OCR | H420A
Studying Biology provides pupils with a wonderful insight into the phenomenon that we call life. Pupils will study life at a subcellular level and move up through the layers of complexity which ultimately focuses on how our actions impact on other life forms. Questions such as ‘how did life evolve on Earth?’ and ‘how does our DNA control our characteristics?’ will be addressed
THE COURSE
We are living in the future. We can use stem cells to build new organs, splice and interchange genes to genetically engineer crops, we even have the technology to synthesise new genes and create brand new life forms. Studying A Level Biology will enable pupils to understand this brave new world
in which we live and help make sound and informed decisions within it.
In Lower Sixth, modules covered include Foundations in Biology, Exchange and Transport, Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease. In Upper Sixth, modules covered include Communication, Homeostasis and Energy, Genetics and Ecosystems.
REQUIRED SUBJECTS
Pupils will need at least a grade 6 in GCSE Biology and Chemistry or in Combined (Trilogy) Science and a grade 6 in Mathematics at the higher level. Good written communication skills are also important.
ASSESSMENTS
- Paper 1 - Biological Process
37% (2 hrs 15 mins)
- Paper 2 - Biological Diversity
37% (2 hrs 15 mins)
- Paper 3 - Unified Biology
26% (2 hrs)
- Practical Endorsement
BEYOND THE COURSE
A Level Biology provides qualification for entry into many courses, including Law, Forensic Science and Psychology. It is important, with A2 Chemistry, for entry into Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, and a range of Biology based courses including Neuroscience, Forensic Science and Biomedical Science. Combined with Geography, entry into many Ecology, Geology and Environmental Studies courses is also possible. Recent leavers have gone on to study Medicine, Veterinary Science, Biology and Biomedical Science at universities such as UCL, Cambridge and Newcastle.