Biology

Course details

Both AS and A Level Biology are separate qualifications. Students will sit all their AS exams at the end of the first year and all their A Level exams at the end of their second year. The A Level grade is only made up of the exam results received at the end of the A Level course - the AS results do not contribute towards this.

AS Level

This is a one year course consisting of four main teaching topics:
1. Development of practical skills
2. Cells and Biological molecules
3. Exchange and transport in animals and plants
4. Biodiversity, evolution and disease.

A Level
Students will study a further two units in their second year. The units covered are:
1. Communication, homeostasis and energy
2. Genetics, evolution and ecosystems

A Level students are required to complete a practical endorsement by undertaking a non-exam assessment component which rewards the development of practical competency in biology and is teacher assessed. Students will demonstrate competence in a range of skills and techniques in a minimum of 12 assessed practical activities. This is a pass or fail element of the course and does not affect the overall A Level grade.

Entry requirements
Prospective students should preferably have achieved a Grade 6 or above in Double Award Science (or equivalent).

Students should be aware that the course has a strong biochemical bias and that mathematical calculations form an integral part of the course.

The scientific language used in this course is of a complex nature and students need to remember that elements of all papers focus on comprehension analysis and extended responses as well as specialist subject knowledge.

Course assessment
AS Level: 
2x 1 hour 30 minute papers (worth 50% each)

A Level: 
2x 2 hour 15 minute papers (37% of final marks) 
1x 1 hour 30 minute paper (26% of final marks)