Biology
Course title: Biology A Level AQA Block A
Academic year: |
2024/25 |
Course Venues: |
Blessed William Howard |
Course Type: |
A Level |
Course Code: |
12ABwBI1 |
Duration: |
2 years |
Course Description:
In biology, the subject content is relevant to real world experiences and is interesting to learn. A-level Biology is a stepping stone to future study, and universities have been consulted to allow students to develop the skills that they want to see.
Biology is fundamentally an experimental subject.
Course Content:
The topics for Y12 are:
1 Biological molecules
2 Cells
3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment
4 Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
The additional topics for Y13 are:
5 Energy transfers in and between organisms
6 Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
7 Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
8 The control of gene expression
Entry requirements:
The standard entry criteria to study in the sixth form are a 9-4 in at least seven different subjects, including English and mathematics, which would usually be at grade 4 or above.
To study science subjects at A-level (biology, chemistry, physics or psychology), you will be required to achieve at least a 6 grade in combined science or have achieved 6 or above in the individual subject area if taken as a separate science.
Assessment:
A-level assessment is in three papers, each 2 hours:
Paper 1 (35% of A-level) covers unit 1 (1-4 below), it is a mixture of short and long answer questions and there are 15 marks available for extended response questions.
Paper 2 (35% of A-level) covers unit 2 (5-8 below), it is also a mixture of short and long answer questions, but with 15 marks available for a comprehension question.
Paper 3 (30% of the A-level) covers all 8 topics, with more emphasis on practical techniques, critical analysis of given experimental data and one essay.
Financial Information:
There is only one book for the entire 2 year course; ISBN: 978-0-19-835177-1 Textbooks can be bought or hired from the school at a price of £42.00. If hired, the full deposit will be returned at the end of the A2 course subsequent to the book being returned in a good condition.
Future opportunities:
This course is designed to nurture a passion for Biology and lay the groundwork for further study in courses like biological sciences and medicine.
Further information:
A-level biology is a 2-year linear course and students will sit all the A level exams at the end of their course. For further information please speak to Laura Harris or Rachel Broomhall.