The word biology is derived from the Greek words bios meaning life and logos meaning study and is defined as the science of life and living organisms.

Aspects of biological science range from the study of molecular mechanisms in cells, to the classification and behaviour of organisms, how species evolve and interaction between ecosystems.

Biology often overlaps with other sciences; for example, biochemistry and toxicology with biology, chemistry, and medicine; biophysics with biology and physics; stratigraphy with biology and geography; astrobiology with biology and astronomy.

Future Opportunities

A Level Sciences are still widely revered as an indication of students' higher level academic abilities by employers and educational providers.

Biology provides a solid background for most Natural Science degree programmes and is also ideal for those thinking about a career in the caring professions.

A Level Biologists have a wide variety of options when choosing what to study at university. Although Biology A Level is not a direct prerequisite for Medicine and Biomedical studies, it is advisable to study.

What are the entry requirements?

Five or more GCSEs Grade 9-4, including English. Grade 66 in combined science or Grade 6 in Biology plus Grade 5 in Maths.

Links to other subjects

We recommend that students consider selecting Chemistry and/or Psychology A Levels to complement their studies in Biology. However, Biology can also be taken as a separate Science subject as part of a broader curriculum.

What will I Study?

You will cover a wide range of topics and lessons will be a mixture of theory and practical.

Year 1

• Biological Molecules
• Cells
• Organisms exchange substances with their environment
• Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

Year 2

• Energy transfers in and between organisms
• Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments 
• Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
• The control of gene expression.

How will I be assessed?

Your understanding and learning will be assessed through written exams at the end of Year 13. There will be three papers which test your knowledge as well as your practical skills. You will also have your practical abilities assessed by your teacher which will be reported on your on you final certificate as the Practical Endorsement for Biology.