Every living creature provides an example of the wonders of biology. There is always something new and exciting to discover, and studying biology at A level will encompass areas that you are unlikely to have encountered before including biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, human physiology, epidemiology, ecology, neurobiology and genetics.
A Level Biology fosters transferable problem-solving, analytical and evaluative skills that are highly regarded in all walks of life. You will be encouraged to open your mind to a greater understanding of how every living thing around us comes to exist and interacts with its environment.
The standalone AS Level comprises four modules which are assessed in two 90-minute examinations entitled, ‘Breadth in Biology’ and ‘Depth in Biology’.
Completion of the full A Level involves 6 modules which are assessed in two 135-minute papers, ‘Biological Processes’ and ‘Biological Diversity’, and a 90-minute paper, ‘Unified Biology’. There is also an internally assessed practical endorsement, separately reported as ‘pass’ or ‘fail’.
This is an excellent course of study for individuals with an enquiring mind; you will develop your ability to link concepts together, using the interconnectivity of ideas to build your understanding of how you and the physical world around you work. You will have proven success at GCSE Biology with at least grade 4, or 4-4 for Trilogy Science GCSE. You will also have an interest in wider reading to enrich your knowledge and understanding of the biological sciences. Its helpful to understand some chemistry principles too, as chemistry can feature in some experiments.
Your studies will take you from the laboratory, perhaps observing cells under a microscope, to outdoors and exploring nature as part of your fieldwork. A Level Biology is one of those subjects that blends theoretical and practical understanding with analytical skills, which are highly valued and readily transferable to your future post-18 pathways. Biological concepts will become easy to understand and you will quickly learn to apply your knowledge to different scenarios, which allows you to absorb a large amount of content. You can expect to be admired and envied by your peers!
Your future study and career pathways are expansive; A Level Biology gives you access to a number of apprenticeships and a wide variety of courses including the fields of medicine, biomedical science, dentistry, orthotics and veterinary medicine, and is highly recommended for courses in environmental science, occupational therapy, pharmacy, sports science, speech therapy, nursing … and many more.
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