Biology AS/A Level

BIOLOGY AS/A LEVEL

Examination Board: AQA Syllabus AS:1411 A2:2411

BIAS

How long is the course?
The course is divided into AS and A2. Students can take AS over one year or both AS & A2 modules over two years to make up a full A Level.

Is there an interview?
Yes

What can I progress to?
Higher Education
Employment
Biology A Level is preferred by a large number of universities for those students hoping to study Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Sciences, Neurology and Physiotherapy. It is also useful for students who study Chemistry at higher levels and those interested in environment.
Specific universities tend to have preferred subject combinations for particular degree courses. Students must seek guidance on this before the start of the course.

Possible Subject Combinations
This course combines well with Chemistry, Psychology, Geography and other Advanced Level subjects. See above for degree entry requirements.

Extra Curricular Activities
All students can add to their main programme of study by taking part in a wide range of clubs, groups, societies and courses. Not only are the activities fun, they also develop skills and provide new and fulfilling experiences, as well as enhancing applications to Higher Education and employment.

What is the course about?
The course covers all aspects of Biology in depth. It is designed to develop an understanding of biological facts, concepts and principles and to appreciate their significance in personal, social, environmental, economic and technological contexts.
The course involves a considerable amount of practical work that counts towards the final exam. Skills will be established in the collection and analysis of data from experiments and other sources, the presentation of information and the use of computers.

AS Level - Year 1
AS Biology Units 1,2,3
If students wish to progress to the A2 Level, it will be necessary to obtain a grade D or above at AS Level.
Unit 1: Biology and Disease
Unit 2: The Variety of Living Organisms
Unit 3: Practical and Investigative skills

A2 Level - Year 2
A2 Biology Units 4,5,6(Units 1,2,3 will have been studied at AS Level)
Unit 4: Populations and Environment
Unit 5: Control in Cells and Organisms
Unit 6: Practical and Investigative Skills

IT Plus and Research Skills
IT Plus is an important element of every programme within the Sixth Form College. All Advanced Level students will enter for the appropriate IT Plus qualification (Level 2/3) during the first year.

Study Skills
As part of Stanmore College Sixth Form's excellent support network, Literacy and Numeracy support is available to any student enrolled on a course, depending on the student's individual needs (determined during Induction by an assessment). Support is provided through the Skills for Life Study Plus Programme. Students can attend either one-to-one or group sessions in a friendly, stimulating and supportive environment.

Additional Requirements
Ecology Trip: £150 towards the cost of trip.

What are the course outcomes?

How will you be assessed?

AS Level: 2 theory papers - 1 of 1 hour and 30mins and 2 of 1 hour and 45 mins = 80% of total AS Level and 40% for A Level.
Centre assessed practical and investigative skills = 20% of total AS Level (10% of total A2 Level)

A2 Level: 2 theory papers - 1 of 1 hour and 30 mins and 2 of 2 hours and 15 mins (40% total mark for A Level)
Centre assessed practical and investigative skills - 10% of total for A Level.
Exams may be taken in June of the first year and in January and June of the second year.

Cost
Textbook approx £20 each year.