Four students dissecting an organ during a lab session

BIOLOGY

Course Duration
2 Years

Entry Criteria
Grade 6-6 in combined science or grade 6 in biology
Grade 5 in maths
Grade 5 in English (language or literature)

Home » Welcome to our Sixth Form » Curriculum Subjects » A Level Biology

Why study A level Biology?

Students will be expected to demonstrate and apply the knowledge, understanding and skills described in the content for each topic below. In addition, they will be expected to analyse, interpret and evaluate a range of scientific information, ideas and evidence using their knowledge, understanding and skills.

Each topic begins with an overview of the wider biological context designed to encourage an overarching approach to both the teaching and learning of the subject.

There are opportunities for students to develop mathematical skills throughout the content. They are required to apply the skills to relevant biology contexts.

Practical work is central to any study of biology. For this reason, the specification includes 16 core practical activities which form a thread linking theoretical knowledge and understanding to practical scenarios. In following this thread, students will build on practical skills learned at GCSE, becoming confident practical biologists, handling apparatus competently and safely.

Using a variety of apparatus and techniques, they should be able to design and carry out both the core practical activities and their own investigations, collecting data which can be analysed and used to draw valid conclusions.

What will I study during the course duration?

The course is split up into 10 topics:

Topic 1 – Biological molecules
Topic 2 – Cells
Topic 3 – Organisms exchange substances with their environment
Topic 4 – Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

Topic 5 – Energy transfers in and between organisms
Topic 6 – Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
Topic 7 – Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
Topic 8 – The control of gene expression

A-Level Biology is a 2 year course which consists of 8 units of study and internally assessed practical write-ups. The units of study form the basis of 3 examinations worth 100% of the final grade.

How will I be assessed?

Practical Assessment

There are 16 core practicals that cover all of the 12 techniques required for the practical competency measure.
Knowledge of all the core practicals can be tested within exam papers.
Core practicals form part of the practical competency assessment

Paper 1 – Advanced Biochemistry, Microbiology and Genetics (30%)
90 marks that covers half the A level topics and some AS content

AO1
11-13%

AO2
12-14%

AO3
5-7%

Total for AOs
30%

Overview of content

This paper will examine the following topics:

Topic 1: Biological Molecules
Topic 2: Cells, Viruses and Reproduction of Living Things
Topic 3: Classification and Biodiversity
Topic 4: Exchange and Transport
Topic 5: Energy for Biological Processes
Topic 6: Microbiology and Pathogens
Topic 7: Modern Genetics

Overview of assessment

Assessment is 1 hour 45 minutes.
The paper consists of 90 marks.
The paper may include multiple-choice, short open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions.
The paper will include questions that target mathematics. A minimum of 10% of the marks across the three papers will be awarded for mathematics at Level 2 or above.

Paper 2 – Advanced physiology, evolution and ecology (30%)
90 marks that covers half the A level topics and some AS content

AO1
11-13%

AO2
12-14%

AO3
5-7%

Total for AOs
30%

Overview of content

This paper will examine the following topics:

Topic 1: Biological Molecules
Topic 2: Cells, Viruses and Reproduction of Living Things
Topic 3: Classification and Biodiversity
Topic 4: Exchange and Transport
Topic 8: Origins of Genetic Variation
Topic 9: Control Systems
Topic 10: Ecosystems

Overview of assessment

Assessment is 1 hour 45 minutes.
The paper consists of 90 marks.
The paper may include multiple-choice, short open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions.
The paper will include questions that target mathematics. A minimum of 10% of the marks across the three papers will be awarded for mathematics at Level 2 or above.

Paper 3 – General and Practical Principles in Biology (30%)
90 marks that covers half the A level topics and some AS content

AO1
8-10%

AO2
16-18%

AO3
13-15%

Total for AOs
40%

Overview of content

This paper will assess topics 1-10.
Experimental methods (including questions on core practicals)

Overview of assessment

Assessment is 2 hours 30 minutes.
The paper consists of 120 marks.
The paper may include short open, open-response, calculations and extended writing questions.
The paper will include synoptic questions that may draw on two or more different topics.
The paper will include questions that target mathematics. A minimum of 10% of the marks across the three papers will be awarded for mathematics at Level 2 or above.
The paper will include questions that target the conceptual and theoretical understanding of experimental methods.