Biology

Biology is one of the most exciting and rapidly developing subjects.

As well as being vital for future study of biological natural sciences and allied disciplines such as medicine, it plays a valuable part in the general education of any student with an interest in the natural world and humanity. Our course develops a detailed understanding of many core biological topics and explores a range of exciting new areas of research, including stem cells and epigenetics.

Practical and investigative skills are an essential element of the A Level and they are developed throughout the course. We learn how to design valid investigations, research methods and outcomes, and present and critically analyse data. Students work towards the Practical Endorsement, a holistic assessment of students’ investigative skills which is excellent preparation for the experimental sciences at university.

The ability to link topics and identify which aspects of the course address synoptic themes is a key skill which is developed throughout the course.

The course is suitable for enthusiastic and hard-working students from a background of either Biology GCSE or a Double Award Science GCSE. Due to the broad syllabus, students must be well organised and prepared to commit time for independent study. Student suitability will be judged on an individual basis.

A Level Biology will be an excellent preparation not only for degree courses in Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science, but also for the Biological Sciences, Microbiology, Agriculture, Marine and Freshwater Ecology and many others.

2020.08