A-LEVEL BIOLOGY - AQA

Introduction

The study of Biology at A level provides the opportunity to build on concepts and skills introduced at GCSE. Biology is exciting, relevant and challenging, and this specification emphasises the way in which scientists work and the contributions of Biology to modern society.

Assessment Framework

At AS level there are 2 written papers and a practical assessment.

Unit 1- Biology and Disease has 5 to 7 short answer questions plus 2 longer questions, a short comprehension and a short structured essay. This paper contributes 33.3% of the total AS marks and lasts 1 ¼ hours.

Unit 2- The Variety of Living Organisms has 7-9 short answer questions plus 2 longer questions (1 data handling and 1 assessing analysis and evaluation). This paper contributes 46.7% of the total AS marks and lasts 1 ¾ hours.

Unit 3- Investigative and Practical skills. Included here is a centre-assessed unit along with an Investigative Skills Assignment. 20% of the AS marks are available in this unit. A similar pattern is followed at A2 level where the units studied include populations and environment, plus control in cells and organisms.

Description of Teaching and Learning:

Unit 1: Biology and disease.

In this unit the physiology of the digestive and gas exchange systems are studied as examples of systems in which humans and other mammals exchange substances with the environment. Some of the diseases affecting these systems and others are studied including cholera and tuberculosis, along with other non-communicable diseases affecting heart and lung function.

Unit 2: The variety of living organisms.

The variety of life is extensive and this unit examines this from a variety of perspectives including genetic diversity and DNA, size and metabolic rate, and adaptations that have arisen. Classification of organisms is also studied.

Unit 3: Investigative and practical skills.

There will be a significant practical element to the AS course and opportunities for practical work arise throughout units 1 and 2. This practical work will culminate in the completion of a centre-assessed piece of work with a practical and a written element, along with the assessment of general practical skills.

At A2 level ecology, energy transfer, the nervous system and hormones are among the topics included within the Units studied.

Links to Future Careers

Medicine, Dentistry, Other allied Health Professions including Physiotherapy and Nursing, Veterinary Science, Forensic Science, Research and more.

Higher Education Successes of Former Students

Medicine, Biomedical Science, Dentistry, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Sports Science, Veterinary Science.

Additional Information

Please see Mrs Sargent (Head of Science)