Why study Biology?
What are we? Where do we come from? Where are we going? If you want to know the answers to these questions, then Biology is for you.
What will I study? How will I be assessed?
The AQA Biology A-Level course is composed of three examination papers, each two hours in length:
Paper 1:
Biological molecules; cells; organisms exchange substances with their environment; genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms.
Paper 2:
Energy transfer in and between organisms; organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments; genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems; the control of gene expression.
Paper 3:
Any content from papers 1 and 2, including relevant practical skills.
What skills will I gain? Where can Biology lead?
The Biology A-level course helps students develop a number of skills:
- How to collect data and evaluate it
- How to investigate facts and use deduction
- How to put over your point of view effectively
- How to take responsibility for your own learning.
Biology is one of the most popular A-level subjects in the country, attracting students studying a wide range of other subjects.
Many of these students enjoy the subject so much they eventually choose a biologically related degree course. Biology can lead to careers in medicine, dentistry, biological, veterinary or environmental sciences, biochemistry, genetic research, biotechnology, psychology, forensic medicine, scientific journalism, law, wildlife film and programme-making, neuroscience … and many more!
So, whatever field you will eventually work in, you will find Biology a very rewarding and challenging course that will help you develop many of the skills essential for a successful career.