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 | Communication, 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 assessment aspect of the course.
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) |
Entry Requirements
Students should have at least a grade C in GCSE Maths and one of the following:
- Grade B in GCSE Core Science and grade B in Additional Science
- Grade B in GCSE Biology
Students should also meet the general college entry requirements for advanced level study. Please see the current Prospectus - Advanced Programmes, Entry Requirements.
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: