Choosing A Level Biology
What is Biology?
Biology is the study of living organisms and how they interact with each other and their environments.
What is an A Level?
A Levels (Advanced Level) qualifications are level 3, two-year qualifications (GCSEs are level 2) offered in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland for students aged between 16 and 19 years old (though adults can also take them). They usually focus on academic subjects, compared to vocational qualifications like BTECs, NVQs and T Levels. A Levels are not compulsory, unlike GCSEs. A Levels can lead to further study (e.g. university), training (e.g. an apprenticeship), or work.
Most people usually study three A Levels but you can study more but note your performance in each may suffer. University offers are normally based on three A Level grades, and taking a fourth or more can have an impact on grades.
They’re usually assessed by a series of examinations.
What Grades Do I Need to Study A Level Biology?
You normally need:
at least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 / A* to C
at least a grade 6 in biologyHowever, please note that the specific requirements needed to study A Level Biology will vary across sixth-form schools and colleges so it’s important to verify with them what grades you will need.
Where Can I Study A Level Biology?
16 – 19 year olds can study A Level biology for free at any sixth-form school or college. Most students study A Levels full-time but you can also study them part-time at some colleges.
What is the Difference Between AS and A2?
AS levels are half an A Level. A2 refers to the second year of an A Level. AS Levels are standalone courses, you’ll take your AS exams at the end of your first year and in order to obtain an A Level you’ll need to take all the exams at the end of the two-year course.
A Levels via Distance Learning
If you feel that you let yourself down with your A Level Biology results, or perhaps you are an older adult and didn’t take any at all, why not look into distance learning where you can study for your A Level from the comfort of your own home and at your own pace. This is perfect for full-time workers, full-time parents or carers etc.
Distance learning courses aim to provide you with the same quality and experience as you would benefit from in a classroom environment but to best suit your needs at home with professional tutors guiding you throughout the course. There are a number of online institutions offering you the chance to gain your A Level in biology via distance learning just use a search engine to find them. Note that you have to pay for distance learning, they are not government funded.
What is in the A Level Biology Syllabus?
There are many exam boards including: AQA, Pearson Edexcel Biology A (Salters-Nuffield), Pearson Edexcel Biology B, OCR Biology A, OCR Biology B.
I will provide the syllabus and exam paper details of the most popular, sat by over 35,000 students in 2022, AQA.
AQA A Level Biology Subject Content
- Biological molecules
- Cells
- Organisms exchange substances with their environment
- Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
- Energy transfers in and between organisms (A-level only)
- Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (A-level only)
- Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems (A-level only)
- The control of gene expression (A-level only)
AS Assessments (1-year standalone course)
| Paper 1 |
|---|
| What’s assessed: Any content from topics 1–4, including relevant practical skills |
| Assessed: written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes – 75 marks – 50% of AS |
| Questions: 65 marks: short answer questions 10 marks: comprehension question |
| Paper 2 |
|---|
| What’s assessed: Any content from topics 1–4, including relevant practical skills |
| Assessed: written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes – 75 marks – 50% of AS |
| Questions: 65 marks: short answer questions 10 marks: extended response questions |
A Level Assessments (full two-year course)
| Paper 1 |
|---|
| What’s assessed: Any content from topics 1–4, 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: extended response questions |
| Paper 2 |
|---|
| What’s assessed: 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 |
|---|
| What’s assessed: 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: a critical analysis of given experimental data 25 marks: one essay from a choice of two titles |
Career Options for Those Who Have Studied A Level Biology
Possible career choices that require A Level Biology include:
agricultural engineering, animal care, biomedical engineering, biotechnology, dentistry, ecology, environmental scientist, food science, microbiology, marine biology, medicine, nursing, nutrition, pharmacy, pharmacologist, physiotherapy, research science (life sciences), teaching (secondary school teacher, further education teacher, higher education lecturer), veterinarian, zoologist, zookeeper and a wide range of other careers.
