Biology AS/A Level

Success in this subject supports direct entry to some jobs, eg dental nurse and laboratory technician, but many A Level Biology students go on to study related university courses such as Biochemistry, Environmental Science, General Biology, Marine Biology, Medicine, Midwifery, Nursing, Sports Science and Veterinary Science.  It is also popular with students who are interested in Biological Science but hope to study a different subject at university.

Biology is an experimental science and students will carry out a range of laboratory or field based activities to increase understanding and develop practical skills, which will be assessed internally in both years. The course focuses on the structure and functions of a variety of organisms and also considers human interactions with the environment.

This is a modular Oxford, Cambridge & RSA course (OCR) leading to AS and A Levels.

Year 1 (AS)
Unit 1      Cells, Exchange and Transport (30%)
Unit 2      Molecules, Biodiversity and Human Interactions (50%)
Unit 3      Practical skills in Biology 1 (20%)

Year 2 (A2)
Unit 4      Communication and Homeostasis (30%)
Unit 5      Control, Genomes and Environment (50%)
Unit 6      Practical skills in Biology 2 (20%)

The course aims to:

• develop an interest in, and enthusiasm for, biology including developing a desire for further study or careers in biological science
• help students appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.