Biology A Level

• What will I study and learn?

  You will study a range of subjects including:

  • Biological molecules
  • Cells
  • Organisms exchange substances with their environment
  • Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
  • 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 is the course assessed?

  Paper 1
  
  Any content from topics 1–4, including relevant practical skills

  • Written exam: 2 hours
  • 91 marks
  • 35% of A-level

  Questions

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

  
  Paper 2
  
  Any content from topics 5–8, including relevant practical skills
  
  Assessed

  • Written exam: 2 hours
  •  91 marks
  • 35% of A-level

  Questions

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

  Paper 3
  
  Any content from topics 1–8, including relevant practical skills
  
  Assessed

  • Written exam: 2 hours
  • 78 marks
  • 30% of A-level

  Questions

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

• What formal entry requirements will I need?

  Minimum requirements - average point score of 6 including GCSE English Language at grade 5, Maths and Biology or Double Science at grade 6.
  
  

  Points calculation
  
  The average points score for entry to an A Level programme will be calculated using your 8 best GCSEs OR 6 GCSEs plus 1 technical qualification (equivalent to a maximum of 2 GCSEs and 10 points). From 2017 English Language, English Literature and Mathematics GCSE will be graded numerically (1 – 9. Grade 5 = a good grade C, grade 6 = grade B and grade 7 = grade A).
  
  

  To work out your average and find out more information, please see our Entry Requirements page.

• What courses would combine well with this course?

  Students often study sybjects such as Chemistry, Psychology, Maths, Physics and sociology with Biology A Level. 

• What could the course lead to in higher education or careers?

  This could lead to higher edication and careers in Medicine, Dentistry, nutrition, Nursing and Biological Sciences.

• Are there any costs involved?

  No.

• Are you aged over 19?

  Students aged 19 or over on 31st August directly preceding their academic year may be required to pay tuition fees for that year of study. Advanced Learner Loans may be available for students studying at Level 3. If you are aged 19-23 as at 31 August and this is your first full Level 3 you may not have to pay fees.

  
  

  Students who are 19-24 years old with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP) issued by the Local Authority are not required to pay course fees (ie tuition fees are free). Students will be required to provide a final copy of their EHCP provided by the LA as evidence.

   

  You can find A Level course fees for adults on our A Level page.