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What does this qualification cover?

Ever wondered why your sibling looks like you? What DNA is and why it's so important? How genes are switched on and off in different cells? A-Level Biology has the answers.

Students gain an exciting and fascinating insight into the world of Biology. The course covers the core concepts of Biology, the impacts of biological research and how that links to everyday life.

More generally, studying this subject at post 16 will provide you with a solid grounding in critical and analytical thinking, writing reports with clear communication skills as well as honing your teamwork ing and practical laboratory skills.

The course allows students to explore the chemistry shared by all life on Earth, study genetics of organisms in general, how genes are expressed, the evolution of species from common ancestors into the biodiversity we see around us today and the importance of conserving ecosystems in the natural world.

The course also takes an in-depth look at how organisms' function at a cellular level and how human body systems such as the endocrine (hormonal), nervous, musculoskeletal and immune

systems function.

You will study six modules over the two years of the course. Module 1 consists of practical skills which are integrated throughout modules two to six and you will build up a portfolio of evidence that

you have achieved competency in a series of practical, researching and reporting skills. Knowledge

of these experimental procedures and practical skills will also be assessed through examination.

The content is divided into six modules:

• Developing practical skills

• Foundations in biology

• Exchange and transport

• Biodiversity , evolution & disease

• Communication & homeostasis

• Genetics and ecosystems

As the course progresses modules will build on the knowledge gained in previous modules, developing competence and confidence in practical skills and develop problem-solving skills.

You will also learn about how sciences contribute to the economy and society.

What's Included

• Development of practical skills in biology 
• Cell structure
• Biological molecules
• Nucleotides and nucleic acids
• Enzymes
• Biological membranes
• Cell division and cellular organisation
• Exchange surfaces
• Transport in animals
• Transport in plants
• Communicable diseases, disease prevention and the immune system
• Biodiversity
• Classification and evolution
• Communication and homeostasis
• Excretion as an example of homeostatic control
• Neuronal communication
• Hormonal  communication
• Plant and animal responses
• Photosynthesis
• Respiration
• Cellular control
• Patterns of inheritance
• Manipulating genomes
• Cloning and biotechnology
• Ecosystems
• Populations and sustainability

Chemistry lesson at Doncaster UTC

Key Features

Interesting and challenging learning experience linking key biological ideas and understanding how they relate to each other.

Developing transferable skills that are useful outside of scientific study and directly applicable to the world of work including:

• Investigative skills
• Problem solving
• Research
• Decision making
• Mathematical skills
• Analytical skills
• Communication skills

The practical endorsement aspect allows students to become competent in following procedures, investigative approaches using a range of scientific instruments and equipment, working safely, making and recording observations and researching, referencing and reporting.

Using a microscope at Doncaster UTC

Links to workplace

By choosing to study A-Level biology as part of your programme of study you will gain access to a wide range of potential courses at University related to the life sciences, biotechnology and medical and health related industry sectors.

Gaining A-Level biology can also be useful in the fields of:

• Sports and fitness ( e.g. nutritionist, personal trainer).
• Engineering (biochemical, civil and mechanical engineering for example).
• The police and emergency services (e,g. paramedic, crime scene investigator or police officer)

And many other potential careers.

Chemistry lesson at Doncaster UTC