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Biology

Biology is the study of complicated things that have the appearance of having been designed with a purpose.”

Richard Dawkins

Year 12 and Year 13 A Level Biology: Course Overview
Biology A Level is split into eight modules: Modules 1 to 8, combined with Required Practicals,

constitutes the full A Level. The modules can be summarised as:

Module1—4 (Year 12): 

1—Biological molecules

2— Cells,

3—Organisms exchange substances with their environment

4—Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms.

Module 5—6 (Year 13):

5—Energy transfers in and between organisms

6—Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environment

7— Genetics, populations, evolution.

8—The control of gene expression

Entry Requirements

A minimum of grade 4 in Maths and English Lang plus at least 3 other GCSEs at grade 5

Assessments

At A Level:
Paper 1 assesses content from Modules 1—4 and includes short and long answer questions as well as extended response questions. It constitutes 35% of the A-level.

Paper 2 assesses content from Modules 5—8 and includes short and long answer questions as well as comprehension questions. It constitutes 35% of the A-level

Paper 3 assesses the content from all modules and includes structured questions, critical analysis of data and a 25 mark essay question.

The Required Practicals include a portfolio of practical work collected by the student over the 2 year of study. Practical skill questions are assessed in all 3 papers.

Future Applications

An A-level in Biology is the starting point for a wide variety of career choices including: medicine;
veterinary science; microbiology, sports science; nursing and research.

Alumni

Lucy Grade A* Oxford University, Biology
Poppy grade A*, Bristol Economics
Katie Grade B, Bournemouth Physiotherapy
Georgia grade A*, Sunderland Medicine
Phoebe grade A* UCL Neuroscience