Biology
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Blocks
1
Level
A-Level
Course Length
2 Years
Timetable
Full Time
Reasons to study Biology
You are interested in the science of life and how organisms function and interact.
Biology affects everyone through medical science and scientific developments such as curing genetic diseases, developing drugs, fertility treatments and improving nutrition.
You want to study changes in the environment and how species are affected.
What you will study
Year 1 (AS) – biological molecules, cells, organisms exchange substances with their environment, genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms.
Year 2 (A-Level) – energy transfers in and between organisms, how organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments, genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems and the control of gene expression.
Entry Criteria
minimum GCSE Grade 5 in GCSE Science, Maths and English Language
How you will be assessed
Year 1 (AS) – two 1.5-hour exams
Year 2 (A-Level) – three two-hour exams (including an essay)
Practical skills will be assessed throughout the course and in the written exams.
Progress will be monitored through assessments and progress tests.
Priestley extra
Field trips and day trips, which may include Christmas lectures and practical workshops. You could enter the Royal Society of Biology Olympiad, have the chance to represent Priestley College in the Biology Challenge and get involved in college open events.
Reading List
‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ and ‘The Selfish Gene’, by Richard Dawkins.
‘Bad Science’ by Ben Goldacre.
‘Genome’ by Matt Ridley.
‘Nine Pints A Journey Through the Mysterious World of Blood’ by Rose George.
‘A Short History of Nearly Everything’ and ‘The Body’, both by Bill Bryson.
‘Gulp’ by Mary Roach.
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Progression
Wide range of career opportunities from Medicine, Veterinary Science, Environmental Health, Pharmacy, Sports Science, Animal Health and Psychology to Teaching and Television, Management and Marketing.
How to Apply
Apply for your place early to avoid disappointment!