Biology

INTRODUCTION

Biology is the scientific extension of the natural human tendency to feel connected with, and curious about, the living world. Biology is for the adventurous.

By studying Biology at A level you will be involved in a science at its most exciting period ever. With fresh approaches and new research methods, biologists are now unravelling life’s mysteries and are poised to make an undreamed of contribution to future generations.

Although stimulating, the information explosion in Biology can be intimidating. Most of the biologists who have ever lived are alive today and they produce about half a million research articles a year. How then can students and others hope to keep their heads above water in such a pace of discovery? The answer is that all good biologists have a firm grasp of the unifying themes of Biology which are emphasised in the A Level course.

A level Biology

Topics
Year 1:

Biological molecules
Cells
Organisms exchange substances with their environment
Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

Year 2:

Energy transfers in and between organisms
How organisms respond to changes in their external environments
Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
The control of gene expression

Residential fieldwork is a compulsory element of the A level course. It is the essence of Biology, as it involves examining organisms in their habitat and investigating their significance.

For future careers in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science you must study Chemistry at A level in addition to Biology.