Biology AS
- Course Level: AS Level
- Duration: 2 Year
- Start date: September 2012
- Qualification: AS or A Level
- Awarded By: AQA
Introduction to course
Are you interested in a career in Biomedical Sciences or Biotechnology? Studying Biology at A Level gives you the chance to enter these and other exciting scientific careers.
Course Details
The new Biology syllabus relates to everyday topics such as your lifestyle and risks to health. It looks at modern areas of interest which you may have heard of such as biotechnology, genetic engineering, cancer therapy, stem cells and molecular Biology.
You will be studying the detailed science behind these topics which are often in the news. You will also carry out interesting experiments using modern equipment in well-equipped laboratories.
Units include:
- Lifestyle, blood circulation, genetics and health
- Plants and climate change
- Research unit where you will choose an interesting topic to research in Biology and write a report on it; this unit also links to some state of the art experiments
- The natural environment and survival of plants and animals
- Energy, exercise and coordination, which links to recording your physiological responses (e.g. heart rate, lung volume)
Experimental biology; experiments include genetic engineering, the effect of drugs on heart rate, the effect of antibiotics on bacteria and medicines from plants. Students undertake an outdoor field course as part of the A Level course.
Entry Requirements
In addition to the general entry requirements you are also required to have the following:
B in Maths, at least 1 B grade in Science (Core and Additional Science or separate) and 1 B grade in a relevant subject.
Click here for the general entry requirements
Where the course lead
Most students go on to university to pursue courses in a wide range of subjects where biology is used (see below).
This course combines well with
Chemistry
Physics
Maths
Psychology
Course Assessment
Regular class topic tests and key assessments, with full mock exams before a Unit examination.
Practical skills (coursework) is assessed by means of an EMPA (externally-marked practical assessment) in which the exam board sets you a task to be completed in class followed by a written test. There is one EMPA for AS and one for A2. They contribute to 20% of the A Level grade.
Course Progression
Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Ophthalmic Optics, Biomedical Research, Forensic Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Psychology, Podiatry, Environmental Sciences.
Careers
See above under "Course Progression".
Sir George Monoux College tries to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this web site. However, such accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The College reserves the right to make changes in regulations, the offering and structure of courses and programmes without notice.
Contact our admissions team for more info
