Program Overview

BIOLOGY

A-level

Overview

A-level Biology is the study of life in all its rich complexity, from the intricate molecular world inside our cells to how our body systems work and the dynamic interactions between organisms and their environment.

Course Breakdown

Practical activities run regularly throughout the course. To achieve your Biology A-level, you must study the following topics:

• Cells
  • Cell structure
  • Cell membranes
  • Cell division
  • Cell membranes and transport
  • Molecules and enzymes
• Anatomy and Physiology
  • Gas exchange systems
  • Circulation system
  • Excretory system
  • Neuronal and hormonal communication systems
  • Respiration
  • Photosynthesis
• Disease
  • Microbiology
  • Immunity
  • Drug development
• Genetics
  • DNA structure and replication
  • Inheritance
  • Cloning
  • Biotechnology
• Biodiversity
  • Adaptations and evolution
  • Classification
  • Ecosystems
  • Populations
  • Sustainability

Entry Requirements

• Academic Requirements
  • We ask for a minimum of five GCSE subjects at grade 5 or higher, including GCSE English Literature or Language, Maths and Science.
• Supporting Documents Required
  • School applicants will be required to provide a school report, which must include attendance. This will be assessed in conjunction with your qualifications and application during the confirmation of your place at University College Birmingham.
• Guaranteed Progression
  • Students who achieve 56 UCAS points or more from this qualification will automatically be guaranteed a place on a degree course at University College Birmingham. Some undergraduate courses require additional entry requirements, so applicants are advised to check entry requirements before applying.

Key Information

• Teaching and Assessment
  • You will be assessed through three written examination papers (Summer of Year 2) plus a practical endorsement for biology.
  • Exam papers contain questions that will also test your understanding of experimental work and mathematical skills.
  • Over the two-year course, you are expected to complete a mandatory set of experiments and you will gain a certificate as evidence of your competency, the Practical Endorsement.
• Enhanced Learning Opportunity - Core Maths
  • To support and extend your learning experience at the sixth form centre, we are offering students on this particular A-level course the additional opportunity to study Core Maths.
  • Level 3 Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)
  • Core Maths, a one-year course equivalent to an AS-level (half an A-level), is an engaging and diverse course that gives you an excellent preparation for your future. It is about using maths to solve meaningful, real-life problems, as well as developing your data handling and critical analysis skills, equipping you with the essential quantitative skills you need for many careers and degrees.

Why Choose A-levels at Our Sixth Form Centre?

• PREPARE FOR UNIVERSITY AT A UNIVERSITY – We can provide you with relevant work placements, masterclasses, guest speakers, trips and more
• AWARD-WINNING SUPPORT – We have won national awards for our student support, which our sixth form students can tap into, from tailored academic support to financial assistance and health and wellbeing services
• OUTSTANDING LEARNING FACILITIES - We have invested £5.5 million into our brand-new sixth form centre, which includes lecture theatres, classrooms, science and computer labs, practical training facilities and open study spaces
• MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY– Want to keep studying at a higher level? This A-level will support your progression to degree level

What Will This Course Prepare You For?

A-level Biology is essential for most medicine, dentistry and veterinary degrees. Specialist biological research areas include immunology, biochemistry, pharmacology, genetics and neuroscience. A-level Biology is often a requirement in more applied fields such as food technology, forensics, horticulture, conservation, environmental science and agriculture, and is useful in rapidly advancing fields such as biomechanics, bioinformatics and AI. It is also highly valued on psychology and humanities courses.

A-level Biology is useful for careers in nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, sport therapy and fitness, nutritionist, pharmacy, radiography and other healthcare vocations.

Career Options

• Nurse
  • Average Salary: £30,000
• Midwife
  • Average Salary: £28,803
• Sports Therapist
  • Average Salary: £17,000 – £37,000
• Physiotherapist
  • Average Salary: £33,834
• Pharmacist
  • Average Salary: £48,000
• Radiographer
  • Average Salary: £45,000

A-levels This Goes Well With

• Computer Science A-level
• Physics A-level
• Chemistry A-level
• Maths A-level
• Psychology A-level