Biology

Biology

A-level Biology is a challenging, rewarding course that will help you to develop skills and knowledge necessary 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 fin whales. 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, roughly 4% of the population are living with AIDS and in South East Asia the skies are dark with smoke as the last Bornean rainforests are burned to grow oil palms.

Biologists are concerned with all these issues. They work in the fields of cell biology, medicine, food production and ecology.

The work they do is vital to us all.

Our Approach

In Year 1, you’ll study 4 main topics:

• Biological molecules
• Cells
• Organisms exchange substances with their environment
• Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms. These topics will give a solid grounding in Biology

Year 2 helps you build on that firm foundation and consists of the following 4 main topics:

• Energy transfers in and between organisms
• Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
• Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
• The control of gene expression

In addition, a separate endorsement of practical skills will be taken alongside the A level. This will be assessed by your teacher and will be based on direct observations of 5 skill areas in at least 12 different compulsory practicals. You will be awarded a pass or a fail for this aspect of the course at the end of Year 2.

Trips

• In Year 1 there will be opportunities to take part in ‘Be a Biologist for a Day’ at the University of Sheffield.
• In Year 2 there will be field work days where you will carry out one of your compulsory practical investigations from the topic on ecosystems.
• Currently these will run on government advice.