Biology

Qualification - A Level

Exam Board - AQA

WHY CHOOSE BIOLOGY?

Biology is a subject that can lead onto many university courses and career options. It is a named requirement for up to 15 of the most popular degree courses and is valued within Science and Art subjects, varying from Medicine / Veterinary Science, Geology, Material Science, Occupational Therapy, Psychology and Sport Science.

 

COURSE INFORMATION

Module 1: Biological molecules

Module 2: Cells

Module 3: Organisms exchange substances with their environment

Module 4: Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

Module 5: Energy transfers in and between organisms

Module 6: Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments

Module 7: Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems

Module 8: The control of gene expression

 

HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED?

PAPER 1 - 2 HOUR WRITTEN EXAM

• Assesses any content from topics 1-4 including relevant practical skills.

• It has a total of 91 marks, 76 marks are for a mixture of short and long answer questions and 15 marks is for extended response questions.

CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL GRADE: 35%

PAPER 2 - 2 HOUR WRITTEN EXAM

• Assesses any content from topics 5-8 including relevant practical skills.

• It has a total of 91 marks, 76 marks are for a mixture of short and long answer questions and 15 marks is for extended response questions.

CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL GRADE: 35%

PAPER 3 - 2 HOUR WRITTEN EXAM

• Assesses any content from topics 1-8 including relevant practical skills.

• It has a total of 78 marks, 38 marks are for structured questions including practical techniques, 15 marks are for critical analysis of given experimental data and 25 marks are for an essay (a choice of two titles is given).

CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL GRADE: 30%

NON-EXAM ASSESSMENT - PRACTICAL ENDORSEMENT IN BIOLOGY

Students are also assessed for a practical endorsement by completing 12 required practical investigations during the course. This practical endorsement is awarded separately to the A level qualification.

 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

A minumum of five grades at 4 - 9 in GCSE, Including English and Maths. In addition a minumum grade of a 6 in GCSE Science.