Biology Course Content

Topics in Year 1
In Year 1, you will explore biological molecules, cells, and how organisms exchange substances with their environment. You will also study genetic information, variation, and the relationships between different organisms.

Topics in Year 2
Year 2 focuses on energy transfers within and between organisms, as well as how organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments. You will delve into genetics, population dynamics, evolution, ecosystems, and the control of gene expression.

Practical Content
Biology, like all sciences, is a practical subject. Throughout the course, you will engage in various practical activities. These may include using microscopes to observe cell division, dissecting animal or plant systems, applying aseptic techniques to study microbial growth, investigating activities within cells, examining animal behaviours, and exploring the distribution of species in their environments. The new syllabus places a strong emphasis on practical work, so you can expect a significant amount of lab time.

Assessment
At the end of Year 2, you will take three exams, each lasting two hours. At least 15% of the marks for A-level Biology will be based on what you have learned in your practical classes.