Biology (AQA)

About this course

Biology is the scientific study of life and will help you to prepare a career in healthcare, climate action, agriculture and food security, biotechnology and pharma You learn how to analyse data, think critically, reason ethically and undertake laboratory experiments.

A level Biology is required for many science courses, especially in the healthcare and biological fields :

  • It can be combined with maths, chemistry and physics or with social sciences, depending on your career interests.
  • It develops your knowledge and understanding of living organisms and their environments including complex ecosystems. Key areas such as genetics and ecology are explored.
  • An A level qualification in Biology prepares you for careers in Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacology, Dentistry, Environmental Science, Biomedical Sciences, and Nursing. It is a highly demanded qualification from employers across the world.

What you will study/learn

A level in Biology covers the following units:

  • Biological molecules
  • Cells
  • Organisms, exchange substances and their environment
  • Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
  • Energy transfers in and between organisms
  • Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
  • Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
  • The control of gene expression

Assessment:

The AQA A Level in Biology assessment comprises three externally examined papers.

  • Paper 1: a two-hour exam- 35% of A level
  • Paper 2: a two-hour exam- 35% of A level
  • Paper 3: a two-hour exam- 30% of A level
  • A practical component involving continuous assessment throughout the year.

Entry requirements

Students applying for A Level programmes must have the equivalent of 4 GCSEs with a grade 5-8 (A-C grade) or better, or have taken A Levels previously, with unsatisfactory results, and level B2 English according to the CEFR for Languages; either IELTS 5.0 or better, or Cambridge FCE Grade C or above (this only applies to applicants whose first language is not English).

Students may also apply for A Level programmes if they have a satisfactory high school leaving certificate, or secondary school exit qualification, which is not equivalent to the A Level for UCAS purposes.

There are no specific previous learning requirements for AQA Biology. However, we recommend that students should have the skills and knowledge associated with at least GCSE Science and Additional Science or GCSE Biology with a grade above a 5 (B/C grade) or equivalent qualifications.

Awarding Body

AQA

Career Prospects and further study

Students with an A level Biology have got good future career and study options. Biology graduates are employed in highly paid roles in industry, education and government.