AS Level Biology (BIO-S)

AS Level Biology (BIO-S)

Course Description
What will I learn on this course?
AQA Exam Board
AS
Unit 1: Biology and disease

Unit 2: The variety of living organisms

Unit 3: Investigative and practical skills in AS Biology

A2
Unit 4: Population and environment

Unit 5: Control in cells and in organisms

Unit 6: Investigative and practical skills in A2 Biology

What could I do with a qualification in this subject?
You would be qualified to pursue a University course in any of the biological or life sciences, including pharmacy, physiotherapy, optics, dentistry, medicine, veterinary science and environment studies. Do note that A level Chemistry would be useful if not essential for most of these courses. This qualification is also useful for careers in nursing, agriculture, horticulture, conservation and the scientific civil service.

What kind of assessments will I have to complete to get my qualification?
AS Examination
Unit 1 - Biology and disease:

5-7 short answers plus 2 longer questions, a short comprehension and a short structured essay. 1¼ hours long. 33.33% of the total AS marks 16.67% of the total A Level marks.

Unit2 - The variety of living organisms:

7-9 short answer questions plus 2 longer questions (1 data handling and 1 assessing analysis and evaluation). 1¾ hours long. 46.67% of the total AS marks 23.33% of the total A Level marks.

Unit 3 - Investigative and practical skills in AS Biology:

An externally marked practical assignment (EMPA) 20% of the total AS marks 10% of the total A Level marks.

A2 Examination
Unit 4 - Populations and environment:

6-9 short answer questions plus 2 longer questions (a short comprehension and a short structured essay). 1½ hours long. 16.67% of the total A Level marks.

Unit 5 - Control in cells and in organisms:

8-10 short answer questions plus 2 longer questions (a data handling question and a synoptic essay - choice of 1 out of 2). 2¼ hours. 23.33% of the total A Level marks.

Unit 6 - Investigative and practical skills in A2 Biology:

EMPA 10% of the total A Level marks.

What kind of student is this course suitable for?
You will learn in a variety of ways; expect to write essays and answer structured questions on a variety of topics. Wide and varied reading from a range of biological literature is essential for success.

You will be taught AS and A2 level in 4 - 5 hours per week. Practical work is taught throughout the course and contributes about 20% towards the final grade. You will be expected to carry out the following practical procedures:-

1. Identify and draw specimens

2. Use a microscope to examine cells and tissues

3. Carry out field course work

You will be expected to interpret and handle data, suggest errors and devise experiments. To assess and critically evaluate scientific information. To present coherent and logical arguments in written and oral form.

To carry out experimental procedures, record observations, interpret and comment upon results.

You are advised not to choose this course simply because you find Biology easy at GCSE Level. AS and A Level Biology are very demanding and require total commitment and motivation, and an interest in both plants and animals.