Why study Biology?
Biology is a subject about us and our world. In the Sixth Form it aims to explain how animals and plants live and grow, and shows how they depend on each other to survive. Biology examines how we can use the latest developments in research to improve the quality, health and understanding of our lives.
A Level Biology is a subject with content close to recent developments but more importantly relevant to our world. If you are thinking of a career in the medical field, working with animals or studying ecological matters then Biology would be essential.
You can see the detailed subject content in the A Level specifications at: aqa.org.uk/biology-guide
Course Content
What will this involve? Biology students are preferred to possess at least two 7 grades in GCSE Science and GCSE Additional Science. If you have studied Triple Science then a 7 grade in GCSE Biology is required with at least 7 grades in GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Physics.
Practical:
We will provide a list of practical activities that students must carry out. Exam questions will be based on these practicals. We will also signpost further opportunities for practicals throughout the specification.
Component 1 (Year 12):
Section 1 – Biological molecules
Section 2 – Cells
Section 3 – Organisms exchange substances with their environment
Section 4 – Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
Component 2 (Year 13):
Section 5 – Energy transfers in and between organisms
Section 6 – Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
Section 7 – Genetics, populations, evolution and eco-systems
Section 8 – The control of gene expression