Biology

Students taking this subject will have an interest in the science of living organisms. This may be general or concern one specific aspect such as nutrition, the evolution of man from simple origins, or developments in medicine. They will enjoy carrying out practical work and be able to think logically and analytically. They may currently be studying either GCSE Double Science or the three separate sciences but are likely to achieve at least grade 6 in their science GCSEs.

What will you study and learn?

Biology is the study of life. Many people think that biology is about the human body and human diseases. This is certainly true in part: several areas of the specification look at physiology (the workings of the body), often concentrating on humans. However, there are many other important aspects.

An understanding of the chemicals of life is an essential basis of biology. Ecology is the part of biology that considers animals, plants, and other living organisms together as part of an ecosystem. Genetics is the most rapidly developing area of biology, with the potential to change all of our lives. The causes and consequences of disease will also be studied.

Many different practical techniques are used. The sixth form centre has compound microscopes for the study of cell biology, histology (the study of tissues), and microbiology. Various chemical techniques are used to study biochemistry. Pupils in Year 13 will carry out fieldwork to study ecology in natural environments.

Course content and examinations

We are following the AQA biology specification for A-level courses. Both Year 12 and Year 13 are divided into four sections.

Year 12 sections:

• Biological Molecules – the structure of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and DNA and how these structures relate to the functions of the molecules.
• Cells – the structures of animal, plant, and bacterial cells and how to study these using microscopes. Cell division and the immune system are also covered.
• Organisms Exchange Substances with their Environment – how the shape and size of cells and organisms affect exchange; digestion and absorption; transport in plants and animals.
• Genetic Information, Variation and Relationships between Organisms – the structure of DNA; protein synthesis; genetic diversity and adaptation; taxonomy; diversity.

Year 13 sections:

• Energy Transfers between Organisms – photosynthesis, respiration, energy transfer in food chains, nutrient cycles.
• Genetics, Populations, Evolution and Ecosystems – genetic inheritance, population genetics, evolution and speciation, population dynamics.
• Organisms Respond to Internal and External Environments – stimulus and response, nervous coordination, the control of heart rate, muscle action.
• The Control of Gene Expression – gene expression, the effect of mutations, the genetic causes of cancer, gene technology, genetic fingerprinting, diagnosis of genetic diseases, and genetic counselling.

A-level assessment will consist of three two-hour papers:

• Paper one tests material from sections one to four through a mixture of short and longer answer questions and a fifteen-mark extended response question.
• Paper two tests material from sections five to eight through a mixture of short and longer answer questions and a fifteen-mark comprehension question.
• Paper three tests material from sections one to eight with structured questions, data analysis questions, and an essay.

There is no coursework or controlled assessment in A-level sciences. Examinations will contain questions relating to practical work, and these will contribute to the A-level grade. In addition to this grade, certificates will indicate whether candidates have passed or failed a teacher-assessed practical work. This certificate of practical competency will be given separately from the A-level grade.

Where could the subject take you?

Many people who study biology have an interest in medicine. Biology A-level is not a course requirement for taking a medicine degree, but is studied by most people who have this intention. Biology is also useful for nursing and physiotherapy courses.

Biological sciences are themselves an area for study at higher education level. Courses include general biology and human biology degrees as well as more specialised areas such as biochemistry, physiology and genetics. Biology A-level also contributes useful background knowledge for courses in sports studies and nutrition.

Other A-level subjects that tie in well with biology include chemistry and geography as well as sport and physical education, food science and psychology.