: A Level Biology

Exam Board: AQA

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Further information available from: Miss Farrington

Course requirements: Grade 6 or higher in GCSE Combined Science or a minimum grade 6 in each of the GCSE Single Sciences, plus GCSE Maths grade 6 or higher.

Overview

Humans are an influential part of this extraordinary planet. Understanding some of its many systems, cycles and complexities as well as our effect, both positive and negative, upon it is a valuable and interesting experience. Completion of the A-Level course in Biology gives you opportunities in a myriad of areas for further study and career advancement. Following the AQA Biology syllabus you will study 4 topics per year. Topics 1-4 will be taught in Year 12 and topics 5-8 will be covered in Year 13. The topics are outlined below:

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

The course is assessed by three written papers. These will cover both course content and practical techniques encountered during the course. There are 12 assessed required practicals during the course and pupils are given a pass / fail status.

Paper 1	Paper 2	Paper 3
Topics 1-4 Practicals 1-6	Topics 5-8 Practicals 7-12	Topics 1-8 Practicals 1-12
2 hours, 91 marks 35% of A Level	2 hours, 91 marks 35% of A Level	2 hours, 78 marks 30% of A Level
76 marks: Mix of short and long answers 15 marks: Extended response questions	76 marks: Mix of short and long answers 15 marks: Extended response questions	38 marks: Structured questions, including practical techniques 15 marks: Critical analysis of given data 25 marks: One essay

Biology is a challenging, but rewarding course and students are recommended to consider A-Level Chemistry to complement their studies.