A-Level Biology

A Level Biology

Specification: AQA Biology

Method of Assessment:

AS Biology

Students complete two written papers, both lasting 1 hour 30 minutes and worth 75 marks.  Paper 1 assesses topics 1 – 4 and relevant practical skills (Biological molecules, Cells, Exchange surfaces and genetic variation). Short answer questions comprise 87% of the marks while comprehension questions make up 13% of the marks.

Paper 2 also assess topics 1- 4 and relevant practical skills, it is also comprised of 87% short answer questions but 13% extended response questions.

A Level Biology

There are three written papers to assess A Level Biology.  Each paper lasting 2 hours; papers 1 and 2 are worth 91 marks while paper 3 is worth 78 marks. Paper 1 is worth 35% of the overall A level while paper is worth 35% and paper 3 30 % respectively.

Paper 1: Assesses content from topics 1-4 and relevant practical skills, 84% of paper one is a mixture of short and long answer questions while the other 16% assess extended responses.

Paper 2: Assesses content from topics 5-8 (Energy transfers in and between organisms, response to change, genetics, populations and ecosystems and the control of gene expression) and relevant practical skills, 84% of paper one is a mixture of short and long answer questions while the other 16% is made up of comprehension questions.

Paper 3 assess any content from topics 1-8, including relevant practical skills. 49% of paper 3 is comprised of structured questions including practical techniques; 19% of critical analysis of given experimental data and 32% on an essay from the choice of two titles.

The practical skills of students are assessed throughout the course, leading to a separate certificate called ‘Practical Endorsement in Biology’ – this is simply pass/fail depending on skills shown throughout the course. 

Course Overview:

AQA A Level Biology course requires students to complete all modules and be assessed on them all at the end of two years of study – i.e. in Year 13.  The A Level is no longer formed of ‘AS’ plus ‘A2’.  However, students can choose to study Biology for just one year (modules 1-4) and complete the relevant exams to attain an AS Level in Biology.

Units Studied:

Year 12 Content

• Module 1 – Biological molecules
• Module 2 – Cells
• Module 3 – Organisms exchange substances with their environment
• Module 4 – Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

Year 13 Content

• Module 5 – Energy transfers in and between organisms
• Module 6 – Organisms respond to change in their internal and external environments
• Module 7 – Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
• Module 8 – The control of gene expression

Entry Requirements:

Students require a minimum of a grade 5 in 7 different subjects at GCSE (or equivalent), including English (Literature or Language) and Mathematics, with at least a grade 6 in Biology separate science or a 6-6 in combined science.

Career Opportunities

Biology is one of the most popular A Level subjects in the country, attracting students studying a wide range of other subjects. Many of these students enjoy the subject so much they eventually choose a biologically related degree course. Others go on to careers in law, computing, accounting or teaching.

So, whatever field you will eventually work in, you will find biology a very rewarding and challenging course which will develop many of the skills essential for a successful career.

Biology is a great choice of subject for people who want a career in health and clinical professions, such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, physiotherapy, pharmacy, optometry, nursing, zoology, marine biology or forensic science.

For more information, please contact Ms Youens c/o info@harristottenham.org.uk

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