Full Time / Level 3 / Truro College
If you enjoy learning about life and living organisms and want to delve deeper into concepts that you have been introduced to at GCSE, from biochemistry and cell biology through to behaviour and ecology, then A Level Biology will offer you an exciting, challenging and stimulating area of study.
Biology encompasses the cellular basis of living things, the transformation of energy that underlies the activities of life, and the genetic basis for inheritance in organisms. You will study the evolutionary relationships between organisms and the diversity of life on earth, to include microorganisms, plants and animals. The structural and functional relationships studied in biology draw on the sciences of chemistry and physics for its foundations and applies the laws of these disciplines to living things.
In your first year of study you will begin by gaining an understanding of the biological molecules which make up living things. This will enable you to understand how these molecules build up into cells, the fundamental unit of life. You will explore the ultrastructure of cells and learn the different roles of different parts of the cell, as well as how cells are organised in organisms and how they exchange substances with their environment and other cells. You will explore the need for specialised exchange surfaces and transport mechanisms in multicellular organisms including humans, fish, insects and plants. You will also learn about the fundamental role of DNA, its role in protein synthesis and how it can be used to make sense of the great diversity of life on earth.
In your second year of study you will build upon the concepts introduced in the first year to develop an understanding of the complex biochemistry of photosynthesis and respiration, and the detailed mechanisms of the nervous and endocrine systems. You will study the latest advances in genetic technologies and discover how genes are inherited and influence populations. You will also conduct your own ecological investigation.
You will study eight topics over the A Level course which will be assessed in three exams at the end of two years.
Topics:
• Biological molecules
• Cells
• Organisms exchange substances with their environment
• Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
• Energy transfers in and between organisms
• Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
• Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
• The control of gene expression
Your achievement in this subject is dependent upon excellent attendance, punctuality and effort. You will learn in a friendly atmosphere, using a variety of assessment methods:
You will be assessed through end of topic tests under timed conditions in class, regular homework questions and through completion of class activities. You will then be given detailed feedback on your progress.
Investigative skills and understanding are a vital part of the scientific process and you will be expected to develop your practical proficiency throughout the course.
You will review your own performance in 1:1 sessions with your tutor.
You will undertake mock examinations in advance of your final exams.
You will sit formal A Level exams at the end of your two years of study, which will include questions on the practical skills that you have developed, comprehension questions, data analysis questions and essay style questions. A Level grades will be based only on marks for written exams, and your practical endorsement will be assessed separately as pass or fail.
You will be expected to undertake at least 46 hours of independent study time per week. Throughout the two years you will be able to access additional support through drop-in revision sessions, dedicated workshops, tailored 1:1 provision, as well as a variety of additional opportunities to stretch and challenge the most able students. We encourage you to proactively engage with the support available in order to reach your full potential.
A Level Biology is designed to lead to Higher Education. A Level Biology is a highly respected qualification that is valued for most degree subjects. It is also valued by employers worldwide. If you aspire to study Biology at university, or a biology related subject, it is recommended that you also study A Level Chemistry, as together these provide a great combination which broadens your options.
Biology opens up a wide range of opportunities for university level study, including but not limited to: medicine, nursing, dentistry, physiotherapy, veterinary science, zoology, radiography, agriculture and horticulture, marine biology, biochemistry, genetics, dietetics, nutrition, applied biology, botany, forensic science and many other possibilities.
Minimum of 5 GCSEs grades 4 or above, including at least GCSE Biology grade 6 or GCSE Combined Science grades 6 6, GCSE English grade 6 and GCSE Maths grade 5.
Awarding Body:
AQA
To obtain more information about this course, please call: 01872 267000 or 01736 335000 or visit www.truro-penwith.ac.uk