Biology

Course summary

The AQA specification builds on the knowledge, understanding, and skills you will have acquired studying GCSE combined science or GCSE biology. It follows a logical sequence of topics including cells and biological molecules through to physiology and ecology, providing a balanced and coherent study of biology, in which principles are developed, revisited, and reinforced throughout the course. The subject content is relevant to real-world experiences and is interesting to learn. AQA biology is a linear course with terminal examinations at the end of the A-level year. There is no coursework on this course. However, your performance during practicals will be assessed. The A-level course has 8 topics: Biological molecules Cells Organisms exchange substances with their environment Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms Energy transfers in and between organisms Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments Genetics, populations, evolution, and ecosystems The control of gene expression An important part of the course will be taught through a three-day residential field course in Anglesey. Practicals: Biology, like all sciences, is a practical subject. Throughout the course, you will carry out practical activities including: Using microscopes to see cell division. Dissection of animal or plant systems. Aseptic technique to study microbial growth. Investigating activity within cells. Investigating animal behaviors. Investigating distributions of species in the environment.