Biology

Biology involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics, including cells, genetics, ecosystems and evolution. Biology is never far from the headlines and provides many opportunities to research topics as they are developing. It links well with many other subjects in the curriculum and develops key transferrable skills.

The entry requirements for A level Biology are Biology GCSE minimum Grade B, Additional Science GCSE minimum Grade A

The Biology A Level course helps students develop a number of skills:

• How to collect data and evaluate it
• How to investigate facts and use deduction
• How to put over your point of view effectively
• How to take responsibility for your own learning

Teaching and learning opportunities include a DNA workshop, attending lectures at Surrey University and carrying out ecological techniques at Nower Wood Nature Reserve.

Biology fits in well with a range of different A Levels, such as Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Geography and Psychology. Choosing to study Biology at A-level does require a very secure understanding of work covered at GCSE. The A Level course is academically challenging and requires a good deal of independent learning and questioning to achieve success. As such students must read widely around the specification material if they are to be prepared to apply their knowledge to novel situations in the examinations.

A qualification in biology equips students with skills such as literacy, numeracy, socially awareness, and an ability to make connections between natural, social, economic, political and technological fields.

Biology is a great choice of subject for people who want a career in health and clinical professions, such as medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, physiotherapy, pharmacy, optometry, nursing, zoology, marine biology or forensic science.