Courses

Biology A Level

Course Description

Studying Biology opens up the opportunity to experience a huge range of careers. Do you want to wear wellies, work outside and be the next David Attenborough? Or would you prefer to be wearing a white coat, working in a laboratory and finding cures to some of the world’s significant diseases and illnesses? Would you like to tackle problems working as part of a team or individually? Biology provides opportunities for all of these possibilities. Biology will equip you with skills in time management, research, presenting and being able to defend your work under scrutiny.

Entry Requirements

Students will be expected to have at least two GCSEs at grade 6, English Language at grade 5 and the remainder no less than grade 4. If you studied Double Award or Combined Science, you will be expected to have a double grade 6 in Science and grade 6 in Mathematics (higher grade tier). If you studied separate sciences, you will be expected to have GCSE grade 6 in Biology, grade 6 from Chemistry or Physics and grade 6 in Mathematics.

Course Content

Year one of the specification begins by building on work covered at GCSE, looking at biological molecules, cells and how organisms exchange substances with their environment. This then leads on to studying genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms. Year two builds on year one work, covering energy transfers in and between organisms, how organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments. This then leads on to studying genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems.

Assessment

Biology A Level is a linear course with all external exams at the end of the two year course.

Enrichment and Work Experience

There is an opportunity to complete a one week work placement in the summer term. Students of Biology have enjoyed various enrichment activities, including a visiting speaker from Medical projects, taken part in the Society of Biology quiz and visits to Formby Beach and Chester Zoo. Students also take part in a number of debates on current issues.

Additional Information

There is a compulsory one day fieldtrip which is part of the 12 assessed practical assessments and costs will therefore be met by the College. Students need to bring basic stationery and a calculator to all lessons, be punctual, engaged and ready to learn. We also expect you to commit to at least 5 hours per week outside of lesson on independent learning. this will include: homework, reading, research, and revision for this subject.

Links with other subjects:
Biology links well with Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Geography and PE.

Future Career Opportunities

A level Biology can lead to numerous exciting career opportunities such as physiotherapy, optometry, audiology, biomedical sciences, ecology, genetics, dentistry, medicine, environmental sciences, teaching.

Why Study at BSFC?

Paired with Chemistry, Biology opens up the greatest opportunities to enter the medical professions. The College has attractive, well equipped teaching laboratories where you will have every opportunity to link theory with practice and develop confident practical skills. We offer opportunities in and out of the laboratory to enrich and challenge you. We also have good links with both Salford and Liverpool Universities which have allowed our students to experience undergraduate practical work in university laboratories.