Biology A/AS Level
Syllabus: AQA GCE Biology
Features of the course
The A Level course involves the study of a significantly increased depth of both biological detail and investigative skills as a natural progression from GCSE.
The course aims to encourage students to: -
- Develop essential knowledge and understanding of biology.
- Be aware of the advances in technology, often including ICT, relevant to biology.
- Recognise the value and responsibility of biology in society.
- Sustain and develop their enjoyment of, and interest in, biology.
- Extend their understanding of scientific methods.
A-level Biology lessons
The course helps students develop a number of skills: -
- How to collect data and evaluate it.
- How to investigate facts and use deduction.
- How to put over their point of view effectively.
- How to take responsibility for their own learning.
Throughout AS and A2 there is emphasis on the application of biology in currently rapidly developing fields, such as biotechnology, medicine, and environmental protection. This provides many opportunities to evaluate the ethical use of these biological advances.
A-level Biology field trips
Course content
The AS specification establishes core biological principles. It covers topics in sufficient depth for students who may not wish to continue their study of biology to A2. Students study two academic topics plus a practical assignment. The academic topics are ‘Biology and disease’ and ‘The variety of living organisms’. The practical assignment is designed to sharpen students’ investigative skills.
The A2 specification takes the biology to an even higher level, making the study of A Level Biology challenging and fulfilling. It builds on the firm foundation established at AS and it also has two academic topics plus a practical assignment. The academic topics are ‘Populations and environment’, and ‘Control in cells and organisms’. In the practical assignment, students use their well-developed practical skills to collect and statistically analyse investigative data.
Investigative and Practical Skills Assessments
AS Unit 3 and A2 Unit 6 involve assessment of the students’ investigative and practical skills. These parts of the course include 2 main aspects:
Practical Skills Assessments (PSAs) – these are assessed throughout the course by the teacher, based on the students’ skills in carrying out laboratory or field based practical work.
Investigative Skills Assessments (ISAs) – these are 75 minute tests set by AQA, based on data collected by each student through specific practical work.
Exams and Assessments
| AS Units | Assessment format | % of AS | |
| 1 | Biology and disease | Structured questions - 1¼ hours. | 33.3% |
| 2 | The variety of living organisms | Structured questions - 1¾ hours. | 46.7% |
| 3 | Investigative and practical skills | Internally assessed PSA and ISAs | 20% |
| A2 Units | Assessment format | % of A Level | |
| 4 | Populations and environment | Structured questions - 1½ hours. | 16.7% |
| 5 | Control in cells and in organisms | Structured questions and data handling synoptic questions, plus an essay - 2¼ hours. |
23.3% |
| 6 | Investigative and practical skills | Internally assessed PSAs and ISAs | 10% |
Beyond A levels
Biology combines well with chemistry, physics, sports science, psychology, maths and geography, as well as many other non-science subjects. Many students go on to undertake degrees that lead them into careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, physiotherapy, pharmacy, optometry, nursing, biotechnology, biochemistry, zoology, marine biology or forensic science.
Students who wish to progress into non-biological courses and careers, such as law, accountancy and business, will find the key skills they acquire useful.
Entry Guidelines
Grade B in GCSE Biology, or A grades in GCSE Additional Science as well as an A grade in GCSE Science (or equivalent).
