AQA A Level Biology
What’s it about?
Biology is one of the most popular A Level subjects in the country, attracting students studying a wide range of other subjects. Many of these students enjoy the subject so much they eventually choose a biologically related degree course. Others go on to careers in law, computing, accounting or teaching. Whatever field students eventually choose to work in, they will find biology a very rewarding and challenging course which will develop many of the skills essential for a successful career.
Biology involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics, ranging from molecular biology to the study of ecosystems, and from microorganisms to mammoths. Biology is never far from the headlines either; the human genome has been sequenced and we know the complete arrangement of the three thousand million bases that make up human DNA. In Kenya 350 people die every day from AIDS and in South East Asia the skies are dark with smoke as the last Bornean rainforests are burned to grow oil palms. Biology has strong links to all of these issues. They work in the fields of cell biology, medicine, food production and ecology, the work they do is vital to us all.
Entry Requirements:
We would recommend a grade 6 at GCSE in science or biology and grade 5 in mathematics.
Contacts:
Dr. J Hitchcock – Director of Teaching and Learning
The Canterbury Academy Sixth Form
Course Content
The A Level course is comprised of 8 units examined at the end of the second year.
The A Level Biology course consists of:
- Unit 1 Biological molecules.
- Unit 2 Cells.
- Unit 3 Organisms exchanging substances with their environment.
- Unit 4 Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms.
- Unit 5 Energy transfers in and between organisms.
- Unit 6 Organisms responding to changes in their internal and external environments.
- Unit 7 Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems.
- Unit 8 The control of gene expression.
As part of the A Level there are 12 mandatory practical investigations. You will be expected to carry out dissections as part of the requirement of the course.
Assessment:
There are 2 exams Paper 1 and Paper 2
Paper 1 is a 3 hour exam a combination of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing question and covers:
- The physical environment
- Energy resources
- Pollution
- Research methods
Students will be expected to draw on knowledge and understanding of the entire course of study to show a deeper understanding of the interconnections between topics.
Paper 2 is a 3 hour exam a combination of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions and covers:
- The living environment
- Biological resources
- Sustainability
- Research methods
Students will be expected to draw on knowledge and understanding of the entire course of study to show a deeper understanding of the interconnections between topics.
Progression:
Vocation
Biology is essential for further study and careers in physiotherapy and veterinary or medical science. This would also provide skills needed for careers in laboratory research and technician work.
Academic
This course will enable students to study biology, biochemistry or further sciences at university. This A Level is a great choice of subject for people who want a career in health and clinical professions, such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, physiotherapy, pharmacy, optometry, nursing, zoology, marine biology or forensic science.
This course goes well alongside A Level Chemistry, Environmental Science and Physics