Page 14 - Seaford College Sixth Form Options Booklet 2023

Biology A Level (AQA)
Head of Department:
Dr A Richardson
Teaching Staff:
Dr A Richardson Mr S d’Agar Miss I Robertson Miss M Attrill
Mr D Wood
Course Content
The course is split into the 8 topics below:
Biological molecules
Cells
Organisms exchange substances with their environment
Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
Energy transfer in and between organisms
Organisms respond to changes in their environments
Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
The control of gene expression
The course is assessed at the end of the two years in three papers:
Paper 1: Topics 1-4, 91 marks, 2 hours, 35% of A Level.
Paper 2: Topics 5-8, 91 marks, 2 hours, 35% of A Level.
Paper 3: Topics 1-8, 78 marks, 2 hours, 30% of A Level.
Overview
Biology plays an important role in the understanding of all forms of life involving animals, plants and single cell organisms. It helps us understand the interaction between the living world and the non-living world. It also develops interests in the lives of living organisms in an effort to preserve them for the future.
Expectations
Students are encouraged
to participate fully in theory and practical lessons. Students will need to be proactive in their learning. This means that, outside of direct contact time, students will undertake additional reading and organise time effectively to complete prep and past paper questions, both independently.
Future Pathway
An A Level in Biology
is a highly respected qualification that will lead you into a wide variety of courses and careers including: Science and Research, Medicine and Healthcare, Agriculture, Sport and Fitness, Engineering, Police and Emergency Services.
Key Skills
Over the course the students will need to develop the following:
Practical skills:
The ability to work safely, methodically and logically, both in the lab and the field. To be able to take readings, analyse data and communicate information clearly, both written and orally.
Mathematical skills:
Calculate changes, rates and averages as well as magnification and errors. To utilise and comprehend statistical tests and interpret results.
Problem solving:
To work through information given to them in a completely new scenario and evaluate scientific issues.
Recommended Entry Requirements
Grade 6-6 at GCSE (Biology or Combined Science) and at least Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics.
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