Curriculum Leader:: Dr. M. Izen
A Level Teachers: Dr. M. Izen, Mrs. V. Burden
Examining Board: WJEC
Should I choose biology?
The main reason to choose this course is that you love Biology. It requires hard work so motivation and commitment are essential.
What is it about?
We consider living organisms at various levels of organisation. At the smallest, we study molecules and cells. At a larger scale we examinde anatomy and physiology. At the largest, we consider relationships between organisms, ecology and human impact on the environment. We study genetics and evolution and the influences that they have. Much is relevant to the study of plants and animals and so an A Level Biology leads to many different occupations.
A Level Sciences assume the knowledge of A grade GCSE Double Award. If you did GCSE Separate Sciences you will already have met some A Level topics.
How will it be studied?
You will take part in discussions, do research and make presentations, although some lessons will be more like university lectures. You must read around the topic and learn your notes by heart after each lesson. Practical work is important. You will be examined in your ability to use microscopes and draw accurately using them and performing experiments in the laboratory and in the field. Just prior to Year 13, you will take part in a residential field trip to learn the techniques of field ecology. Throughout the Biology course, you will learn skills important in many areas of life, including analysing results, evaluating data and making meaningful conclusions supported by the evidence.
How will biology be useful in the future?
Biology is essential for work in areas allied to medicine eg physiotherapy, radiology, dietetics, nursing, clinical genetics, psychiatry. Biology leads to careers in microbiology, agriculture, veterinary science and environmental science. Biology could contribute to your becoming an archaeologist, a medical or botanical illustrator, a lawyer or a journalist. Your increased understanding of how your body works will be important to you all your life.