Biology

READING LIST

"Studying Biology is challenging but rewarding - there's such a wide variation of topics, and the quality of teaching at Notre Dame makes it a very fun subject to learn" - Reuben Allinson, Cardinal Heenan

Qualification

A-level

Assessment

100% Exam

PAPER 1

• Any content from topics 1–4, including relevant practical skills (35%)
• A 2-hour exam comprised of a mixture of short and long answer question and extended response questions worth 15 marks

PAPER 2 

• Any content from topics 5–8, including relevant practical skills (35%)
• A 2-hour exam comprised of short-answer, data response and a comprehension question worth 15 marks

PAPER 3

• SYNOPTIC PAPER examining any content from topics 1–8, including relevant practical skills (30%)
• A 2-hour exam comprised of structured questions, including practical techniques; critical analysis of given experimental data and one essay from a choice of two titles worth 25 marks

THE PRACTICAL ENDORSEMENT CERTIFICATE 

Teachers assess practical competency over 5 skill areas : following instructions; designing experiments and carrying out practical techniques; working safely; presenting and analysing data and researching the science to explain experimental data, citing references used. By passing these skills through the completion of the 12 required practicals students will be awarded the Practical Endorsement Certificate, an entrance requirement for some university courses.

What do I need to study this course?

You will need a grade 6 in two single science GCSEs (including biology) or a grade 66 in GCSE Combined Science. You also need a grade 5 in GCSE Maths.

What will I study?

A-level Biology aims to inspire students, nurture a passion for the subject, and lay the groundwork for further study. The topics you will study are: biological molecules, cells, organisms exchange substances with their environment, genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms, energy transfers in and between organisms, how organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments, genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems, and control of gene expression. Successful completion of 12 required practicals will earn you a Practical Endorsement.

What next?

Career opportunities exist in a wide variety of sectors including:

• Medical professions
• Environmental Biology
• Forensic science
• Biotechnology
• Civil Service
• Research and Education

Apply Online