Biology

Biology A-level will give you the skills to make connection and associations with all living things around you. Biology literally means the study of life and if that's not important, what is? Being such a broad topic, you're bound to find a specific area of interest, plus it opens the door to a fantastic range of interesting careers.

Why choose Biology?

Subject Content

3.1 Biological Molecules

3.1.1 Monomers and polymers
3.1.2 Carbohydrates
3.1.3 Lipids
3.1.4 Proteins
3.1.5 Nucleic acids are important information-carrying molecules
3.1.6 ATP

3.1.7 Water
3.1.8 Inorganic ions
3.1.9 Rate equations
3.1.10 Equilibrium constant Kp for homogenous systems

3.1.11 Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells
3.1.12 Acids and bases
3.1.7 Water
3.1.8 Inorganic ions
3.1.9 Rate equations
3.1.10 Equilibrium constant Kp for homogenous systems
3.1.11 Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells
3.1.12 Acids and bases

3.2 Cells

3.2.1 Cell Structure
3.2.2 All cells arise from other cells

3.2.3 Transport across cell membranes
3.2.4 Cell recognition and the immune system

3.3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment

3.3.1 Surface area to volume ratio
3.3.2 Gas exchange

3.3.3 Digestion and absorption
3.3.4 Mass transport

3.4 Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

3.4.1 DNA, genes and chromosomes
3.4.2 DNA and protein synthesis
3.4.3 Genetic diversity can arise as a result of mutation or during meiosis
3.4.4 Genetic diversity and adaptation

3.4.5 Species and taxonomy
3.4.6 Biodiversity with a community
3.4.7 Investigating diversity

3.5 Energy transfers in and between organisms

3.5.1 Photosynthesis
3.5.2 Respiration

3.5.3 Energy and ecosystems
3.5.4 Nutrient cycles

3.6 Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments

3.6.1 Stimuli, both internal and external, are detected and lead to a response
3.6.2 Nervous coordination

3.6.3 Skeletal muscles are stimulated to contract by nerves and act as effectors
3.6.4 Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment

3.7 Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems

3.7.1 Inheritance
3.7.2 Populations

3.7.3 Evolution may lead to speciation
3.7.4 Populations in ecosystems

3.8 The control of gene expression

3.8.1 Alteration of the sequence of bases in DNA can alter the structure of proteins
3.8.2 Gene expression is controlled by a number of features

3.8.3 Using genome projects
3.8.4 Gene technologies allow the study and alteration of gene function allowing a better understanding of organism function and the design of new industrial and medical processes

Assessments

Biology, at A Level, builds on the knowledge and practical skills gained at KS4 as scholars embark upon a journey through the AQA A-level Biology 7402 course.

In A Level Biology, scholars work towards 100% terminal examinations, comprising of three papers. At least 15% of the marks for A-level Biology are based on what you learned in your practicals.

Paper 1 (35%)

Any content from topics 1-4, including relevant practical skills

76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions
15 marks: extended response questions

Paper 2 (35%)

Any content from topics 5-8, including relevant practical skills

76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions
15 marks: comprehension question

Paper 3 (30%)

Any content from topics 1-8, including relevant practical skills

38 marks: structure questions, including practical techniques
15 marks: critical analysis of given experimental data
25 marks: one essay from a choice of two titles

Useful Links

Course Information

AQA A Level Biology

Possible Degree Options

Biology
Psychology
Sport and exercise science
Anatomy
Physiology and Pathology Pharmacology
Toxicology and Pharmacy Chemistry

Possible Career Options

Doctor
Clinical molecular geneticist
Nature conservation officer
Pharmacologist
Research scientist
Vet
Secondary school teacher
Marine biologist
Dentist