AS/A2 Biology

Biology

Level: AS and A2

Exam Board: AQA

Syllabus No: AS 1411 A2 6416

What will I study?

• 3 AS MODULES IN L6TH:
  BIOL1 Biology and Disease;
  BIOL2 the Variety of Living Organisms;
  BIOL3 Investigative and Practical Skills


• 3 A2 MODULES IN U6TH:

BIOL4 Populations and Environment;
BIOL5 Control in Cells and in Organisms;
BIOL6 Investigative and Practical Skills
Both BIOL3 and BIOL6 are College-assessed Units.

You will find that studying Biology is exciting, relevant and challenging. You will develop an understanding of biological concepts and scientific methods, become aware of advances in technology, and recognise the value of responsible use of biology in society. At the same time you will consider ethical issues in the treatment of humans, other organisms and the environment. You will also come to appreciate the ways in which society uses scientific knowledge to inform decision making about advances that have potential benefit for humans. The AS and A level specification in Biology provides an opportunity for developing and generating evidence for assessing the Key Skills in Communication: Contribution to group discussion; Making a presentation; Reading and synthesising information; Writing reports.
How is this course assessed?

MODULE TESTS FOR AS:

• January 2010 or June 2010 BIOL1 (1hr 30 mins) June 2010 BIOL2 (1hr 30 mins) Module BIOL3 (20% of AS marks, 10% of A level marks) comprises an Investigative Skills Assignment and a Practical Skills Assessment.
• MODULE TESTS FOR A2: January 2011 or June 2011 BIOL4 (2hrs) June 2011 BIOL5 (2hrs) Module BIOL6 (10% of the total A level marks) comprises an Investigative Skills Assignment and a Practical Skills Assessment.

What next?

Numerous career opportunities exist, for example medical professions, environmental biology, forensic science, industry, biotechnology, the scientific civil service, research and education. Students who wish to read biological or medical subjects at university will usually need to study Chemistry at Advanced Level as well.