Science Faculty - Department of Biology

AS/A2 Level
Exam board: AQA

For further information on our Post-16 courses please click here.

What is Biology? 

It is different to each and every one of us.

Biology is what makes us, it is how our body functions and it is all around us. Biology looks into microscopic detail of how we are made and into the world that surround us.

Is Biology for you?

Biology at A-level is for those people who have enjoyed this aspect of their Science GCSE and wish to further develop their understanding of Biological principles and applications. Students study a wide range of Biological topics in depth, including cells and cell processes, the immune system, the circulatory system, the nervous system and health and disease. Students also have the opportunity to investigate Biological principles using practical work which forms part of the assessment units at both AS and A2 level.

If you have found Biology interesting and enjoyable at GCSE, if you are prepared to commit to keeping up with the course by taking responsibility for your own learning outside lessons, to read around the subject, and to work hard in a well organized and methodical way, then Biology is for you!

What can it lead to?

Studying Biology at A Level is extremely useful for entrance into many higher education courses eg: Medicine, Dentristry, Microbiology, Physiotherapy, Biological Sciences, Marine Sciences, Biochemistry, Veterinary Science and pharmocology. Biology alaso develelops trasnferable skills that could lead in to science journalism, wildlife photograpghy and broadcasting. Biology complements all A Level subjects.

What will you study and how will you be examined?

In AS, the module breakdown is as follows.

Topics Covered at AS Level

BIOL1

• Pathogens and disease
• Digestion and enzymes
• Membranes and transport
• Heart and lungs
• Blood and immunity

BIOL2 

• Classification, variation and genetic diversity
• DNA and meiosis
• Biochemistry and cellular organisation
• Mitosis and the cell cycle
• Gas exchange and water transport in plants
• Antibiotics and antibiotic resistance

BIOL3

This unit will assess the ability to:

• demonstrate and describe ethical, safe and skilful practical techniques
• make, record and communicate reliable and valid observations and measurements with appropriate precision and accuracy
• analyse, interpret, explain, and evaluate the methodology, results and impact of their own and others' experimental and investigatory activities in a variety of ways.

In AS, the module breakdown is as follows (50% of the course has already been done via AS).

Topics Covered at A2 Level

BIOL4

• Investigating populations
• Respiration and photosynthesis
• Energy, ecosystems and nutrient cycles

BIOL5

• Nervous and hormonal control
• Receptors
• Muscle contraction
• Homeostasis
• DNA, protein synthesis, and gene mutations
• Gene regulation, gene cloning and gene therapy

BIOL6

• Skills as Unit 3 AS level

For more detail of the syllabus please visit the AQA website or click here.

KEY EXAM DATES AS Biology 2011/2012:

BIOL1: Written AQA Exam 14^th May 2012 am

BIOL2: Written AQA Exam 21^st May 2012 pm

KEY EXAM DATES A2 Biology 2011/2012:

BIOL4: Written AQA Exam 25^th January 2012 am

BIOL4: Written AQA Exam 15^th June 2012 am (RESIT)

BIOL5: Written AQA Exam 22^nd June 2012 am