Biology
Mr M Tate – mtate@sackvilleschool.org.uk
The work of biologists is vital to us all. Choose biology and you could find yourself advancing knowledge, pioneering new discoveries and tackling some of the challenges facing the world we live in.
Learners will study a variety of topics including:
• Development of practical skills in biology
• Foundations in biology
• Exchange and transport
• Biodiversity, evolution and disease
• Communication, homeostasis and energy
• Genetics, evolution and ecosystems
Module 1: Development of practical skills – this module underpins the whole of the course and covers the practical skills that learners should develop throughout. The practical skills in this module can be assessed within written examinations and within the Practical Endorsement.
Module 2: Foundations in biology – covering concepts required throughout the remaining modules.
Modules 3 and 4: year 12 topics – exchange and transport, biodiversity, evolution and disease.
Modules 5 and 6: year 13 topics – communication, homeostasis and energy; genetics, evolution and ecosystems.
There are three examinations at the end of the second year. In addition, there is a practical endorsement which evidences the learners development of their practical skills throughout the A level.
Biology is particularly valued when supporting applications for degree courses in subjects such as Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.
Further study with a biology A level – you can normally study further sciences at university such as botany, zoology, human biology, ecology, the environment, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, zoology, parasitology, aquatic bioscience, genetics and many more.
The higher your grade, the more options are open to you. Universities also often recommend that, if you want to study a science at degree level you take a further science such as chemistry or mathematics at A level.
The list of career opportunities is varied and endless, including teaching and research, medical and health services, genetic counselling, health education, biochemistry, environmental health, pharmaceutical/medical product sales, marine biology and roles such as laboratory technician or energy plant operative.
