Biology involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics, ranging from molecular biology to the study of ecosystems and from micro-organisms to mammoths. Biology is never far from the headlines either. The human genome has been sequenced and we know the complete arrangement of the three thousand million bases that make up human DNA.
In Kenya 350 people die every day from AIDS and in South East Asia the skies are dark with smoke as the last Bornean rainforests are burned to grow oil palms. Biologists are concerned with all these issues. They work in the fields of cell biology, medicine, food production and ecology… and the work they do is vital to us all.
Biology is one of the most popular A level subjects in the country. It can be studied with a wide range of other subjects; combining it with Chemistry is a real advantage when studying topics like photosynthesis, respirations, nerve impulses, synapses and biological molecules.
The skills demanded by the A level course are very wide ranging. You will need to apply your knowledge to new situations, explain your point of view clearly including subject specific terminology. You need to complete calculations, interpret graphs and use your knowledge of 'how Science works' to analyse data and evaluate conclusions.
In summary Biology is a really interesting, challenging subject which can lead on to a wide range of careers or degree courses eg Medicine, Dentistry, Microbiology, Genetics, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, Food Science and Teaching.
Problem solving - both quantitative and qualitative
Collecting, handling and processing data
Interpretation and analysis
Manual dexterity and fine motor skills during the use of apparatus
Abstract thinking
Critical thinking
Using models
Communication - reading and writing using scientific language
Various mathematical skills - re-arranging formulae, graph plotting, using ratios and percentages, unit conversions, measurements, 3D geometry and angles etc..
Team working
Memorisation
Reflective practice
The facilities at Aquinas are unrivalled. We have four dedicated Biology labs each with interactive whiteboards, a visualiser and a host of subject specific practical equipment eg water baths, incubators and a skeleton! We have a very well qualified and experienced teaching team. All have a Biology related degree and a post graduate teaching qualification. Several have post graduate Science qualifications, research experience and have lectured at University level. All have a minimum of 15 years A level teaching experience and most are either current or past AQA examiners. We have guided thousands of students successfully through studying A level Biology and could do the same for you!
To study Biology A level you need to have achieved a grade 6 in Maths and Sciences and a grade 5 in English.
AQA A level Biology.
This is a linear A level which means it is assessed by three exams at the end of two years of study.
You will study 8 topics over two years:
1 Biological molecules
2 Cells
3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment
4 Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
5 Energy transfers in and between organisms
6 Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
7 Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
8 The control of gene expression