A Level: Biology

Course title: Advanced GCE in Biology

Exam board: AQA

Subject specific entry criteria: Minimum Grade 7 in GCSE Biology or Grade 7-7 in GCSE Combined Science. In addition, due to the content of the new GCSE specifications, we recommend that students have taken separate sciences at GCSE.

Course overview

Core content

  1. Biological Molecules
  2. Cells
  3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment
  4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
  5. Energy transfers in and between organisms (A Level only)
  6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environment (A Level only)
  7. Genetics, populations, evolution and external environments (A Level only)
  8. The control of gene expression (A Level only)
Assessment overview

A Level assessment outline

  • Paper 1 (35% of A Level)
  • One 2-hour exam
  • Content from Topics 1 – 4 is assessed. This paper will include both short and long answer questions and extended response questions.
  • Paper 2 (35% of A Level)
  • One 2-hour exam
  • Content from Topics 5 – 8 is assessed. This paper will include both short and long answer questions and comprehension questions.
  • Paper 3 (30% of A Level)
  • One 2-hour exam
  • Content from Topics 1 – 8 is assessed. This paper will include structured questions, critical analysis of experimental data and one essay from a choice of two titles.

All three exams to be taken in June in Year 13.

Practical endorsement

Twelve compulsory assessed practicals to be completed over the course of two years.

Future progression

All the leading universities offer BSc Biology or similar. The leading universities will require A Level qualifications of A*AA to ABB for access to most Biological Science degrees. Each university has its own specific entry requirement. Often an accompanying Science A Level is preferred.

Potential careers

A degree in Biology can lead to careers in ecology, forensic science, genetic engineering, marine biology, medicine, pharmaceuticals, physiotherapy, research and development, and much more. Some of these jobs may require you to gain further skills or do further study to enter and/or progress.

How to succeed in Biology

You will need:

  • to have a great enthusiasm to learn and study Biology and a determination to succeed
  • a strong interest in the living world and its complexities
  • to face challenges in your studies with resilience and resourcefulness
  • to be confident in your ability to face the different aspects of assessment, including practical and investigative skills, short answer questions, comprehension and continuous prose answers
  • excellent practical, analytical and thinking skills.
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