AQA A-Level Biology
This is the right course for those who are fascinated by the natural world and all living things within it. It combines the teaching of concepts and principles across a huge range of topics, from the ultrastructure of our cells, to the inner workings of our bodily systems, with research and practical skills essential to the study of biology (and the other sciences) in Higher Education.
A level biology is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the world we are a part of, how we survive and the make-up of life itself.
Entry requirements: Students will need to achieve a 6/6 in combined Science or 6 In Biology. 5+ Maths
Career Opportunities: Biology is one of the Russell Group universities’ ‘facilitating subjects’ – so called, because choosing them at A level allows a wide range of options for degree study.
As a consequence, career opportunities in this field are vast and include medicine, pharmacist, scientific researcher, marine biologist, microbiologist, nature conservation officer, sports biologist/therapist and physiotherapist to name a few.
What will I study?: The A level specification has 8 units of content. The first four topics will be covered in the first year of study and lay the foundation for the final four topics which will be covered in Y13.
These topics are listed below:
- Biological molecules
- Cells
- Organisms exchange substances with their environment
- Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
- 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.
For more information on each topic, please visit the exam board website: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/biology-7401-7402/specification-at-a-glance
How is it assessed?:
Paper 1: Any content from topics 1-4, including relevant practical skills
Written exam: 2 hours, 91 marks, 35% of A-level
Questions: 76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions, 15 marks: extended response questions
Paper 2: Any content from topics 5-8, including relevant practical skills
Written exam: 2 hours, 91 marks, 35% of A-level
Questions: 76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions, 15 marks extended response questions
Paper 3: Any content from topics 1-8, including relevant practical skills
Written exam: 2 hours, 78 marks, 30% of A-level
Questions: 76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions, 15 marks extended response questions, 25 marks: one essay from a choice of two titles
Enrichment: Every year the Biology A level class partake in an exciting Ecology fieldtrip for two days to complete all the practical ecology the course has to offer. The trips offer excellent first hand experiences, all linked to the curriculum. Days are packed with content, led by expert tutors and spend as much time outdoors as possible.
- Carry out fieldwork and practical learning requirements
- Link to work back at school
- Spend dedicated time outside the classroom to inspire and motivate students
- Develop life skills such as resilience, teamwork and problem solving
Homework Policy: Homework will be set every week and will take the form of online quizzes, exam questions and worksheets based on the work we are completing. There is also an expectation that students are revising on content previously covered, using the provided resources to help. Homework should be submitted on time, as this will be also be used to assess students understanding of the topic.