BIOLOGY

WHY STUDY BIOLOGY?

Biology is one of the most popular A Level subjects in the country, attracting students studying a wide range of other subjects. Many of these students enjoy the subject so much they eventually choose a biologically related degree course. Others go on to careers in law, computing, accounting or teaching. So, whatever field you will eventually work in, you will find biology a very rewarding and challenging course which will develop many of the skills essential for a successful career. Biology involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics, ranging from molecular biology to the study of ecosystems and from microorganisms to mammoths. Biology is never far from the headlines either. 

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COURSE CONTENT

• Development of practical skills in biology 

• Cell structure 

• Biological molecules 

• Nucleotides and nucleic acids 

• Enzymes 

• Biological membranes

• Cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation 

• Plant and animal responses 

• Photosynthesis 

• Respiration 

• Cellular control 

• Patterns of inheritance 

• Manipulating genomes 

• Cloning and biotechnology 

• Ecosystems 

• Populations and sustainability

• Exchange surfaces 

• Transport in animals  

• Transport in plants 

• Communicable diseases, disease prevention and the immune system 

• Biodiversity 

• Classification and evolution 

• Communication and homeostasis 

• Excretion as an example of homeostatic control

• Neuronal communication

• Hormonal communication

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RECOMMENDED RESOURCES:

• Introducing Philosophy of Science - Ziauddin Sardar

• Introducing Statistics - Eileen Magnello & Borin Van Loon

• Introducing Genetics - Steve Jones & Borin Van Loon

• How we live and why we die: the secret lives of cells - Lewis Wolpert

• Don't Die Young: An Anatomist's Guide to Your Organs and Your Health - Alice Roberts

• Introducing Darwin - Jonathan Miller & Borin Van Loon

• Introducing Evolution: A Graphic Guide - Dylan Evans & Howard Selina

• The Blind Watchmaker - Richard Dawkins

• The Origin of Species - Charles Darwin

•  The Language of the Genes - Steve Jones

• The Selfish Gene - Richard Dawkins

• The Incredible Human Journey - Alice Roberts

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ASSESSMENTS

Exam Papers

Paper 1 : Biological Processes

2hrs 15mins (37%)

Paper 2: Biological Diversity

2hrs 15mins (37%)

Paper 3: Unified Biology

1hr 30mins (26%)

 

Non-exam Assessments

12 internally moderated practicals

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HIGHER EDUCATION ROUTES

Medicine / Veterinary / Dentistry / Biochemistry / Molecular Biology / Forensic science / Sports Science / Psychology / Sociology

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POTENTIAL CAREERS

​Research / Lecturing / Pharmaceuticals / Medicine / Journalism / Teaching / Science Communication / Zoology / Museums / Sport Science / Forensics  

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