Biology

Course summary

A-level Biology explores the theories and principles involved in living systems in all their intricate beauty. You will learn about a wide range of topics, including pathogens and infections, cells, conservation, and ecosystems, and the course will give you a solid grounding in analytical thinking, writing reports, and clear communication – all of which are useful life skills. You will undertake lab and field experiments that underpin the theoretical study; they also hone your teamwork and practical skills. Biology is always seen as a challenging, academic, and rigorous A-level that will impress a lot of universities and employers, therefore a qualification in the biological sciences opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities. The course is designed for students looking at higher education, in particular degree courses that involve a scientific base and combine particularly well with A-levels in chemistry, mathematics, geography, and psychology. According to government statistics, obtaining a degree in biological sciences gives you a much greater chance of going into employment or further university study than the average. Nearly 85% of biological science graduates go into employment or further study, compared to an average of around 76% for all graduates. This is a 2-year course that encompasses both biological theory and practical skills and provides the great depth of understanding necessary to continue to higher education, including carrying out dissections, sampling, and investigating living plants and insects. The course has been designed to develop the following skills: • Using apparatus accurately and safely • Producing and recording valid and reliable measurements and observations • Presenting and analyzing data • Research skills • Identifying and evaluating resources • Clarity of oral and written expression using scientific language • Discussion and presentation skills • Note taking • Problem solving