A Level Biology will enhance your understanding and appreciation of living organisms, how they function and interact with one another. You will discuss and research issues in the news with a focus on genetics and biotechnology, plan experiments, collect data, analyse experimental results and make conclusions. You will learn how scientific models are developed, the applications and implications of science, benefits and risks and how society uses science to make decisions. There are plenty of experiments to support theory work.

A Level Biology is part of The Sciences Pathway, which also includes Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths (AS), Psychology and Physics. You will choose 4 AS Level subjects from this pathway in your first year, and then choose 3 subjects to study at A2 in your second year.

Key course features

Qualification: GCE A Level

Level: Level 3

Mode: Full-time

Timetable: This forms part of a full time programme of study of under 16 hours per week. You will receive your timetable when you enrol.

Start Date: September 2013

Fees: For fee information please refer to The Sciences Pathway

Who is this course for?

Biology is the right choice if you:

• Have an interest in and enjoy biology, and want to find out about how things work in the biological world by the application of imaginative, logical thinking.
• Want to use biology to progress onto further studies, support other qualifications or enter biology-based employment.
• Are taking A Levels in other sciences and/or maths.

If you need to know more to help you decide whether this is the course for you, you may like to visit the GCE Biology pages on the OCR website (www.ocr.org.uk). This also includes recommended texts for the course which you could look at.

Entry requirements

You should have a minimum of 5 appropriate GCSEs at grades A*-C, including maths at grade B or higher and at least grade C in biology as a single subject or an A or A* in core or additional science. If you have have core and additional science at grade B, you will be asked to sit an entrance test in biology. We cannot accept core and additional science at grade C for entry to A Level Biology. A GCSE in your home or first language, other than English, cannot be counted as one of the 5 qualifying GCSEs.

About the course

AS Units OCR H021

• Unit F211 - Cells, exchange and transport (30% of total AS marks). Cell structure, cell membranes, cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation, exchange surfaces and breathing, transport in animals, transport in plants.
• Unit F212 - Molecules, biodiversity, food and health (50% of total AS marks). Biological molecules, nucleic acids, enzymes, diet and food production, health and disease, biodiversity, classification, evolution, maintaining biodiversity.
• Unit F213 - Practical skills in biology 1 (20% of total AS marks). Students carry out practical tasks using instructions supplied by OCR.

A2 Units OCR H421

• Unit F214 - Communication, homeostasis and energy (30% of total A2 marks). Communication, nerves, hormones, excretion, photosynthesis, respiration.
• Unit F215 - Control, genomes and environment (50% of total A2 marks). Cellular control, meiosis and variation, cloning in plants and animals, biotechnology, genomes and gene technologies, ecosystems, populations and sustainability, plant responses, animal responses, animal behaviour.
• Unit F216 - Practical skills in biology 2 (20% of total A2 marks). Students carry out practical tasks using instructions supplied by OCR.

How will I be assessed?

Exams are 1 hour for unit 1, 1¾ hours for unit 2, 1¼ hours for unit 4 and 2 hours for unit 5. There are plenty of experiments to support the theory work. Practical skills units are comprised of three practical tasks. Tasks are marked internally, using mark schemes provided by OCR. Work is moderated by OCR. All A2 units are synoptic.

Where next?

Biology can lead to a wide range of courses and careers, including an undergraduate degree in life sciences, medicine, environmental science, forensic science or an HND, or employment in areas of biological testing, biotechnology, independent research and the food industry.

How to apply?

You cannot apply online for this individual A Level course. To apply, please go to The Sciences Pathway factsheet and click on Apply Now. You will then be asked to select up to 4 AS Level subjects as part of a full-time programme of study. You may be able to change your A Level pathway and subject options when you enrol.