Biology A Level
Course Overview
Of all the sciences, advances in Biology have been unprecedented over recent years and promise to continue to be so in the future. Many of these advances, and the issues surrounding them, have been integrated into our Biology syllabus, such as the growing field of epigenetics and genomic medicine, all while tackling big issues such as the ethics of using animals in medical research.
Many aspects of the course regularly appear on the national news (recent examples being climate change, viruses, and clinical trials for new drugs). You will focus on our physical bodies, looking at how the human body functions when both well and unwell, why the government is so keen for us to exercise, explore heart and lung physiology, and drugs in sport. There is also significant overlap with A Levels in Geography (ecosystems, succession, conservation of species and climate change), PE (human anatomy and physiology), and Psychology (brain structure and function, and how we perceive the visual world).
As with the other sciences, the study of Biology helps you to build up skills in research, problem-solving, organisation and analytical skills. Some of the content we cover includes Chemistry and Maths, but it is not necessary for you to study these alongside Biology at A Level; we will teach you all the Chemistry and Maths that you need to know.
To support your exams, your abilities in effective memorising techniques, applying knowledge, analysis and evaluation will also be developed to maximise your final grade. Our detailed and extensive support materials will hugely benefit you over the two years of the course. Practical work is a critical part of the programme, so we will work to enhance your skills to enable a smooth transition to university or employment.
Year 1 Modules
- Lifestyle, health and risk
- Genes and health
- Voice of the genome
- Biodiversity and natural resources
Year 2 Modules
- On the wild side
- Immunity, infection and forensics
- Run for your life
- Grey matter
Key Info
Minimum Entry Requirement
- Five GCSEs at Grade 5 including:
- Grade 6 in GCSE Maths
- Grade 6 in GCSE Biology
- Grade 6 in another GCSE Science or GCSE Double Science
- Grade 4 in GCSE English Language or GCSE English Literature
Assessment
- 100% Exam
- Exam Board: Edexcel
221
Total students
17
Average class size
Why choose this course?
Biology is a fascinating subject, so it is ideal for anyone who has a curiosity about the natural world and all the living things within it. Biology opens up a vast range of opportunities for both university degrees and career options, many of which can take you all around the world.
A fascination with animals, plants and humans, the environment, conservation, biotechnology and complex living systems are just some reasons why Biology should be your subject choice. Biology is one of those subjects that blends theoretical and practical understanding with analytical skills.
We have developed close links with the Gurdon Institute, Cancer Research UK, the Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, and AstraZeneca, and participate in site visits whenever possible. We participate in the Babraham Institute’s Schools Day, and send students to Cambridge University’s Pharmacology Department (Young Pharmas course).
In addition, we have a dedicated and bespoke programme of activities to support our aspiring medical and veterinary students, which includes input from Cambridge University students, and practice medical school interviews with our Senior Leadership Team.
Skills you'll gain
At secondary school, you will have started to develop effective memorising techniques. We will work with you to improve these skills, to enable you to retain the large amounts of information required to be successful. As with the other sciences, the study of Biology also helps you to build up skills in research, problem-solving, organisation and analytical skills.
To support your exams, your abilities in applying knowledge, analysis and evaluation will also be developed to maximise your final grade. Our detailed and extensive support materials will hugely benefit you over the two years of the course.
Practical work is a critical part of the programme, so we will work to enhance your skills to enable a smooth transition to university or employment.
After Long Road
There is an exceptionally wide range of careers available to Biology students. These range from lab-based or fieldwork research anywhere in the world, to medical and health-related careers.
Students who recently completed their course with us are taking Genetics at Birmingham University, Dentistry at Bristol University, Medicine at Keele University, Biomedical Sciences at Manchester University, Biology at Nottingham University and Zoology at Southampton University. We have also had students move onto apprenticeship courses in the scientific field.
It’s a broad subject that covers so many interesting topics, ranging from looking at tiny cells to large organisms and ecosystems. Also, who doesn’t love dissections and bacterial experiments! I particularly like learning about how the body works and being able to apply the biological mechanics of everything to everyday life.
