Biology A-level

Year 1

Module 1 – Development of practical skills in biology

The development of practical skills is a fundamental and integral aspect of the study of any scientific subject. These skills not only enhance learners’ understanding of the subject but also serve as suitable preparation for the demands of studying biology at a higher level.

Module 2 – Foundations in biology

All living organisms have similarities in cellular structure, biochemistry and function. An understanding of these similarities is fundamental to the study of the subject. This module gives students the opportunity to use microscopy to study the cell structure of a variety of organisms.

Module 3 – Exchange and transport

In this module, students study the structure and function of gas exchange and transport systems in a range of animals and in terrestrial plants. The significance of surface area to volume ratio in determining the need for ventilation, gas exchange and transport systems in multicellular organisms is emphasised.

Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution and disease

In this module the students study the biodiversity of organisms; how they are classified and the ways in which biodiversity can be measured. It serves as an introduction to ecology, emphasising practical techniques and an appreciation of the need to maintain biodiversity. The students also gain an understanding of the variety of organisms that are pathogenic and the way in which plants and animals have evolved defences to deal with disease. The relationships between organisms are studied, considering variation, evolution and phylogeny.

Year 2

Module 1 – Development of practical skills in biology

Students continue to develop their practical skills through the second year of the course.

Module 5 – Communication, homeostasis and energy

It is important that organisms, both plants and animals are able to respond to stimuli. This is achieved by communication within the body, which may be chemical and/or electrical. Both systems are covered in detail in this module. Communication is also fundamental to homeostasis with control of temperature, blood sugar and blood water potential being studied as examples. In this module, the biochemical pathways of photosynthesis and respiration are considered, with an emphasis on the formation and use of ATP.

Module 6 – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems

This module covers the role of genes in regulating and controlling cell function and development. Heredity and the mechanisms of evolution and speciation are also covered. Some of the practical techniques used to manipulate DNA, such as sequencing and amplification, are considered and their therapeutic medical use. The use of microorganisms in biotechnology is also covered. Students gain an appreciation of the role of microorganisms in recycling materials within the environment and maintaining balance within ecosystems. The need to conserve environmental resources in a sustainable fashion is considered, whilst appreciating the potential conflict arising from the needs of an increasing human population.

The course covers many aspects of human biology including the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, nervous system, renal system, immune system and communicable diseases. The course is very broad though and also covers many aspects of plant biology, microbiology, genetics and ecology.

Like all L3 courses A Level Biology can be challenging at times. One of the biggest challenges for some students is the amount of content in the course. If you are considering doing A Level Biology it's important that you enjoy learning lots of information and you are self-motivated and prepared to put a lot of work into your independent study. The most successful A Level Biology students have good organisation and time management skills and get into a good routine of completing their Flipped Study before every lesson and spending a minimum of 4.5 hours on independent work each week.

If students need further support with anything there are weekly workshops where students can come and ask any other questions they may have. The Biology lecturers are also really approachable and always very happy to help!

Most topics involve some laboratory practical work. We make full use of our laboratory facilities with a variety of practical activities to put theory into practice. Although there is no coursework students will be expected to demonstrate a range of practical skills in order to complete the Practical Endorsement element of the course.

The Practical Endorsement does require students to demonstrate dissection skills but this can involve dissecting the stem of a plant if neccessary. Other dissections include; heart, kidney, fish and locust.

The Practical Endorsement is a series of experiments conducted across the 2 years allowing you to develop and demonstrate your practical skills. It does not contribute to your overall A level Biology grade but is assessed as a Pass or Fail. Students will be expected to complete a practical booklet through the course as evidence towards the Practical Endorsement.

A-level Biology is required or recommended for those wishing to study:

• Biological sciences
• Medicine
• Veterinary medicine
• Dentistry
• Zoology
• Agriculture
• Physiotherapy
• Radiotherapy
• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Nursing

There is a very wide range of university courses in biological sciences, from genetics to ecology. Biology can help gain entry to careers in agriculture, forensic science, pharmaceuticals, and conservation.

If you are not also studying A -Level Maths, taking L3 Mathematical Studies (Core Maths) could be a useful option to help support the work done in A-Level Biology. This is a one-year course that you would take alongside your other 3 subjects, with exams at the end of your first year. Taking this would help to reinforce the data analysis work done in Biology, giving you further practice of sampling, visually displaying and interpreting data in graphs such as histograms and scatter graphs, and calculating and comparing averages and measures of spread including standard deviation. Core Maths also looks at probability modelling, critical analysis and personal finance.