Exam board
AQA
How is this subject examined?
Examined via three papers:
- Paper 1 – The written exam will last 2 hours, consisting of a total of 91 marks. It consists of a mixture of short and long answer questions and extended response questions.
- Paper 2 – The written exam will last 2 hours, consisting of a total of 91 marks. It consists of short and long answers and comprehension questions.
- Paper 3 – The written exam will last 2 hours, consisting of a total of 78 marks. It consists of structured questions including practical techniques, critical analysis of given experimental data and one essay from a choice of two titles.
What is this course about? Why study the course?
Biology is the study of life! Biology is one of the most fascinating courses you can do! It will give you an insight into how the living world around you works. The study of Biology ranges from learning about the vital molecules which are the building blocks of life, to the structures and functions of cells, tissues and organs, and what happens when they go wrong. Then all the way to learning about the positive and negative interactions between organisms and the study of ecosystems. It is also very exciting because there is constantly new research being produced on topics that are covered and thus relate to the course.
Where can this course take you?
There are many careers that require A-Level Biology in different areas:
- Science and research – research scientist, forensic scientist
- Medicine and healthcare – doctor, nurse, pharmacologist
- Agriculture – tree surgeon, ecologist
- Sport and fitness – nutritionist, personal trainer • Engineering – civil engineer, biochemical engineer
- Police and emergencies – paramedic, crime scene investigator
Minimum GCSE grades: 7-7 in Combined Science, or 6-9 in Chemistry and Physics and 7-9 in Biology, 6-9 in Mathematics 2
Complementary subjects: The statistics in Biology complements Mathematics, Geography and Psychology. Biology tends to be studied with Chemistry as all life depends on chemical processes.
How we elevate beyond the specification?
- Opportunities to take students to places where ‘real Biology’ is happening, such as workshops at the Oxford Museum of Natural History to sequence genes using research-based technology, and a visit to the South London Botanical Institute.
- Recommended lectures to attend at universities in London.
- Taking part in the Biology Olympiad.