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

Factsheet

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 EDEXCEL website (www.edexcel.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. If you have a grade C in maths you will be asked to sit an entrance test to confirm you are suitable for the course. If you have achieved a minimum of a double B grade in the double award in Science, your application may be considered. A GCSE in your home or first language, other than English, cannot be counted as one of the 5 qualifying GCSEs.

About the course

The A Level programme includes weekly group tutorials and regular one-to-one tutorials with your personal tutor. All students will have functional skills sessions or critical thinking sessions.

AS Units EDEXCEL 8BI01

• Unit 1 Lifestyle, transport, genes and health (40% of total AS mark). Structure/function of biological molecules, cell membrane structure and properties, DNA, RNA and protein synthesis, monohybrid inheritance, mutations and principles of gene therapy.
• Unit 2 Development, plants and environment (40% of total AS mark). Cell ultra structure, meiosis, genotype and environment, stem cell research, biodiversity, natural selection, taxonomy, plant cells, transport of water in plants and uses of plant products.
• Unit 3 Practical biology and research skills (20% of total AS mark). No exam. Students write a 2000 word report on a visit to a site of biological interest or on a research topic.

A2 Units EDEXCEL 9BI01

• Unit 4 The natural environment and species survival (40% of total A2 mark). Photosynthesis and energy in ecosystems, global warming, evolution and speciation, nutrient recycling, DNA profiling and PCR, structure of bacteria and viruses, infectious disease and immunology.
• Unit 5 Energy, exercise and co-ordination (40% of total A2 mark). ATP, glycolysis and respiration, control of the heart and ventilation, homeostasis, the nervous system, exercise and the body, hormonal coordination, brain development and structure, the Human Genome Project.
• Unit 6 Practical biology and investigative skills (20% of total A2 mark). No exam. Students report on an investigation they devise and carry out independently.

How will I be assessed?

Exams are 1¼ hours for units 1 and 2 and 1½ hours long for units 4 and 5. There are plenty of experiments to support the theory work. Coursework is moderated and in some cases fully marked by the board; coursework is worth 33% of the final grade.

Where next?

Biology leads 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 A Level Science Pathway Factsheet and click on Apply Now. You will then be asked to select up to 4 A 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.