A Level Biology

• Biology
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

A Level Biology

What A level do we study?

• We follow the specification published by AQA.
  
• This consists of 8 modules over the two years.
  
• It is a linear course, which means that the exams are at the end of year 13.
  
• There are 3 x 2 hour exams at the end of the course.
  
• There is a separate practical endorsement which goes across all exam boards and all A level Sciences.

What A level do we study?

Year 12 Modules of study

Biological molecules - Lipids, Proteins, Polysaccharides, Monosaccharides

Nucleic acids - DNA, RNA (m, t and r), DNA replication, ATP

Cells - ultrastructure, microscopy, cell surface membrane, membrane transport

Cell recognition and the immune system - lymphocytes, antibodies, immunity, inflammation

Exchange and transport - gas exchange organs, circulatory system and plant transport

Genes and variation - central dogma of biology, mutations, selection, species diversity, variation

What is this an electron
micrograph of?

1. Pollen
2. Butterfly eggs
3. Barley seeds
4. Fungal spores

This is a vital protein in
mammals, but what protein
structure is shown?

1. Starch
2. Keratin
3. Oestrogen
4. Haemoglobin

What topic in year 12 are
you most interested in?

Genes and variation

Cells

Biological molecules

Exchange and transport

Nucleic acids

Cell recognition and the immune system

Year 13 Modules of study

Energy transfer - photosynthesis, respiration and ecosystems

Organism response systems - reflexes, control of heart rate, nervous communication, muscular contraction, homeostasis

Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems - inheritance, population genetics, natural selection and the theory of evolution, predation, competition, succession and conservation

Control of gene expression - gene mutations, genome projects, cloning, genetic fingerprinting

When was the first example of nuclear transfer (taking a nucleus out of a cell and inserting it into and empty egg cell) carried out with a successful result?

1. 1885
2. 1902
3. 1952
4. 1996

What do you think is the
length of a giraffe primary
afferent axon (neck to toe)

1. 4.5m
2. 10m
3. 1.5m
4. 45m

Which scientist(s) have not contributed to our understanding of genetics?

1. Crick & Watson
2. Charles Darwin
3. Gregor Mendel
4. Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek

What topic in year 13 are
you most interested in?

Photosynthesis

Respiration

Ecosystems

Evolution

Genetic inheritance

Nervous communication

Muscular contraction

Succession and conservation

Control of gene expression

What about practical assessments?

• There is a practical endorsement which is quoted on examination certificates separate to A level grades.
  
• This is common across all exam boards and all A level science subjects.
  
• This is highly valued by universities and employer's alike.
  
• Key practical skills are assessed over 12 required practicals.
  
• Practical skills form part of the work assessed in the end of course examinations.
  

What practical experience are you most looking forward to?

Microscopy

Dissection

Biochemistry

Habitat sampling

DNA extraction

Colorimetry

Microbiology

Studying animal behaviour

How is the main course assessed?

• There are 3 x 2 hour examinations at the end of the course.
  
• Paper 1 is based on modules 1 – 4 including practical skills.
  
• Paper 2 is based on modules 5 – 8 including practical skills.
  
• Paper 3 is a synoptic paper based on all 8 modules and may also assessed linked practical skills.
  

How could I use A level Biology?

• A level Biology is a well recognised pathway into a number of different occupations including:
  
• Medicine
  
• Veterinary Science
  
• Biomedical Science
  
• Biology and marine biology
  
• Forensic Science
  
• Physiotherapy
  
• Nursing.
  
• Sports related occupations.

Who do we contact for more information?

Contact:

• Dr Hercus
• Mrs Cornwell
• Dr Noakes

How do you feel about biology?

😒🙁😐🙂😃