Biology
A-level Biology will help you make sense of the living world around you. You will study the biology of plants and animals, human health and performance and the wider natural environment. You can progress to study a wide variety of courses at university, from agriculture to zoology. For medicine, it remains important.
Resources for A-level Biology Summary
A-level Biology Assessment Summary
The units for the course are:
Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills
Module 2 – Foundations in Biology
Looking at cell structure, biological molecules, cell division and cellular organisation.
Module 3 – Exchange and Transport
Looking at exchange surfaces and transport in animals and plants.
Module 4 – Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease
Including aspects of how we fit into our environment and how our environment can affect us.
Module 5 – Communication and Homeostasis
This will look at the way that we maintain the vital processes in our body in balance. It will also look at the processes of respiration, hormonal control, excretion and nervous control.
Module 6 – Genetics, Evolution and Ecosystems
This unit takes you into the realms of the newest developments in biomedical sciences and genetic engineering, as well as thinking about how the most ancient processes have formed our environment and the impacts we are having on it.
Assessment (Exam Board – OCR)
There are 3 papers at the end of year 13. They will cover both A-level and AS-level material.
Paper 1: Breadth in Biology
This is 2hr 15mins long and covers material from Modules 1-6. The questions will test your knowledge and understanding across a wide range of topics. The question types include: multiple choice, short answers and structured questions.
Paper 2: Depth in Biology
This is 2hr 15mins long and will each cover material from Modules 1-6. The questions will require detailed knowledge of syllabus. As with paper 1, the question types include multiple choice, short answers and structured questions.
Paper 3: Unified Biology
This paper is 1hr 30mins long and will test you on your ability to discuss ideas in more depth and to demonstrate your knowledge of practical skills and processes.
Entry Requirements:
7 Higher Grades
- GCSE Maths Grade 6 and Combined Science Grade 6-6 or Biology Grade 6/B
- Grade 4 (or above) for English
- Grade 4 (or above) for other GCSE subjects
- 1 BTEC (or equivalent) at Merit or above may be included within the 7 grades
Dr B Wydro
Subject Lead for Biology
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