Biology A Level (See Option Blocks on our website)

What kind of student is this course suitable for?

• Are you interested in the study of living organisms?
• Do you enjoy carrying out laboratory practical's & investigations or fieldwork?
• Are you interested in the new developments of biology such as gene technology, forensic science or the impact of biology on society?
• Do you need biology for a career in medicine ( including nursing, pharmacy, psychology, veterinary science, dentistry ), environmental science, food sciences, land management, biotechnology, and many other areas?

1. Biological molecules

2. Cells

3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment

4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

5. Energy transfers in and between organisms

6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments

7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems

8. The control of gene expression

Assessments

There are 3 separate papers which cover different sections of the overall subject content.

Paper 1

What's assessed

• Any content from topics 1-4, including relevant practical skills

Assessed

• 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

What's assessed

• Any content from topics 5-8, including relevant practical skills

Assessed

• Written exam: 2 hours
• 91 marks
• 35% of A-level

Questions

• 76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions
• 15 marks: comprehension question

Paper 3

What's assessed

• Any content from topics 1-8, including relevant practical skills

Assessed

• Written exam: 2 hours
• 78 marks
• 30% of A-level

Questions

• 38 marks: structured questions, including practical techniques
• 15 marks: critical analysis of given experimental data
• 25 marks: one essay from a choice of two titles

You must have studied GCSE Combined Science (grade 6-6) or Biology GCSE (grade 6), and be competent in Mathematics (grade 6 or above).