A Level Biology
A Level Biology is a vital subject for anyone who is thinking of working in health care, pharmaceuticals, the food industry, environmental science and a wide range of other careers. Biology is the science of life and involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics. This ranges from molecular biology to the study of ecosystems and from micro-organisms to mammoths.
A Level Biology is split into six modules:
- Modules 1 to 4 constitute the stand-alone AS Level qualification
- Modules 1 to 6, combined with the Practical Endorsement, constitute the full A-Level.
The modules can be summarised as:
- Development of practical skills in biology
- Foundations in biology
- Exchange and transport
- Biodiversity, evolution and disease
- Communications, homeostasis and energy
- Genetics, evolution and ecosystems
All students studying A Levels must have at least five GCSEs at grade 9 – 5 in academic subjects, including English Language at grade 5. Two of these must be grade 6.
Specifically for Biology, you will need GCSE Double Science at grade 6 or above, OR GCSE Biology and GCSE Chemistry at grade 6 or above AND GCSE Maths at grade 6 or above AND a total GCSE point score of 30 or more for your best five subjects.
AS and A Level Biology are assessed through a series of written examinations and there is no course work involved. AS Level: AS Papers 1 and 2 can assess any content from Modules 1 to 4 A Level: A Level Paper 1 assesses the content from Modules 1, 2, 3 and 5 A Level Paper 2 assesses the content from Modules 1, 2, 4 and 6 A Level Paper 3 assesses the content from Modules 1 to 6.
The study of biology is useful in a wide range of careers such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, nursing, biomedical science, biological sciences, marine biology, nutrition, chiropractic, physiotherapy and many more.
HEATHER BISHOP
- BSc Biology from the University of Manchester
- Pharmaceutical industry experience
- Research into diabetic retinopathy for the Wellcome Trust
A* in Biology A Level