Useful Information
Biology is a rapidly growing and popular field of science. It plays a crucial role in environmental protection, agricultural advancements, and healthcare developments.
The course offers students the opportunity to understand the impact of biology on their daily lives, enabling them to make informed decisions as we progress into the twenty-first century. The course covers a wide range of biological disciplines with a focus on applied knowledge, from microscopic organisms to the study of the entire planet's living organisms.
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Course Overview
The A Level qualification consists of three examinations, all of which are taken at the end of the two-year course. The exams include:
1. The Natural Environment and Species Survival (worth 33% - 2-hour written exam, covering components 1, 2, and 3)
2. Energy, Exercise, and Coordination (worth 33% - 2-hour written exam, covering components 1, 2, and 4)
3. Synoptic paper called General and Practical Applications in Biology (worth 33% - 2-hour written exam, covering all four theory components)
Additionally, at A Level, students receive recognition for their observed practical skills as either Pass or Fail, which is recorded in the certificate but does not contribute to the overall grade. The A Level consists of four compulsory theory components:
1. Lifestyles, Transport, Genes, and Health
2. Development, Plants, and the Environment
3. The Natural Environment and Species Survival
4. Energy, Exercise, and Coordination
To succeed in this course, students should:
- Have a genuine interest in the living world
- Be committed and hardworking
- Enjoy researching new ideas
- Demonstrate good problem-solving and communication skills
- Be proficient in problem-solving and working with numbers
The Biology course is entirely exam-based, although the A Level requires a Scientific Practical Endorsement. The exam board for this A Level is Pearson Edexcel.
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Course Highlights
The college organizes educational experiences, including trips and presentations by visiting speakers, to help students contextualize their learning.
It is expected that students engage in at least 5 hours of study per week outside the classroom. Additionally, all students participate in fieldwork, including a residential field trip (approximately costing £300).
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Career Opportunities & Further Study
A Biology qualification is suitable for degree courses such as Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Radiography, Physiotherapy, Nursing, Nutrition, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Horticulture, Agriculture, and Sports Science.
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Assessment
The Biology course is 100% exam-based, with the A Level requiring a Scientific Practical Endorsement.
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Entry Requirements
Students aiming to pursue A Levels in their program should have (or expect to achieve) at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English at grade 6 and mathematics at grade 7.
They will also need a satisfactory school reference and meet the following minimum GCSE requirement: Grade 7 in Core and Additional Science or a Grade 7 in Biology, and any other Science if taken.
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Web Category
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