A Level Biology
What is subject about?
Do you wish to:
- Develop your interest in and enthusiasm for Biology, including developing an interest in further study and careers in the subject?
- Appreciate how society makes decision about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society?
- Develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of, and understanding of, how living organisms interact?
Then A Level Biology is for you! Choose Biology if you want to:
- Work in well-equipped specialist rooms
- Be taught by well qualified staff, experienced in teaching at this level and in preparing students for medical school and related opportunities.
Course Units - 2 at AS / 2 at A2
- AS 1: Molecules and Cells
- AS 2: Organisms and Biodiversity
- AS 3: Practical Skills in AS Biology
- A2 1: Physiology, Coordination and Control and Ecosystems
- A2 2: Biochemistry, Genetics and Evolutionary Trends
- A2 3: Practical skills in Biology
Studying Biology helps us to understand the changes happening in our society and developments in medical science such as:
- Cloning
- Genetics
- The Human Genome Project
- Biotechnology
- Ethics
A Level Biology Entry Requirements
This qualification requires pupils to have:
7 GCSEs A*-C - including a grade B in GCSE Biology. A Grade B or above in Chemistry would also be useful. Pupils who have taken Single Award Science would not be advised to study Biology at A level.
The knowledge and skills set I developed, whilst studying A-Level Biology, have equipped me for the demands of a degree in medicine.
Ciaran O'Farrell - Past Pupil
This course could lead to careers and higher education in:
- Research: Research biologists study the natural world, using the latest scientific tools and techniques in both laboratory settings and the outdoors, to understand how living systems work.
- Health care: Biologists may develop public health campaigns to defeat illnesses such as tuberculosis, AIDS, cancer, and heart disease. Others work to prevent the spread of rare, deadly diseases, such as the now infamous Ebola virus. Vets tend to sick and injured animals, and doctors, dentists, nurses, and other health care professionals maintain the general health and well being of their patients.
- Environmental management and conservation: Biologists in management and conservation careers are interested in solving environmental problems and preserving the natural world for future generations. Park rangers protect state and national parks, help preserve their natural resources, and educate the general public. Zoo biologists carry out endangered species recovery programs. In addition, management and conservation biologists often work with members of a community such as landowners and special interest groups to develop and implement management plans.
- Education: Life science educators enjoy working with people and encouraging them to learn new things, whether in a classroom, a research lab, the field, or a museum.
- Colleges and universities: Professors and lecturers teach introductory and advanced biology courses. They may also mentor students with projects and direct research programs.
- Primary and secondary schools: Teaching younger students requires a general knowledge of science and skill at working with different kinds of learners. High school teachers often specialize in biology and teach other courses of personal interest.
- Science museums, zoos, aquariums, parks, and nature centers: Educators in these settings may design exhibits and educational programs, in addition to teaching special classes or leading tours.
New directions in biological careers: There are many careers for biologists who want to combine their scientific training with interests in other fields. Here are some examples:
- Biotechnology: Biologists apply scientific principles to develop and enhance products, tools, and technological advances in fields such as agriculture, food science, and medicine.
- Forensic science: Forensic biologists work with police departments and other law enforcement agencies using scientific methods to discover and process evidence that can be used to solve crimes.
- Politics and policy: Science advisors work with lawmakers to create new legislation on topics such as biomedical research and environmental protection. Their input is essential, ensuring that decisions are based upon solid science.
- Business and industry: Biologists work with drug companies and providers of scientific products and services to research and test new products. They also work in sales, marketing, and public relations positions.
- Economics: Trained professionals work with the government and other organizations to study and address the economic impacts of biological issues, such as species extinctions, forest protection, and environmental pollution.
- Mathematics: Biologists in fields such as bioinformatics and computational biology apply mathematical techniques to solve biological problems, such as modelling ecosystem processes and gene sequencing.
- Science writing and communication: Journalists and writers with a science background inform the general public about relevant and emerging biological issues.
- Art: All the illustrations in your biology textbook, as well as in newspaper and magazine science articles, were created by talented artists with a thorough understanding of biology.