A Level Biology
Entry Requirements:
Grade 7 in GCSE Biology and Physics or Chemistry
Grade 7 in Science A and Grade 7 in Additional Science
Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics
Grade 5 in GCSE English language
Exam Board: Edexel (Salters Nuffield)
Course Content:
Four topics will be studied in Year 12. These are:
Topic 1: Lifestyle, Health and Risk This topic builds on students’ knowledge and understanding of the functioning of the circulatory system and the importance of lifestyle choices to health.
Topic 2: Genes and Health This topic considers the following biological principles: the properties of and transport of materials, across cell membranes and gas exchange surfaces, DNA structure and replication, protein synthesis, enzymes and monohybrid inheritance through the context of the genetic disease cystic fibrosis.
Topic 3: Voice of the Genome This topic follows the development of multicellular organisms from single cells to complex individuals
Topic 4: Biodiversity and Natural Resources The topic focuses on biodiversity and the wealth of natural resources used by humans.
Year 13 In Year 13, students will complete an additional 4 topics. These are:
Topic 5: On the Wild Side This topic builds an appreciation that photosynthesis is the primary process that underpins the majority of ecosystems, and provides students with an understanding of how ecosystems work
Topic 6: Immunity, Infection and Forensics This topic is centred on bacteria and viruses, looking at pathologists’ work as well as evolution, prevention and cure.
Topic 7: Run for your Life This topic is centred on the physiological adaptations that enable animals and humans, particularly sports people, to undertake strenuous exercise.
Topic 8: Grey Matter The scene is set by considering how the working of the nervous system enables us to see. Brain imaging and the regions of the brain are considered.
Assessment
Year 12 Paper 1: Lifestyle, transport, genes and health 50% of AS level Written paper, 90minutes 80 marks Questions: Questions draw on content from topics 1 & 2.
Paper 2: Development, plants and the environment 50% of AS level Written paper, 90minutes 80 marks Questions: Questions draw on content from topics 3 & 4.
Year 13 Paper 1: The Natural Environment and Species Survival 33.3% of A Level Written paper, 2 hours 100 marks Questions: Questions draw on content from topics 1–6. Each question is set in a context. Questions are broken down into a number of parts
Paper 2: Energy, Exercise and Co-ordination 33.3% of A Level Written paper, 2 hours 100 marks Questions: Questions draw on content from topics 1–4 and 7–8. Each question is set in a context. Questions are broken down into a number of parts
Paper 3: General and Practical Applications in Biology 33.3% of A Level Written paper, 2 hours 100 marks Questions: Questions draw on content from across all topics, topics 1–8. Each question is set in a context. Questions are broken down into a number of parts. The paper will include synoptic questions that may draw on two or more different topics. A pre-released scientific article will underpin one exam question.
Career value
The course provides a suitable foundation for the study of biological science or related courses in higher education. Studying biology can lead to many different career opportunities including research biology, agriculture, horticulture, conservation, veterinary science, pharmacy, health care and medicine.
