A-Level Biology
Course Summary
A level Biology studies animals and plants at greater depth than at GCSE. You will be expected to do more independent learning than before. Practical work is an integral part of the course and you will learn to think critically about aspects of Biology that impinge on everyday life. The aims of A-Level Biology are:
- To understand essential biological facts, concepts and principles.
- To promote the importance of experimental work.
- To realise that Biology plays an important role in our society.
- To give a sound base for students who simply wish to study Biology to A-Level, but at the same time provide an excellent foundation for Science degrees at university.
The specification ensures that students who have a good Science GCSE background will be able to successfully understand wider aspects of the subject with ease.
Course Introduction
Course Outline
Course content is broken down into 6 modules, with each module divided into key topics. Students gain practical skills throughout the course. These are assessed in the written examinations and in the practical endorsement (component 04). Activities that could count towards the practical endorsement are indicated in the specification.
Module 1: Development of Practical Skills
- Skills of planning, implementing, analysis and evaluation
Module 2: Foundations in Biology
- Cell structure
- Biological molecules
- Nucleotides and nucleic acids
- Enzymes
- Biological membranes
- Cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation
Module 3: Exchange and transport
- Exchange surfaces
- Transport in animals
- Transport in plants
Module 4: Biodiversity, evolution and disease
- Communicable diseases, disease
- Prevention and the immune system
- Biodiversity
- Classification and evolution
Module 5: Communication, homeostasisand energy
- Communication and homeostasis
- Excretion as an example of homeostatic control
- Neuronal communication
- Hormonal communication
- Plant and animal responses
Photosynthesis
- Respiration
Module 6: Genetics, evolution and ecosystems
- Cellular control
- Patterns of inheritance
- Manipulating genomes
- Cloning and biotechnology
- Ecosystems
- Populations and sustainability
A level Biology Assessment Overview
In Year 13 all students will be entered for the 3 written examinations as follows :
Component 1: Biological Processes
(37% of A-level: 2 hour 15 minutes written examination)
This assesses content from module 1,2,3 and 5
Component 2: Biological Diversity
(37% of A-level: 2 hour 15 minutes written examination)
This assesses content from module 1,2,4 and 6
Component 3: Unified Biology
(26% of A-level: 2 hour 15 minutes written examination)
This assesses content from all modules.
Subject Entry Requirements
In addition to the general Sixth Form Entry requirements students will need the following:
GCSE English Literature or Language: Grade 5 or above
GCSE Mathematics: Grade 5 or above
GCSE Science : Grade 6/6 in Combined Science GCSE or 6 in GCSE Biology, a 6 in a second Science and a 5 or above in a third Science.
If students have a 5 in GCSE Maths they will be required study Core Maths in Year 12 as an Enrichment Option. Students who have a 6 or above in GCSE Maths will be allowed to choose an Enrichment Option of their choice.
