Biology A Level [Y1]

During our Biology A-Level, you will learn more about how life works. You will discover new components of cells, explore the structure and function of full organs, and expand your knowledge of DNA, cell division and immunity.

Biology A-Level is an exciting and practical two-year course that will teach you more about living organisms. Throughout the course, you will gain experience in conducting a variety of practical procedures and experiments, helping you to develop mathematical, analytical, and evaluative skills. There are a number of modules you'll study across the two years. In the first year, you will study biological molecules, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and DNA. You will take a closer look at cells, including cell division, movement of substances into and out of cells, pathogens, cell recognition, and the immune system. You will also learn more about how organisms exchange substances with their environment, such as gas exchange, digestion and absorption. You will round off the year by looking at genes, variation and relationships between organisms, including DNA and protein synthesis, genetic diversity, adaptations, taxonomy, biodiversity. In the second year, you will discover how energy transfers in and between organisms, taking a closer look at photosynthesis, respiration, nutrient cycles. You will learn how organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments, particularly the nervous system, muscles, homeostasis. You will analyse populations, evolution, and ecosystems and understand the control of gene expression, exploring mutations, regulation of protein synthesis, cancer, DNA technology, and genetic fingerprinting.

Your tutor will regularly assess you during the course through a combination of written assignments, short tests, and exams. There will also be a formal assessment at the end of the second year with three exams papers. The first paper will assess your knowledge from the first year. The second paper will assess your knowledge from year two. The third paper will be a synoptic paper with an essay question.

Our general entry criteria to study 3 A-Levels is: Minimum five GCSEs grade 4-9 with English Language or Maths at grade 5. For a mixed Level 3 programme the criteria are: Minimum five GCSEs grade 4-9 with English Language or Maths at grade 4. Subject specific entry criteria apply:A GCSE grade 5 in Maths, Combined Science 66 or Biology grade 6.

Once you have finished this course, you can progress to university to study either a broad-based biological science course or one in which you specialise in a particular area of science. You could also access many different healthcare professions, including medicine, dentistry, nursing and midwifery.