“Biology is the study of complicated things that have the appearance of having been designed with a purpose.”

Richard Dawkins

Biology is the study of life and what could be more interesting than that? If you want to find out more about what makes us ‘tick’ and how life goes on and on, with or without the influence of mankind, then this is the subject for you. Biology is a challenging but very rewarding subject and can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities. The future of the subject is only limited by our imagination; the influence of Biology on modern life is always increasing and the demand for good Biologists in the future will be high.

Emphasis in this course is on the relevance and application of Biology in everyday life.

In Year 12 you will study the following modules:

• Module 1: Development of practical skills
• Module 2: Foundations in biology
• Module 3: Exchange and transport
• Module 4: Biodiversity, evolution and disease.

In Year 13 you will study the following modules:

• Module 5: Communications, homeostasis and energy
• Module 6: Genetics, evolution and ecosystems.

There will be many opportunities to become an effective practical biologist within Module 1. You will carry out a number of practical activities and keep a record of these. Your skills in this area will then be assessed in the written exam papers and the new Practical Endorsement module for A Level. This will be reported separately from the A Level as a Pass.

Assessment is through written papers available in the June series only, at the end of Year 13. There will be 3 papers for the A Level (Biological Processes, Biological Diversity and Unified Biology) covering modules 1 to 6.

A significant number of students go on to study Biology or Biology‐based courses at degree level. Many see it as highly relevant to their future career in areas such as medicine, ecology, the environment and sport related industries. Many students simply continue with Biology out of a genuine interest in the study of life itself.

For further details please contact Sarah Comber (src@pershore.worcs.sch.uk)

Useful Websites to support your independent learning

https://alevelbiology.co.uk/ (past papers and revision notes, basic option is free).

https://s-cool.co.uk/a-level/biology (revision notes)

http://biologymad.com/master.html?http://biologymad.com/usefulwebsites/usefulwebsites.htm (this link contains several links useful for A Level Biology)

https://studywise.co.uk/a-level-revision/biology/ (contains a large range of revision notes and resources)

https://mathsmadeeasy.co.uk/a-level-biology-revision/ (past paper practice)