Board: AQA
Specification A: AS Level (5411/5413), A Level (6411/6413)
About the subject
What causes disease? What is a heart attack, or a genetic fingerprint? Is evolution scientific reality or just a theory? Could you breed a bean plant that tastes of roast beef, and if so, should you? How does your immune system work? Why do men have nipples? Are all organisms related to each other, even humans? These are some of the questions that you might encounter when studying Biology at A level. Biology focuses on the study of living organisms, the way they relate to each other and to the environment. Students get to find out what Biologists like Physiologists or Neurologists do. Core modules address aspects of Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Ecology, Genetics and Physiology. In the A2 course you get to study physically who and even why you are. You even learn why you do some of the things you do. You learn how living things (including you) got to be the way they (and you) are in the first place.
Learning styles
Students are expected to have a genuine interest in social and economic implications of modern biological advances as well as a desire to learn more about themselves and the organisms around them.
A mixture of learning styles will be employed, including the use of videos, projector presentations, class discussion, practical experimentation, individual research, lectures, field trips and IT resources.
Subject Combinations and Progression
The AS in Biology would add breadth to an Arts-based study programme or would combine well with other science subjects to form the basis for study of a scientific discipline at university. Students interested in Veterinary Science, Medicine, Physiotherapy or Biological Science at university should combine Biology with Chemistry A Level.
Subject Modules and Assessment
AS Unit 1: Biology & Disease
33.3% of AS; 16.7% of A Level
AS Unit 2: The variety of living organisms
46.7% of AS; 23.3% of A Level
AS Unit 3: Investigative and practical skills
20% of AS; 10% of A Level
A2 Unit 4: Populations & Environment
16.7% of A Level
A2 Unit 5: Control in cells & in organisms
23.3% of A Level
A2 Unit 6: Investigative and practical skills
10% of A Level
There are no compulsory dissections.
Entry requirements
GCSE Core and Additional Science BB preferred with a B in GCSE Mathematics preferred; or GCSE Biology B, plus another science subject and Mathematics, both with B preferred.