Biology - VI Form Form

Subjects

Biology


Why choose to study Biology


Biology A-level will give you the skills to make connections and associations with all living things around you. Biology literally means the study of life and if that is not important, what is? Being such a broad topic, you are bound to find a specific area of interest, plus it opens the door to a fantastic range of interesting careers


What study skills do I need?


  • Time management: You’ll have a lot of syllabi to cover over the course of the year, which you’ll need to plan for. You’ll also need to practise time management when preparing for your exams. This is an important life skill.
  • Enhancing your analytical skills: Throughout your A-levels, you’ll be required to analyse data and experiment outcomes. Improved analytical skills make you a strong problem-solver, more detail-oriented, and more meticulous, logical and structured in the way you work and present information.
  • Improved theoretical and practical application: It is one thing to have just theoretical or practical understanding but it is a powerful advantage to have both. Problem-solving is as much about identifying an issue as coming up with sound ways to break it down, analyse it and come up with solutions. This is a skill that is needed in many careers and life scenarios.
  • Improved interpersonal skills: This may come as a surprise, but it’s true! By studying A-level biology, you’ll sometimes be required to work in teams, which requires good communication and social skills. You’ll also learn how to balance your academic responsibilities by having a healthy social life. Studying A-levels is a great time to form study groups. Here, you’ll practice presentation skills, speaking to groups of people, and learning how to communicate ideas and concepts in a way that other people find engaging and informative. You’ll also learn to become comfortable with the important skill of asking for help. Learn to use the wealth of knowledge from your classmates and teachers by asking for assistance!


What are the aims of the course?


This course aims to encourage understanding of basic biological principles. Students learn how organisms are made, how they function, how they interrelate with each other and their environment, and how they pass on characteristics to their offspring. They learn about the biology of a wide range of different organisms including humans. In A level Biology, the concept of the responsibility of humans as guardians of living things and their environment underpins all teaching and learning. As an outcome of the course students will have increased their awareness of the moral, ethical and social implications of the application of biology and technology.


Apart from knowledge and understanding of biological concepts, a thorough understanding of scientific method is developed. Students acquire skills which are of value in any discipline; careful observation and recording; rigorous interpretation based on evidence and applying what has been learned to unfamiliar problems.


What are the GCSE requirements?


You need to have acquired a 7 in Biology Triple Science or a 7 in the Biology component of the Double Science. You will need at least a 7 in Maths and a 7 in English.


Course content


The course is divided into topics, which are:


  1. Biological molecules
  2. Cells
  3. Organisms exchanging substances with their environment
  4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
  5. Energy transfer in and between organisms
  6. How organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
  7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
  8. The control of gene expression


Further education and career opportunities


Having studied Biology at A level, you will be able to study Biology at degree level as well as Agricultural Science, Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Forensic Science, Anatomy, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Sport Science, Physiotherapy and Veterinary Science.


Exam board


Biology AS and A-Level AQA

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