Why study A level biology?
Biology is the scientific study of life itself. It involves knowledge of the wide range of living things and an understanding of the life processes that they all share in common. These processes, collectively termed metabolism, enable species to survive in their environment, to reproduce and to evolve.
This course is aimed at students who want to know more about how the living organisms function both within themselves and within the environment in which they live.
Course type: A level
Board: OCR
Head of department: Mr R Buttinger
Entry requirement: Grade 7 (double) or grade 6 (triple) in GCSE biology; grade 6 GCSE maths; five grade 5s at GCSE including English
How will A level biology be delivered and assessed?
| Component | Content | Assessment |
| Year 12 | Development of practical skills in biology | Terminal exams |
| Foundations in biology (cells, biological molecules, enzymes, membranes) | ||
| Exchange and transport | ||
| Biodiversity evolution and disease | ||
| Year 13 | Development of practical skills | Three written exams: two x 2 hr 15 min; one x 1 hr 30 min |
| Foundations in biology | ||
| Exchange and transport | ||
| Biodiversity, evolution and disease | ||
| Communication, homeostasis and energy | ||
| Genetics, evolution and ecosystems |
