Biology

Course Overview

In this qualification you will learn about a wide range of biological concepts and techniques, including cellular structure and function, biodiversity, health and diseases, natural selection and speciation, genetics, biochemistry of respiration and photosynthesis.

Practical work is central to any study of biology, for this reason the course includes 18 core practicals which link your theoretical knowledge and understanding to practical scenarios. Through the use of practical work you will use your knowledge and understanding to pose scientific questions that you will investigate. These will allow you to develop key skills needed to progress onwards into higher education and industry.

A-Level Biology is an ideal subject choice if you plan to study other science-based subjects or progress on to higher level science courses at university. Our learners from this course have gone on to study Medical Science, Marine Biology, Biological Science, Sport and Exercise Science, Osteopathy, Environmental Science and Education at University.

What will I study?

You will learn about a wide range of biological concepts and techniques, including: health and diseases, theory of DNA replication, biochemistry of photosynthesis and respiration. You will also discover how you have developed from a simple single cell into a complex, multi-cellular, organism and how the genetic code has allowed such complexity to thrive on Earth.

You will also explore how society makes decisions about biology-related issues and how biology contributes to the success of the economy and society. Topics covered alongside the core subject criteria include: developmental biology, the use of biology in forensic science, the musculoskeletal system, and learning and habituation.

Entry requirements

• Five GCSEs at grade 5 or above including GCSE Maths and English Language.
• Grade 6-6 or above in GCSE Combined Science. If you are studying Triple Science, you will need a minimum of grade 6 in Biology and grade 6 in either Chemistry or Physics.

Core Maths must be taken alongside this course, if you are not taking A-Level Maths.

What could I do next?

This course prepares you for work in the science industry, in particular in the NHS and other biomedical fields, or you could also progress on to Higher Education to study a range of scientific degrees including: Pharmacy, Biomedicine, Forensics and Zoology.

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