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

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Outline:

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Content:

• Cells: Cell structure, membranes, division, transport, molecules, enzymes.
• Anatomy & Physiology: Gas exchange, circulation, excretory, neuronal & hormonal systems, respiration, photosynthesis.
• Disease: Microbiology, immunity, drug development.
• Biodiversity: Adaptations & evolution, classification, ecosystems, populations, sustainability.

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Structure:

• Two-year full-time program.
• Practical activities run regularly throughout the course.
• Assessment through three written exams and a practical endorsement in Year 2.

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Assessment:

• Three written examination papers (Summer of Year 2).
• Practical endorsement for biology.
• Exam papers test understanding of experimental work and mathematical skills.
• Mandatory set of experiments completed over the course.

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Teaching:

• Teaching and assessment underpinned by the Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategy 2021-2024.
• Access to world-class university facilities.

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Careers:

• Essential for most medicine, dentistry, and veterinary degrees.
• Useful for careers in nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, sport therapy, fitness, nutrition, pharmacy, radiography, and other healthcare vocations.
• Also relevant to fields like food technology, forensics, horticulture, conservation, environmental science, and agriculture.
• Examples of potential career roles and average salaries are provided:
• Nurse: £30,000
• Midwife: £28,803
• Sports therapist: £17,000 - £37,000
• Physiotherapist: £33,834
• Pharmacist: £48,000
• Radiographer: £45,000

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Other:

• The program is part of a multi-million-pound investment in a brand-new sixth form centre.
• Guaranteed progression to a degree course at University College Birmingham for students achieving 56 UCAS points.
• Recommended to study AS-level Core Maths alongside this course.

University College Birmingham

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Overview:

University College Birmingham (UCB) is a vibrant and welcoming institution located in the heart of Birmingham, England. It offers a diverse range of academic programs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, apprenticeship, and college courses. UCB is known for its world-class facilities, which have been significantly enhanced through a £200 million investment.

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Services Offered:

The context does not provide specific details about the services offered to students.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UCB boasts a supportive and friendly student community, where students can forge lifelong friendships and find a sense of belonging. The institution offers campus tours led by student ambassadors, who provide insights into student life and facilities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class facilities:

UCB has invested heavily in its campuses, equipment, and resources, providing students with a high-quality learning environment.

University of Warwick accreditation:

Many of UCB's programs are accredited and awarded by the University of Warwick, a prestigious Russell Group university, ensuring high academic standards.

Location:

Situated in the heart of Birmingham, UCB offers students access to a thriving business environment, beautiful green spaces, vibrant nightlife, and a diverse cultural scene.

Student choice:

UCB is the highest-ranking university in the region according to student choice, as recognized by the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024.

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Academic Programs:

UCB offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate:

A variety of undergraduate degree courses.

Postgraduate:

A selection of postgraduate degree courses.

Apprenticeships:

Higher level apprenticeships.

College:

College courses.

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Other: