Biology

Why study Biology?

Biology is fundamental in the most literal sense of the word. It is all about how organisms live, breed, breathe and die and how they interact. Studying Biology gives students an understanding of the impact of our actions on our environment as well as understanding how our bodies function.

Biology is fundamentally an experimental subject. There are numerous opportunities to use practical experiences to link theory to reality, and equip students with the essential practical skills they need.

Exam Board:

AQA: www.aqa.org.uk

Course Outline:

Core content

Year 12:

Biological molecules
Cells
Organisms exchange substances with their environment
Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

Year 13:

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

How you are assessed:

The Biology qualification is linear. Linear means that students sit all the A-level exams at the end of their A-level course. Students sit three two-hour papers in the summer of year 13.

Paper 1:

Any content from topics 5–8, including relevant practical skills
written exam: 2 hours
35% of A-level
91 marks
- 76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions
- 15 marks: comprehension question

Paper 2: