AS/A Level Biology

Start Date

Mon Sep 09 2024

Day / Time

Weekdays

Duration

1 year

Campus

Baltic Campus

AS/A Level Biology

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Biology is relevant to every aspect of your life.

An understanding of the principles of biology will allow you to appreciate not only how our bodies work and how diseases stop them working, but also the fragility of life on Earth.

In addition, a biologist understands the potential benefits and dangers of genetic engineering.

Once you grasp the full significance of biology be prepared to look at the world in a new light because some day a biologist may change it beyond recognition.

To study biology you must be prepared to ask difficult questions.

You have to reject the bland unscientific statements and sound bites that the media throw at you and be prepared to appreciate everything around you from a biological standpoint.

It has to be said that you will have to learn a lot of detailed facts and apply them in an intelligent manner.

If you are inquisitive about the world, you will love biology.

What can I study alongside this A Level?

Many of our students who choose to study biology, will also study another science subject and/or maths.

However, there are grade implications with this subject. An 7-9 (A/A*) grade at GCSE in science must be achieved to secure your place on this course.

You could also choose to study psychology or English alongside biology.

Year 1 - AS Level

The first year in biology places a great emphasis on knowledge and understanding of key biological theory:

Breathing
Cells
Circulation
Classification
Differentiation
Digestion
Disease
Diversity
Enzymes
Exchange
Genetic code
Immunity
Molecules
Pathogens
Reproduction
Risk factors
Transport systems
Variation

Year 2 - A Level

The second year modules lead to a full A Level in biology and the emphasis is on application and analysis of the key concepts learnt on the AS course plus concepts of:

Co-ordination
Ecosystems
Energy transfer
Gene cloning techniques
Gene expression
Homeostasis
Inheritance
Mutations
Nutrient cycles
Photosynthesis
Populations
Respiration
Selection

Assessment

Your knowledge and skills will be tested in a variety of ways, including:

Frequent topic tests
Mock assessments
Practical assessments
Exams

Next Steps

Each level lasts one year each. When you've completed the AS Level you can progress to A Level.

Once you've completed two years, the range of degrees you could study include:

The top universities and employers are looking for a science at A Level as an indication of analytical skills; so other Biology students choose degree subjects such as Economics and Business Studies.

As everyone becomes aware of climate change, there is also a growing interest in degree courses on Environmental Sciences.

A Biology A Level is an essential entry requirement for all these courses.

Required Entry Qualifications

You will need to achieve grade 6 in English and maths GCSEs.

You will also need to achieve a grade 7 in GCSE Biology or a 76 in GCSE Combined Science.

If you do not meet this profile please still come to an enrolment event to discuss all your options with a member of the A Level Team.

An interview is also required.

Finance and funding

This course is free to those aged under 19 years old.

Most people aged 19 years and over can qualify for free course fees and there are grants and bursaries you can apply for to help cover the costs of coming to college, depending on your circumstances.

For one to one advice, contact our friendly team who will assess your individual circumstances and give you the right information. You can contact them on 0191 490 2246, [email protected] or via Live Chat or pop along to one of our Enrolment Events.