Biology AS and A Level

Course Code: S0723-S0754 Course Length: One year for AS and two years for a full A Level Full Description:

Biology is the study of life including you and all other living organisms, from the molecular level right through to entire ecosystems.

Essential principles are taught in the context of today’s themes and issues, such as how our actions enhance the antibiotic resistance of bacteria and studying lifestyle factors that increase the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Humans are part of the ecological balance and their actions affect it both directly and indirectly. Should we try to prevent malaria by breeding and releasing mosquitoes that carry a gene that is lethal for their offspring, or cull harriers to increase the survival of red grouse chicks?

In the AS year, the main areas of study are:

• Biology and disease
• Variety of living organisms.

In the A2 year, the main areas of study are:

• Populations and environment
• Control in cells and organisms.

The course combines detailed theoretical knowledge with practical research including laboratory work, interpreting data to solve scientific problems and writing in a scientific way. The course includes visits to The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, the John Innes Centre and field studies to Holkham and Anglesey, in Wales.

Biology is challenging, not only because of the content that is covered, but also in the scientific skills you will need to develop, such as in practical work and interpreting data. You will also need to understand chemical processes within organisms, so knowledge of chemistry is also useful.

Assessment is through a mixture of written exams and practical work.

An A Level in Biology can be the first step towards careers in fields such as; research science, marine biology, healthcare and forensic science, as well as medicine, dentistry and veterinary science. Biology is identified by selective universities as one of the subjects they prefer applicants to have studied at A Level.

Biology can be taken with any subjects, but students often choose to combine it with Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Psychology.

Entry requirements:

• A GCSE at grade A*-B in Biology or Science and Additional Science
• A GCSE at grade A*-B in Mathematics
• Five GCSEs at grades A*-C including English
• A GCSE average points score of more than 5.7 (see page 16 for details of how this is calculated).

Please contact the Advice Shop for details of costs and start dates.

Please note that although the information given is believed to be correct at the time of publication, course information, costs where applicable and attendance details may change.