Course Overview
This course can either be studied at Wakefield College or Selby College.
Biology is central to many contemporary scientific issues including the environment, genetic engineering, stem cell research, biofuels, and sustainability of the human food chain. In addition to these, you will explore well-known topic areas such as biochemistry, physiology, and cell biology in further detail. Studying A level Biology will enhance your problem-solving, analytical, evaluative, and numerical skills.
This course would suit anyone who has a keen interest in science and is fascinated with how living things work.
What You Will Study
You will study a range of topic areas, including:
- Biological Molecules
- Cells
- Immunology
- DNA and Genetic Engineering
- The Environment
Each topic is covered in a real-world context, making the content both relevant and interesting to study. As a student of A level Biology, you will gain a range of valuable skills, transferable to further study, higher level apprenticeships and employment. Students are encouraged to take part in a variety of enrichment activities such as national competitions, trips and engaging with guest speakers as well as heightening their interest and understanding of the subject through wider reading and STEM activities.
You will experience a mixture of class teaching, research activities, group work and independent tasks. The course contains a significant amount of practical laboratory work which is used to contextualise and consolidate theoretical aspects. Students are continually assessed during practical sessions, with successful completion of these resulting in the awarding of a Practical Endorsement alongside their final examination grade.
- How You Will Be Assessed
Throughout the course your level of attainment will be gauged by regular tests and homework assignments. A Level exams (three papers - two hours each) will take place at the end of the second year of the course. 10% of the examination marks will be awarded for mathematical skills and 15% will be awarded for questions based upon the compulsory practical element of the course.
- Entry Requirements
5 GCSEs at Grade 9-4, including English Language and Grade 6 in Maths.
PLUS
Dual Science at Grade 6/6.
OR
Separate Sciences, Grade 6 in Biology.
If you do not study either A Level Chemsitry or Maths alongside A Level Biology, there is an expectation that you take Core Maths in Year 1 of your A Levels.
- Further Study
The majority of our students progress onto a relevant university degree but an A level in Biology is also suitable for those looking at moving into employment or a high-level apprenticeship after College.
Note that it is desirable to have studied Chemistry at A Level for many Biology-related degree courses.
