A Level Biology 2024-25

Fascinated by what makes the human body work? Love science? Then A Level Biology at East Durham Sixth Form could be the course for you!

Our highly experienced science lecturers have a fantastic track record of getting exceptional grades out of our students. In fact, ED6 Sixth Form has achieved a pass rate of 100% in ALL of our A Levels for over seven years.

Here's some important information about our Biology A Level programme:

Awarding Body - AQA

You will take 3 exams, with the first involving questions from topics 1-4, the second topics 5-8, and the third covering all topics 1-8. You will take part in 12 required practicals (but rest assured there will be many more!).

1. Biological molecules - the basic chemistry of living organisms, necessary knowledge for all further study of Biology.

2. Cells - the ultrastructure of cells as seen by electron microscopy; practical light microscopy.

3. Organisms - exchange substances with their environment; gas exchange, circulation and digestion.

4. Genetics - genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms. The study of DNA and RNA, mitosis and meiosis.

5. Energy - energy transfers in and between organisms;
Photosynthesis, Respiration and ecosystems.

6. Organisms respond to changes – responses to internal and external environmental changes; homeostasis, the nervous and hormonal systems.

7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems -
Inheritance of characteristics. Evolution and speciation.

8. The control of gene expression - DNA technology.

There is wide variety of higher education options that are related to biology. For example, Biology A level can support entry into: medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, pharmacy, physiotherapy, radiography, occupational therapy, all branches of nursing, psychology, biomedical sciences, environmental science, ecology, genetics and scientific research.

University to study a Biology related degree. Physiotherapy, Nursing, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Paramedic, Dentistry.

For A level Biology you will need to have Grade 6 or above in GCSE Biology (triple award) or 6, 6 from Dual Award Science, alongside a grade 6 in Mathematics.

For a 3 A level programme you will need to have a minimum of five Grade 9-4 passes at GCSE which includes English and Mathematics.

For a 4 A level programme you will need to have a minimum of six Grade 9-4 passes at GCSE which includes English and Mathematics; it is expected that the majority of passes will be at 9-7 grade.

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

Paper 1 - 2 hour, 91 mark exam covering topics 1 - 4;
Paper 2 - 2 hour, 91 mark exam covering topics 5 - 8;
Paper 3 - 2 hour, 78 mark exam covering all topics and practical skills, alongside a 25 mark essay.

September 2024

2 Years, Full Time.