Full Time AS/ A2 Biology

Biology AS/A2

Entry Requirements
You must meet the general entry requirements for level 3 plus preferably a grade B in GCSE Science or C in Biology (Single Science) and
a C grade in GCSE Maths

Course content
Biology is a tremendously diverse subject that will help you to understand some of the issues of the 21st Century. The course allows you to study the fundamental concepts of biology whilst exploring their modern-day applications e.g. cloning, genetic engineering, health issues, cultivation of plants, pollution.
AS: Year 1
In the first year you will study three main topics:
Biology and Disease:
How digestive and gas exchange systems may be affected by communicable and non-communicable diseases.
How a knowledge of basic biology allows us to understand the symptoms of disease and interpret data relating to risk factors.
The variety of living organisms:
The influence of genetic and environmental factors on intraspecific variation.
How the variety of life is reflected in similarities and differences in its biochemical basis and cellular organisation.
How size and metabolic rate affect an organisms requirements and give rise to adaptations.
Plus an Assessed Practical Assignment which is designed to sharpen your investigative skills.
A2: Year 2
Year two helps you build on that firm foundation and, like year one, has two academic topics plus a practical assignment.
The topics are:
Populations and environment:
How living organisms form ecosystems through which energy is transferred and chemical elements cycled.
How human activity affects ecological balance in a variety of ways.
How genetic variation and isolation may lead to the formation of new species.
Control in cells and organisms:
Stimulus and responses - nervous and endocrine systems.
Homeostasis / Maintenance of a constant internal environment.
Genes and genetic expression.

How Will I Be Assessed?
AS has 3 assessments. A 75 minute exam paper on Biology and disease [17% of A Level marks] a 105 minute exam paper on The variety of living organisms [23% of A Level marks] and a practical assignment [10% of A Level marks].
A2 also has 3 assessments. A 90 minute exam paper on Populations and environment [17% of A Level marks] a 135 minute exam paper on Control in cells and organisms [23% of A Level marks] and a practical assignment [10% of A Level marks].

What Could I Do Next?
A Level Biology is required for medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy and other medically orientated careers. It is also useful for nursing, forensic science, ecology, conservation and teaching. Many other courses and careers will draw on the many skills that you will acquire on this course.