Many recent and ground breaking medical advances would not have been possible without a fundamental understanding of Biology and its applications. Understanding how body organs and organ systems work together affects lifestyle choices and the way we live. Learning how cells communicate with each other, how cellular processes are controlled and co-ordinated, and what regulates cell growth helps you understand the impact of common disease pathogens along with identifying the ways drug therapies work to counteract
them. A solid appreciation of the interaction between a population, community and ecosystem leads to an improved understanding of conservation and importance of organism diversity. At a molecular level, studying the function and properties of DNA means the ever advancing applications of DNA technologies such as genetic fingerprinting, PCR, cloning and gene therapy can be studied and their uses evaluated. Biology is truly fascinating and rewarding A Level which builds on practical, interpreting scientific data and evaluating skills so informed opinions can be generated to make sense of the ever increasing medical advances and biological processes in the world we live in.

AQA

Please refer to our Sixth Form prospectus for entry requirements.

In AS biology you will study 4 main areas. These are Biological molecules- what are we all made of? Cells and how we study them Organisms and how they exchange materials with their surroundings Genetics, variation and relationships between organisms In year 2 you will go on to study Energy transfers in and between organisms How organisms respond to internal and external changes Inheritance, populations, evolution and ecosystems How our genes are expressed.

It is recommended that students undertake wider reading of the subject in Biology and other related journals and keep up to date with relevant advances in topics covered. Students may benefit from specific work experience but it is not a requirement of the course.

Many jobs/careers in Science accept Biology as part of the entry requirements and some request it as an essential. Careers in Biology include the following areas: research; health care (veterinarian, nurses, doctors, Biomedical scientists, midwifery); environmental management and conservation; Biotechnology; Forensic Science; Politics - scientific advisors; journalism - scientific writing/reporting; apprenticeships in Horticulture and animal care; Zoology.