolution and ecology (30%) 90 marks that covers half the A level topics and some AS content AO1 - 11-13% AO2 - 12-14% AO3 - 5-7% Total for AOs - 30% Overview of content This paper will examine the following topics: Topic 1: Biological Molecules Topic 2: Cells, Viruses and Reproduction of Living Things Topic 3: Classification and Biodiversity Topic 4: Exchange and Transport Topic 8: Origins of Genetic Variation Topic 9: Control Systems Topic 10: Ecosystems Overview of assessment Assessment is 1 hour 45 minutes. The paper consists of 90 marks. The paper may include multiple-choice, short open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions. The paper will include questions that target mathematics. A minimum of 10% of the marks across the three papers will be awarded for mathematics at Level 2 or above. Paper 3 – General and Practical Principles in Biology (30%) 90 marks that covers half the A level topics and some AS content AO1 - 8-10% AO2 - 16-18% AO3 - 13-15% Total for AOs - 40% Overview of content This paper will assess topics 1-10. Experimental methods (including questions on core practicals) Overview of assessment Assessment is 2 hours 30 minutes. The paper consists of 120 marks. The paper may include short open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions. The paper will include synoptic questions that may draw on two or more different topics. The paper will include questions that target mathematics. A minimum of 10% of the marks across the three papers will be awarded for mathematics at Level 2 or above. The paper will include questions that target the conceptual and theoretical understanding of experimental methods.