Biology is the natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy.

APS 5.5 or above
GCSE English Language grade 4 or above
GCSE Mathematics grade 4 or above
66 or above in Combined Science or 6 or above in Biology

Where a 7 in Mathematics, 7 in Biology or 7-7 in Combined Science is secured, an APS below 5.5 will be considered.

3.1 Biological Molecules

Students will study the biochemistry shared by all life on Earth.

3.2 Cells

Students will study the structure of different types of cells, in particular, that of the cell surface membrane and its role in cell signalling, communication, recognition and immunity.

3.3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment

Students will be studying how the internal environment of a cell or organism is different from its external environment, and how they are adapted for exchange.

3.4 Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

Students will be examining biological diversity and how differences between species reflect genetic differences.

3.5 Energy transfers in and between organisms

Students will study photosynthesis and respiration.

3.6 Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments

Students study the nervous system and how responses to changes in the internal or external environment are coordinated.

3.7 Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems

Students study inheritance, variation in populations and natural selection.

3.8 Gene Expression and Gene Technology

Students will study how cells are able to regulate the synthesis of proteins to control their metabolic activities and explore the laboratory based technology used in studying the genome and current applications of this.

Practical Endorsement

Over the 2 year course you will complete 12 Required Practicals during which your teacher assesses you for Practical Endorsement, which is useful for further study or employment in Sciences.

Paper 1
Written exam: 2 hours

91 marks: 76 marks – a mixture of short and long answer questions;
15 marks – extended response questions
35% of A Level

Paper 2
Written exam: 2 hours

91 marks: 76 marks – a mixture of short and long answer questions;
15 marks – comprehensive question
35% of A Level

Paper 3
Written exam: 2 hours

78 marks: 38 marks – structured questions, including practical techniques; 15 marks – critical analysis of given experimental data;
25 marks – one essay from a choice of two titles
30% of A Level

Biology is a great choice of subject for people who want a career in health and clinical professions, such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, physiotherapy, pharmacy, optometry, nursing, zoology, marine biology or forensic science. Students could also use it for careers in research or in industry. Learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with specific higher education providers.