What will you do on this course?
Content is split into six teaching modules:
- Development of practical skills in Biology
- Foundations in Biology
- Exchange and transport
- Biodiversity, evolution and disease
- Communication, homeostasis and energy
- Genetics, evolution and ecosystems
There are also a variety of trips and excursions to support the curriculum content.
How will you be assessed?
At A Level there are 3 written papers.
- Biological processes (100 marks, 2 hours 15 minutes, 37% of the total mark)
- Biological diversity (100 marks, 2 hours 15 minutes, 37% of the total mark)
- Unified Biology (70 marks, 1 hour and 30 minutes, 24% of the total mark)
There isn’t any coursework in A Level Biology. Practical skills will be tested in the exams. At A Level, a practical endorsement certificate can be awarded on completion of a minimum of 12 practical skills competencies. These are assessed internally.
What could this course lead to?
Following this course will allow you to make informed and valid conclusions about many of the ethical, environmental and biotechnological issues which occur today. The course provides sound academic training and develops skills in essay writing, practical work, and data handling. Furthermore, the course delivers a considerable body of knowledge, which will provide you with a strong foundation for a variety of scientific courses and careers. Medicine, Biochemistry, Ecology and Physiology are common pathways that students of Biology A Level follow.
Requirements
Students wishing to progress onto this course should have achieved a grade 6 or higher in Biology GCSE or Combined Science GCSE. International students should have comparable results or experience.
What syllabus do you follow?
OCR H420
