Awarding Body
Available As
Year 1 (AS) content:
Module 1 – Development of practical skills in biology
The development of practical skills is a fundamental and integral aspect of the study of any scientific subject. These skills not only enhance learners’ understanding of the subject but also serve as a suitable preparation for the demands of studying biology at a higher level.
Module 2 – Foundations in biology
All living organisms have similarities in cellular structure, biochemistry and function. An understanding of these similarities is fundamental to the study of the subject. This module gives students the opportunity to use microscopy to study the cell structure of a variety of organisms.
Module 3 – Exchange and transport
In this module, students study the structure and function of gas exchange and transport systems in a range of animals and in terrestrial plants. The significance of surface area to volume ratio in determining the need for ventilation, gas exchange and transport systems in multicellular organisms is emphasised.
Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution and disease
In this module the students study the biodiversity of organisms; how they are classified and the ways in which biodiversity can be measured. It serves as an introduction to ecology, emphasising practical techniques and an appreciation of the need to maintain biodiversity. The students also gain an understanding of the variety of organisms that are pathogenic and the way in which plants and animals have evolved defences to deal with disease. The relationships between organisms are studied, considering variation, evolution and phylogeny.
Year 2 content:
Module 1 – Development of practical skills in biology
Students continue to develop their practical skills through the second year of the course.
Module 5 – Communication, homeostasis and energy
It is important that organisms, both plants and animals are able to respond to stimuli. This is achieved by communication within the body, which may be chemical and/or electrical. Both systems are covered in detail in this module. Communication is also fundamental to homeostasis with control of temperature, blood sugar and blood water potential being studied as examples. In this module, the biochemical pathways of photosynthesis and respiration are considered, with an emphasis on the formation and use of ATP.
Module 6 – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems
This module covers the role of genes in regulating and controlling cell function and development. Heredity and the mechanisms of evolution and speciation are also covered. Some of the practical techniques used to manipulate DNA such as sequencing and amplification are considered and their therapeutic medical use. The use of microorganisms in biotechnology is also covered. Students gain an appreciation of the role of microorganisms in recycling materials within the environment and maintaining balance within ecosystems. The need to conserve environmental resources in a sustainable fashion is considered, whilst appreciating the potential conflict arising from the needs of an increasing human population.
Practical Endorsement – A-level only
Biology students are expected to become confident independent learners as part of the course. There is a large emphasis on students completing work outside of lessons including pre-reading of relevant textbook pages before the lesson and making summary notes outside of the lesson. This then allows more time in sessions for developing understanding and applying knowledge to new contexts. Theory lessons in the classroom will also include a range of activities including group work, presentations, use of videos and teacher-led discussion. Practical lessons will be carried out in the lab with follow up work completed afterwards in the classroom. Students will be expected to complete a booklet of past paper questions per topic and will also sit an end of topic test (roughly every 3 weeks).
AS Biology: 2 exams at the end of the 1 year course:
1. Breadth in Biology (50%): assesses contetnt from modules 1-4
2. Depth in Biology (50%): assesses contetnt from modules 1-4
AL Biology: 3 exams at the end of the 2 year course and Practical Endorsement:
1. Biological processes (37% of total A Level): assesses content from modules 1,2,3 and 5
2. Biological diversity (37% of total A level): assesses content from modules 1,2,4 and 6
3. Unified biology (26% of total A level): assesses content from all modules (1 to 6)
A Level Biology is required or recommended for those wishing to study:
There is a very wide range of university courses in biological sciences, from genetics to ecology. Biology can help gain entry to careers in agriculture, forensic science, pharmaceuticals, and conservation.
Recent optional trips in Biology include:
"A Students Guide to DNA and Genetics" (approx. £26)
A day trip to Warwick University to listen to lectures from leading scientists from across the country. Examples of previous talks include; DNA in forensic science, the science of high altitude survival, treating oesophageal cancer and the genetics of superheros.
"Life of a Surgeon" (approx. £10)
A day trip to the Royal College of Surgeons in London for students particularly interested in studing medicine. An opportunity to speak to current medical students, find out more about the application process and practice suturing a wound on a pretend arm!
"Science in Health" (approx. £10)
A day trip to Cardiff Medical School to find out more about potential careers in the field of health science. The event includes lectures, hands on activities and a tour of the university.
Cotswold Wildlife Park (approx. £16)
A day trip to the Cotswold Wildlife Park near Burford to coincide with the topics on classification, evolution, biodiversity and conservation. The trip includes a talk on animal health and welfare.
Monkey World (approx. £30)
A day trip to Monkey World in Dorset to observe primate behaviour and listen to a talk on global primate conservation.
Biology Field Trip (approx. £199)
A 3-day residential field trip to develop practical skills including different sampling techniques and statistical tests. Previous years have gone to Snowdonia and South Wales.
During the course students will complete a booklet of past paper questions per topic. Students will be expected to pay for these at the start of the year.
Year 1 mandatory cost for booklets: £12.50 (approx.)
Year 2 mandatory cost for booklets: £12.50 (approx.)
There will also be costs for optional trips (see Trips section)
Grade 6 in Biology or 6 in both Core and Additional Science. 5 in Maths & English.
Distinction in Level 3 Applied Human Biology. 5 in Maths & EnglishBiology Olympiad (approx. £5)
This is a national competition run by the Royal Society of Biology and is open to all 1st and 2nd year Biology students.
STEM enrichment
Students can become part of the STEM club and take part in weekly activities and enter different competitons.
STEM ambassador
Opportunity for students to help out with events including Open Day, Open Evening and The Big Bang event.
Recent optional trips/competitions in Biology include:
"A Students Guide to DNA and Genetics" (approx. £26)
A day trip to Warwick University to listen to lectures from leading scientists from across the country. Examples of previous talks include; DNA in forensic science, the science of high altitude survival, treating oesophageal cancer and the genetics of superheros.
"Life of a Surgeon" (approx. £10)
A day trip to the Royal College of Surgeons in London for students particularly interested in studing medicine. An opportunity to speak to current medical students, find out more about the application process and practice suturing a wound on a pretend arm!
"Science in Health" (approx. £10)
A day trip to Cardiff Medical School to find out more about potential careers in the field of health science. The event includes lectures, hands on activities and a tour of the university.
Cotswold Wildlife Park (approx. £16)
A day trip to the Cotswold Wildlife Park near Burford to coincide with the topics on classification, evolution, biodiversity and conservation. The trip includes a talk on animal health and welfare.
Monkey World (approx. £30)
A day trip to Monkey World in Dorset to observe primate behaviour and listen to a talk on global primate conservation.
Biology Field Trip (approx. £199)
A 3-day residential field trip to develop practical skills including different sampling techniques and statistical tests. Previous years have gone to Snowdonia and South Wales.
Many individuals that study biology go into the health profession working in a wide range of jobs for the NHS, the 5th biggest employer in the world. Many will also take biology into further study; a third of biology degree students go on to do a Masters or Doctorate. The South West is a major centre of biomedical research with 15,000 people employed across 450 companies.
Career Opportunities:
Higher Education 78%
Employment/apprenticeships 7%
The course covers many aspects of human biology including the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, nervous system, renal system, immune system and communicable diseases. The course is very broad though and also covers many aspects of plant biology, microbiology, genetics and ecology.
Dissections include a heart, fish and locust. The Practical Endorsement does require students to demonstrate dissection skills but this can involve dissecting the stem of a plant if neccessary.
Most topics involve some laboratory practical work. We make full use of our laboratory facilities with a variety of practical activities to put theory into practice. Although there is no coursework students will be expected to demonstrate a range of practical skills in order to complete the Practical Endorsement element of the course.
This is a series of experiments conducted across the 2 years allowing you to develop and demonstrate your practical skills. It does not contribute to your overall grade but is assessed as a pass or fail. Students will be expected to complete a practical booklet through the course as evidence towards the Practical Endorsement.