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BIOLOGY

(A Level)

What is Biology A level?

Biology is the study of life itself, from the complex interactions of organisms in an ecosystem to the biochemistry of DNA and proteins. Biology is central to many major scientific disciplines such as Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Biophysics. Throughout your studies you will learn the biological basis of issues ranging from HIV to cancer. You will also develop practical and analytical skills and debate the ethical issues that are central to the modern biologist. You should consider biology A level if you are interested in making links between topics you have learnt about at GCSE and if you enjoy reading about scientific developments in the news.

Exam Board: OCR

Watch our Subject Taster Video for Biology A Level

 
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What will I learn?

  • Foundations in biology; cells, biological molecules,

    DNA, enzymes, and cell division

  • Exchange and transport; exchange surfaces in animals

    and plants, circulatory system, transpiration, and

    translocation

  • Biodiversity, evolution, and disease; communicable

    diseases and the immune system, classification,

    evolution, and a field trip to carry out sampling of an ecosystem

  • Communication, homeostasis, and energy; feedback cycle, nervous system, endocrine system, excretion, plant and animal responses, and bioenergetics

  • Genetics, evolution, and ecosystems; inheritance,

    genetic disorders, biotechnology, cloning, and

    sustainability

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How will I be assessed?

  • 100% exam (11% Multiple Choice)

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Entry requirements

Two grade 7s in Combined Science or Triple Science (must have 7 in Biology)

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Where can Biology A level take me?

If you love Biology A level you might want to study biological sciences, biochemistry, biology, psychology or human sciences. A scientific A level is also an excellent grounding for any degree. Biology A level is required for medicine, dentistry and veterinary science degrees.

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Further reading and watching

Genome: The Autobiography of a Species in 23 Chapters - Matt Ridley

The Seven Daughters of Eve - Brian Sykes

There are always new developments in biology so reading the science pages of a quality newspaper will also be excellent A Level preparation.