A level Biology Years 12 and 13

Specification

AQA - The specification and assessment structure can be found at the link: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/biology-7401-7402

Biology at A level covers a wide array of exciting topics to enthuse, motivate and develop skills enabling students to pursue a whole range of careers in the future. Biology is never out of the news, whether it be another breakthrough in stem cell research, the impact of diseases on populations, the destruction of more and more fragile habitats and the discovery of new species on our planet.

The exam board students will follow is AQA. A lot more information can be found on their website but the main points about the course are summarised below:

• There are three exams students will sit at the end of the two years.
• All exams are 2 hours in length.
• Paper 1 assesses year 1 content.
• Paper 2 assesses year 2 content.
• Paper 3 assesses all content from both years and includes a 25 mark essay.
• There is a greater emphasis on application and the transfer of knowledge than previous specifications.
• Modernisation of topics to keep up to date with an ever changing subject.
• All papers will require students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of practical skills.
• There is a practical endorsement element to the course which students need to pass.
• At least 10% of the A Level Biology marks will be the assessment of mathematical skills.

Course Content

Year 1

• Biological molecules.
• Cells.
• Organisms exchange substances in their environment.
• Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms.

Year 2

• Energy transfers in and between organisms.
• Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments.
• Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems.
• The control of gene expression.

Additional Information

Each A Level Biology group is taught by two teachers working closely together to deliver each section of work. Lessons incorporate class discussion and debate, interactive presentations, written tasks where students have to apply their knowledge, practical activities and ICT tasks. The department provides students with textbooks and access to online teaching resources to complement lessons and the textbook.

Students interested in careers in medicine, biomedical science, veterinary science, dentistry, biochemistry, zoology, physiotherapy, sport science, environmental science, psychology, marine biology, scientific journalism, agriculture and physiotherapy are advised to consider Biology A level.