Students who study Advanced Subsidiary (AS) and Advanced Level (A2) Biology will be following the Edexcel specifications.

The specifications have been extensively revised to ensure that students who have a sound GCSE background will be able to successfully understand wider aspects of the subject with ease.

• To understand essential biological facts, concepts and principles.

• To promote the importance of experimental work.

• To realise that Biology plays an important role in our society.

• To give a sound base for students who simply wish to study Biology to AS level, but at the same time provides an excellent foundation for Science University Degrees.

The course has a modular structure:

Unit 1 Molecules and Cells

Unit 2 Exchange, transport and reproduction

Unit 3 Energy and the environment and an Individual Study.

Unit 4 Respiration and co-ordination
Unit 5 Genetics, evolution and biodiversity
Unit 6 Synoptic Test and an Individual Study

Students will study using a variety of techniques including tutorials, practical work, investigations and lectures.

It will be a compulsory requirement for all A2 students to attend a residential field course, the approximate cost for this will be £250. Students are expected to purchase their own textbook but the department does offer a buy back scheme.

AS Level

The assessment will consist of 3 unit tests and a piece of coursework.

A- Level Following on from AS Level, a further 2 unit tests, a synoptic test and a piece of course work are required (from the field course).

2 B's at GCSE Science