Overview
Explore the make-up and evolution of life itself and discover how it adapts to its internal and external environments. Biology is a pre-requisite subject for many degrees in Biological Science and Medical related fields of study. Biologists also develop skills and understanding of scientific methods, data analysis, observation, correlations and causal relationships.
Key Facts
- 5 September 2022
- 3 January 2023
- Bournemouth
- Brighton
- London
- Oxford
- Academic: Completed 10 years of schooling (GCSE or equivalent)
- English: IELTS 5.5 or equivalent
- 2 Academic Years (3 terms)
- We also offer a One-Year A-level in Biology and an entry from Year 12.
- Average 7 hours per week for each A-level subject (plus homework and private study)
Learning outcomes
- Gain UK national university entrance qualification
- Raise English to university level
- Develop study skills required at degree level
- Develop specialist subject expertise
Course content and structure
The following syllabus outline is based on AQA exam board content. Please note that exam boards may vary from college to college.
Year 1
- Monomers and Polymers
- Carbohydrates
- Lipids
- Proteins
- Nucleic acids
- ATP
- Water
- Inorganic ions
- Cell structure
- The cell cycle
- Transport across cell membranes
- Cell recognition and the immune system
Organisms and substance exchange
- Surface area to volume ratio
- Gaseous exchange
- Digestion and absorption
- Mass transport
- Mass transport in animals
- Mass transport in plants
Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
- DNA, Genes and chromosomes
- DNA and protein synthesis
- Genetic diversity can arise as a result of mutation or during meiosis
- Genetic diversity and adaptation
- Species and taxonomy
- Biodiversity within a community
- Investigating diversity
Year 2
Energy transfers in and between organisms
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration
- Energy and ecosystems
- Nutrient cycles
How organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
- Stimuli, both internal and external
- Nervous coordination
- Skeletal muscles as effectors
- Homeostasis
Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
- Inheritance
- Populations
- Evolution and speciation
- Populations in Ecosystems
The control of gene expression
- Alteration of the sequence of bases in DNA
- Stem cells
- Genome projects
- Gene technologies
Typical A-level subject combinations with Biology
- Maths, Chemistry and Biology
- Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology
Sample enrichment activities
- 3-day residential field trip
- The Big Bang fair, NEC Birmingham
- Natural History Museum visit
- Oxford University Science laboratory visit
- Oxford University School of Medicine visit
- The Royal Society, London
- Science Club
- Science in the News Club
- Google Science Fair
- AIM conferences
Sample academic calendar (2021-2022)
Year 1
- 6th: term starts
- Student induction
- 18 – 22nd: half term
- Progress tests
- University fairs and talks
- 10th: term ends
- End of term exams
- 10th – 11th: half term
- Progress tests
- University fairs
- End of term exams
- 18th: term ends
Year 2
- 17th – 21st: half term
- 15th October: UCAS deadline (Medicine)
- Progress tests
- University fairs and talks
- 9th: term ends
- End of term exams
- 2nd: term starts
- 15th January: UCAS deadline (other subjects)
- 9 – 10th: half term
- Progress tests
- 17th: term ends
- Mock exams
- 3rd: term starts
- Progress tests
Recommended reading
Below is a list of books which may help you prepare for your studies prior to arrival. Please note that additional books, and online resources such as websites and journals will be shared once you begin your course.
- AQA Biology A Level Student Book by Ted Lister, Janet Renshaw
- The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins
- Y: The Descent of Men by Steve Jones
- Genome: The Autobiography of a Species in 23 Chapters by Matt Ridley
- DNA: The Secret of Life by James Watson
- The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin
- This Is Biology: The Science of the Living World by Ernst Mayr
Degree progression
A-level Biology, often in conjunction with other science-based subjects, can lead to the following types of degree course. It is a particularly good choice for people who want to pursue a future career in health and clinical professions.
- Biomedical Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Dentistry
- Dietetics
- Earth Sciences
- Environmental science
- Forensic Science
- Geology
- Medical Science
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Optometry
- Pharmacy
- Physiotherapy
- Sports Science
- Veterinary Science
Sample alumni progression
- Biology/Chemistry/Maths/Persian
- University of Exeter (Neuroscience)
- Biology/Chemistry/Maths/Physics
- Queen’s University Belfast (Medicine)
- Biology/Chemistry/Maths
- University of Bristol (Pathology)
- Biology/Chemistry/Maths
- Royal Veterinary College (Veterinary Medicine)
Negin Nematiniaye Masooleh
- Biology/Chemistry/Maths/Persian
- University of Leeds (Medical Science)
- Biology/Chemistry/Maths/Physics
- University of Surrey (Medical Engineering)
- Biology/Chemistry/Maths/Physics
- Queen’s University Belfast (Medicine)
- Biology/Chemistry/Maths
- University of Bristol (Cellular and Molecular Medicine)
- Biology/Maths/Further maths/Physics
- University of Oxford (Engineering)
