If you are enjoying your studies of living organisms and their role in the environment during your GCSE studies, then this course will certainly appeal to you. Traditionally, it is one of the most popular subjects in the Post-16 curriculum, not only amongst students wishing to work in the fields of health and the environment. Students planning on studying Biology at University should also consider studying Chemistry A level.

You are expected to have achieved at least B grades at Science and Additional Science or in Biology.

You will study three modules for your AS level in Year 12:

BY1.     Basic Biochemistry and Cell Organisation
BY2.     Biodiversity and Physiology of Body Systems
BY3.     Practical assessment

Then there will be a further three modules for A level in Year 13:

BY4.     Metabolism, Microbiology and Homeostasis
BY5.     A Enviroment, Genetics and Evolution
             B Synoptic Assessment
BY6.     Practical assessment
             Synoptic practical assessment

Most of the teaching is based on discussing how specific organisms and the systems within these organisms work. You will learn to apply Biological principles in a range of applications. Practical work is undertaken regularly and is used as a basis for discussion and problem solving. You are encouraged to make use of the library resources such as the textbooks, journals and the wealth of research material on the Internet.