Biology

Biology

GCE Advanced Level AS/A2

Course Content

AS Level
Unit 1 : Cells, Exchange and Transport

Unit 2 : Molecules, Biodiversity, Food and Health

Unit 3 : Practical Skills in Biology 1

A2 Level
Unit 4 : Communications, Homeostasis and Energy

Unit 5 : Control, Genomes and Environment

Unit 6 : Practical Skills in Biology 2

How it is Taught
Students are provided with textbooks and CDs specifically written for the units. These are excellent resources, including questions and problem solving exercises upon which the teaching will be based. Teaching methods will be varied and will include teacher-led, small group work, student presentations, problem solving exercises, discussion, video and ICT inputs.

Practical work is included, where appropriate, to teach skills necessary for the practical exercises that contribute to the practical assessment.

Examination Details

AS Level

Unit name :Duration :Date

Unit 1 : 1 hour : 1st Year January (30%)

Unit 2 : 1 hour 45 mins : 1st year June (50%)

Unit 3 : Practical Assessment - ongoing during the first year : (20% of AS)

A2 Level

Unit name :Duration :Date

Unit 4 : 1 hour : 2nd Year January (30%)

Unit 5 : 1 hour 45 mins : 2nd Year June (50%)

Unit 6 : Practical Assessment - ongoing during the second year : (20% of A2)

Useful/Common Subject Combinations
Approximately 50% of Biology students are studying Biology for one year at AS to gain variety and breadth in their academic programme.

Biology combines well with Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Geography, Geology, Psychology, PE, Health & Social Care, Computing, ICT, Law, Sociology, Art, Business Studies, History, English and Languages.

Careers and HE Information
The range of possibilities is vast: agriculture, horticulture, plant biology, medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy, speech therapy, nursing, biomedical science, pharmacy, pharmacology, forensic science, veterinary science, biological science, marine biology, microbiology, food sciences, biochemistry, biotechnology, ecology, environmental studies and teaching.

Equally, the problem solving and investigative skills gained are useful to enter a non-scientific area such as the legal profession.

Chemistry is often an essential subject at Advanced Level if students wish to continue with Biology to degree level.

Other Relevant Information
For a flavour of this level of study investigate