Biology is the study of living things. A-Level Biology provides the opportunity to build on your knowledge from GCSE, taking core concepts and their applications and developing theories to gain a broader knowledge and deeper understanding of organisms and the world around us.
This course is ideal if you are interested in the biological sciences. If you are enthusiastic and motivated the course will give you an ideal platform from which to launch your career into biomedical sciences, life sciences, forensic science and medicine.
You will study 8 units during this two year programme.
A-Level Biology is assessed by three externally marked examinations alongside the practical work which assessed throughout the two years to achieve your practical endorsement.
You will need 5 GCSE's at grades 5-9, including grade 6 in Maths, Science at grade 6, or Biology and another science at grade 6.
| Study level | Cost | Additional fees |
|---|---|---|
| 16-18 | FREE | There are no costs to study this A-Level however there may be contributing costs associated with external visits. You will need to provide your own stationery and you may want to purchase a textbook. |
On this course you will learn through a combination of lectures, demonstrations, workshops, practical sessions, discussion activities and external visits.
Independent learning skills will be developed through research activities and extended study tasks.
You will develop your practical skills and carry out independent research linked to laboratory work. You will complete twelve assessed practical sessions throughout your two years of study which will contribute to your practical endorsement.
Maths and English are very important subjects and will equip you with key skills that will help you to achieve your best in your A-Level studies and progression towards your future career.
In order to study A-Level Biology, you will need to have achieved GCSE maths at a minimum of grade 6.
The sixth form day is 9am-4:15pm and takes place Monday-Friday.
You will study each of your subjects for 4hr 45min per week, across three separate lessons.
Your timetable will be determined by the combination of subjects that your study, which will be made available to you at the start of the academic year.
You are not required to be on campus when you do not have a timetabled lesson, although we would strongly recommend that you are. Making effective use of our learning facilities and resources during such study periods, will ensure that you keep on top of your work and make significant progress in your studies, not to mention developing important time-management, organisation and independent-study skills.
In year 12 you will study: Biological Molecules, Cells, Organisms and Exchange, Genetics, variation and relationships
In year 13 you will study: Energy transfers, Responses to change, Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems, Control of gene expression.
Biology is a key subject for many STEM careers, particularly those linked to medicine and healthcare. After successfully completing this course you could progress on to an honours degree in many subject areas including medicine, dentistry, nursing, zoology, biochemistry, biophysics, genetic counselling and forensic science.
Alternatively you could progress onto an HND in Biological Science or seek employment at entry level in the industry.
Find out everything you need to know about Sunderland College and our exciting range of courses!
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(*Based on 16-18 year olds destination data, 2019/20 academic year)
100% overall A-Level pass rate
Summer 2021
97.4% of our apprentices progressed to employment or further study.
Destination data for Sunderland College 2019/20, Apprentice completers.
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