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A LEVEL
BIOLOGY

OVERVIEW A level Biology is the study of life. From how a simple cell works to the complexity
of a human body, studying Biology allows you to develop a deep understanding of
biological processes, their importance to the health and wellbeing of all organisms
and environments and the impact of humanity on our natural resources.

APPROACH Our approach to Biology is to bring life to life. The learning that takes place both in
the lab and when students are working independently, is enriched with an
abundance of extra-curricular opportunities. Beyond trips, essay competitions and
Olympiads, we have a programme including: dinners and lectures from world class
speakers, giving students the opportunity to meet with and, make links with,
experts in their respective biological fields; our annual Biology and Psychology
Symposium where students from other schools join us for a day of lectures and
workshops to develop their understanding and fire their imaginations; Biology
breakfasts, where students take the lead in engaging with biological tasks above
and beyond the specification; and dissection club, where students are given a
hands-on opportunity to engage with the anatomy of mammals.

COURSE OUTLINE In the Lower Sixth, students begin by studying the core concepts of Biology,
starting with the structure and function of biological molecules and cells, moving
on to a detailed study of the cell membrane and the cells of the immune system,
how cells group together as tissues, tissues as organs, how organisms exchange
material with their environment and then how these materials are transported
around the body.
Building on these core concepts, the work in the Upper Sixth examines
relationships between metabolic processes such as photosynthesis and respiration,
and the interconnected nature of ecological systems. We study the nervous and
muscular systems of humans, homeostasis, genetics and the extraordinary
advances in our understanding of genetic processes and the implications of this in
gene technology.
Please note that the mathematical skills required are at least the same as those
found in the Higher Tier specification of GCSE Mathematics.
FURTHER INFORMATION Students are assessed within the department on their practical skills. A pass in this
component will be reported on their results certificate. For medicine, dentistry or
veterinary science and some Biological Sciences courses at university, students
must study A level Chemistry as well.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Students who have studied GCSE Separate Science should have achieved a
minimum of grade 6 (B) in GCSE Biology to enrol onto this course. Those with
GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy should have achieved a minimum of grades 7-6
(A-B).
All students should have achieved a minimum of grade 6 (B) in GCSE Maths. A
minimum of grade 5 (C+) in English is essential, and grade 6 (B) is desirable.

EXAM BOARD AND AQA 7402
SPECIFICATION https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/biology/a-level/biology-7402/specification
CONTACT Head of Biology
Mr A Wood
wood.a@millfieldschool.com

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