Biology at Advanced Level allows you to extend and expand your interest in the ever expanding field of biological sciences. You will be assisted and guided in developing an ability to evaluate and analyse unfamiliar information related to a wide range of biological topics. This is achieved through a mixture of lecture, tutorial and practical sessions. Practical investigations include dissections, biochemistry and enzyme investigations and ecological studies amongst many others.    

A group of A Level Biology students undertaking an ecological study on the rocky shoreline at Robinhood’s Bay, near Whitby.

Ideally you should have a good GCSE science grade and an interest in the biological sciences before embarking on a course of study at A level in biology.

Biology can be studied with other sciences such as Physics and Chemistry, but increasingly it is taken alongside subjects such as Mathematics, Geography and English as it provides proof of a diverse and rounded approach to A Level studies. A qualification in A Level Biology is regarded as a sound basis for employment or entry into a wide range of Higher Educational Studies.

A Level Biology provides a firm foundation for further studies in the Medical, Life Sciences or Biochemical fields at University. Careers in which Biological training is helpful include Pharmacy, Laboratory Technician, Public Health, Water and Sewage, Cosmetics, Environmental Health, Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Production, Physiotherapy, Nursing and Radiotherapy.

The Course
AQA Biology Specification B
Course Code : AS 5416 / A2 6416

A Level Biology is more than just an extension of GCSE Biology. Some GCSE topics are amplified but many new topics are introduced and studies involve much greater depth and detail and a much higher level of understanding is expected. A course-book is provided as well as workbooks which contain supplementary questions and assessment material which is used in tutorials and for independent study. The course is delivered by a team of very experienced and helpful teachers from the Biology Department who are always willing to talk over your worries and give extra assistance where needed.

The Biology syllabus follows on from and builds on the GCSE course. The AS year involves two examined units, Biology and Disease and The Variety of Living Organisms as well as a How Science Works unit which emphasises Investigative and Practical Skills and is assessed by way of an ISA (Independent Science Assessment).

In the A2 year there is a further How Science Works module as well as two examined modules, Populations and Environment and Control in Cells and in Organisms. The course aims to give you a wide taste of the biological sciences, from physiology and anatomy to ecology and genetics.

Previous students from the course have gone on to enter a wide range of careers including medicine, media studies and nursing and further courses of study in nutritional studies, neurophysiology, physiology, physiotherapy and veterinary studies as well as a variety of ecological degrees and associated careers.

The course provides an excellent balance of academic challenge, the development of practical skills, problem solving, stimulation and fun to ensure that not only will you gain personally from it but that it will prove an enjoyable experience.

Head of Dept: Mr E Douglas