A Level Biology

Name of course

A Level Biology

Examining board

AQA (7402)

Link to specification More information about the course can be found from the exam board website here

Course Entry Requirements

 

To study Biology at A Level you must have achieved at least:

  • a Grade 6 in Biology or Combined Science Grades 6,6 or higher

To study 2 or more Sciences (Chemistry/Biology/Physics) you must have Grade 7s in those subjects and combined science pupils will need Grade 7-7 or higher. 

Why study Biology?

 

 

This is the right course for those who enjoy applying practical skills alongside understanding of concepts and principles of the study of living things. 

Biology is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the world around us, how we exist, how we respond to stimuli and how we survive.

There are any opportunities to attend lectures, research projects and various trips to help further your knowledge beyond the classroom.

Course Content

 

 

The A Level specification has 8 units of content:

  1. Biological molecules
  2. Cells
  3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment
  4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
  5. Energy transfers in and between organisms
  6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
  7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
  8. The control of gene expression

Assessment:

Paper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3

What's assessed? 

Any content from topics 1-4, including relevant practical skills

What's assessed? 

Any content from topics 5-8, including relevant practical skills

What's assessed? 

Any content from topics 1-8, including relevant practical skills

Written exam: 2 hours

91 marks

35% of A-level

Written exam: 2 hours

91 marks

35% of A-level

Written exam: 2 hours

78 marks

30% of A-level

Questions

76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions

15 marks: extended response questions

Questions

76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions

15 marks: extended response questions

Questions

38 marks: structured questions, including practical techniques

15 marks: critical analysis of given experimental data

25 marks: one essay from a choice of two titles

Where could this course lead to?

 

Our Biology students have gone on to study:

  • Medicine
  • Biomedical Science
  • Physiotherapy and Sports science
  • Veterinary sciences
  • Dentistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Nursing
  • Genetics