AS/A2 Biology

A Level

In North Walsham

Price on request

Description

  • Type

    A Level

  • Location

    North walsham

  • Duration

    2 Years

The Biology course has been designed to engage and inspire students by showing how an understanding of many contemporary issues such as genetic modification or climate change requires a grasp of the fundamental ideas of Biology.

Important information

Government funding available

Facilities

Location

Start date

North Walsham (Norfolk)
See map
Grammar School Road, North Walsham,, NR28 9JL

Start date

On request

About this course

A minimum of BBCCC at GCSE, two of which must be Maths, English Language or Science and at least a B in GCSE Additional Science or Biology.

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Reviews

Course programme

AS / A2 BIOLOGY

Exam Board: EdExcel
The Biology course has been designed to engage and inspire students by showing how an understanding of many contemporary issues such as genetic modification or climate change requires a grasp of the fundamental ideas of Biology.

Students will start each topic by considering an application that draws on different areas of Biology, such as Cystic Fibrosis or Heart Disease and then move onto the Biology underlying this application.

"The course at Paston really helped me realise that I wanted to continue with a Biology related course at university. Matthew Armes, continuing with A2 Biology at Paston.

The Biology course is taught in a coherent way, with interesting content and held together by enjoyable practical lessons. I definitely plan on carrying it on in A2. Piranesi OHare Evans continuing with A2 Biology at Paston.

I have found that Biology is both a very interesting and challenging subject.I have found other subjects such as PE and Chemistry link well with it which helps me with certain topics. Alex Sowter continuing with A2 Biology at Paston.

You can be successful in taking Biology as a free standing Science, although it complements Chemistry particularly well, and if you wish to study for a Science degree you would be well advised to study two Science subjects. Success in Biology A-level will prepare students for a range of Degree courses leading on to rewarding career choices in Medicine, Veterinary and Forensic Science, Science Journalism and many, many more.

AS Biology

Between Aardvark and Zorilla (yes, there is such an animal) there are about 30 million different kinds of living thing. In spite of this incredible variety a lot of the features of their structure and biochemistry aresurprisingly similar. In AS Biology you learn about fundamental principles such as cell structure, genetics, DNA, and enzymes that help you to make sense of the big picture. Students also study the important subjects of human health and disease, an area where research is pushing back the boundaries on a daily basis.


In the AS year you will study two units called Lifestyle, transport, genes and health and Development, plants and the environment. There is a large practical component written into the course, and students may expect to become expert in the use of microscopes and a range of biochemical techniques.

Assessment

Two written exams and coursework that takes the form of a Report on a visit to a research institution. In the past students have visited the Human Genome Project and seen cutting edge Biology in action.

Entry requirements

A minimum of BBCCC at GCSE, two of which must be Maths, English Language or Science and at least a B in GCSE Additional Science or Biology.

A2 Biology

In A2 Biology you will explore new themes, but many build on the principles learnt in AS Biology. Energy is the currency by which living things pay their way. At A2 course you will consider how plants create the wealth in photosynthesis and animals spend it in respiration. How we resist invading armies of microbes is studied in Infection and Forensics. Interactions between living things will be investigated in ecology, and this will involvepractical fieldwork. The topic Run for your life which looks at muscles and athletic performance will be of interest to students with a leaning towards sport. In the final topic, Grey matter, you will look at the operation of our most complex and extraordinary body part, the Human Brain.

Assessment

Two written exam papers and an individual practical investigation in a topic that interests you. Past topics have included the effectiveness of sun screens, why apples go brown and the antibacterial properties of garlic.

AS/A2 Biology

Price on request