A Level Biology
Why Study Biology?
Saving threatened species, studying microbes, curing diseases? Today’s world offers many challenges to a biologist. Which ones are you interested in? With exciting advances in areas such as genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, the environment and marine science – there is no greater time to be studying Biology.
The department is well resourced and we try to make the subject as hands-on as possible – organising trips to spend the day at Wakehurst to learn more about gel electrophoresis and the Millennium seed back and a trip to Biology Live to hear current research from famous British biologists.
We also make use of our beautiful grounds to study biodiversity through sampling.
What are the Career Opportunities?
Whether deciding on a career in medicine, genetics, forensics, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, biochemistry, psychology, sports science, conservation or journalism, a biological qualification gives you many skills and increases your career options so you can adapt to the world changing around you.
Course Outline
| Module 1 – Development of practical skills in Biology | |
| Skills of planning, implementing, analysis and evaluation. | |
| Module 2 – Foundations in Biology | |
| Includes: Cell structure; Biological molecules; Nucleotides and nucleic acids; Enzymes; Biological membranes; Cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation. | |
| Module 3 – Exchange and transport | Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution and disease |
| Includes: • Exchange surfaces • Transport in animals • Transport in plants. | Includes: • Communicable diseases, disease prevention and the immune system • Biodiversity • Classification and evolution. |
| Module 5 – Communication, homeostasis and energy | Module 6 – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems |
| Includes: • Communication and homeostasis • Excretion as an example of homeostatic control • Neuronal communication • Hormonal communication • Plant and animal responses • Photosynthesis • Respiration. | Includes: • Cellular control • Patterns of inheritance •Manipulating genomes • Cloning and biotechnology • Ecosystems • Populations and sustainability. |
