Key Stage Five

AS & A2 Biology - AQA Codes: 7401 & 7402 - Specifications

Course Content - What will I study?

This course develops:

• An enthusiasm for biology.
• Knowledge and understanding of different areas of biology and how they relate to each other.
• Practical skills alongside sound knowledge and understanding of concepts.
• An appropriate foundation of knowledge and skills for degree level study of biology and related subjects.

This interesting and challenging subject covers essential biological principles in relevant contexts. Students acquire scientific knowledge and understanding, and will develop skills of analysis and application. Also learning opportunities will arise from biological visits, conferences and a residential ecology field course.

Teaching and learning will incorporate the context-led approach of the Salters-Nuffield Advanced Biology Project.

AS Level

• Unit 1 Lifestyle, transport, genes & health.
• Unit 2 Development, plants and the environment.
• Unit 3 Research skills and a written report.

A2 Level

• Unit 4 The natural environment and species survival.
• Unit 5 Energy, exercise and coordination.
• Unit 6 Written report of an experimental investigation which the student devises and carries out.

How Science Works

During the course, students develop a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of How Science Works. How Science Works is assessed in all units.

How will progress be tested and examined?

Two examinations and an externally marked written report in the first year of study lead to an AS qualification. Two examinations and a written report of an experimental investigation are completed in the second year. Results are combined to achieve an Advanced Level award.

Progression - How will the study of Biology benefit students’ future education and career?

• Training in analysis, understanding, evaluation, application of knowledge and data handling provide foundations for many AS/A Level subjects as well as science.
• Increasingly a minimum grade C in sciences is required for a variety of courses and training, not necessarily those related to pure sciences, at university, in further education or in the workplace.