Brief details:

Biology involves the study of an incredibly wide range of topics; from the study of molecules in biochemistry to the study of whole ecosystems and how they change over millions of years.  Biology is the science of life and, as a science, it also gives you the opportunity to develop practical skills, data analysis and the ability to think critically about information.  All of these skills are hugely in demand from both universities and employers.  As the world changes, with ecosystems being destroyed, personalised drugs being created, new diseases being discovered and ways to feed the ever-increasing global population needed, the study of biology becomes only more relevant and important.

Preferred entry requirements:

Grade 5 or above at GCSE science, English and maths is the minimum requirement. Grade 6 in English and maths are highly recommended.    

Units Studied:

• Unit 1:  Biological molecules
• Unit 2:  Cells
• Unit 3:  Organisms exchange substances with their environment
• Unit 4:  Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
• Unit 5:   Energy transfers in and between organisms
• Unit 6:   How organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environment
• Unit 7:   Genetics, population, evolution and ecosystems
• Unit 8:   The control of gene expression

Exam Board: AQA

Course assessment details:

The course is assessed through examination only, with a separate endorsement of practical skills.  At least 15% of the questions on the examination will assess your knowledge of how to carry out an experiment.

Progression and career opportunities:

Biology can lead to careers in the medical and health professions, zoology, marine biology, conservation biology, epidemiology, education, science writing, law, government and many others.  As well as leading to a science based career, biology can enable you to pursue a huge variety of non-science-based careers as it is a well-respected course which develops a number of transferable skills.