AS / A2 Biology

WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?
Biology is the science of life and studies how organisms function and interact. Biology is a wide-ranging science which can affect everyone through medical science and scientific developments such as curing genetic diseases, developing drugs, fertility treatments and improving nutrition.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?
At AS you study the units; Biology and Disease and The Variety of Living Organisms. For A2 you will build on the knowledge learnt at AS. You will study the units; Populations and Environment and Control in Cells and in Organisms. You cover topics such as biochemistry, gene technology, exchange and transport of substances in organisms and genetics. There is an emphasis on applying your knowledge to unfamiliar situations.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
You take three units for the AS and three further units for A2. Two units in each year are assessed by examination and the third is based on a practical investigation. As part of your final A2 exam you are required to write an essay drawing on knowledge learnt over the entire Biology course. Your progress will be monitored through homework and progress tests.

WHAT SKILLS AND SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED?
You will work independently and with others to develop your team working skills through practical investigations, role play, model-making and discussions. You will also need to be able to recall large amounts of complex information. There is an emphasis on data analysis and you will be required to develop your maths skills, especially as you study statistics at A2. You should be prepared to work hard.

You should have a minimum GCSE grade C (Higher Tier) in both GCSE Science and Additional Science or GCSE Biology or Chemistry, together with at least a grade C in Maths and a minimum average GCSE pass of C.

WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?
The knowledge and skills you develop will give you a wide range of career opportunities from Medicine, Veterinary Science, Environmental Health, Pharmacy, Sports Science, Animal Health and Psychology to Teaching and Television, Management and Marketing.

PRIESTLEY EXTRA
You have the opportunity to study Biology in a wider context through field trips and day trips which may include museum visits, revision conferences, lectures and practical workshops. We encourage you to broaden your knowledge by giving you ideas about wider reading and offering subscriptions to Biological Sciences Review magazine.