A Level Biology

Love life, love Biology: it's the study of all life's forms.

If you enjoy Biology at GCSE and you want to know even more about how life does what it does and why life is the way it is, then A level Biology is for you

About the course

We’ll explore molecules, cells, organs, organisms and ecosystems, as well as central concepts such as how structure relates to function, evolution and inheritance. Biologists will play an important role if we are to overcome some of the great challenges of our time, such as climate change, food and water security, antibiotic resistance, and how to live more healthily for longer. If you want to be part of finding solutions to these challenges, then choosing A level Biology may be your first step to saving the world!

Opportunities unique to this course

A weekly visiting speakers’ programme lets you hear from a wide range of scientists, from Nobel laureates to early career scientists. In addition, there are opportunities to engage with the local scientific community through visits, masterclasses and Big Biology Day. We also build our own community through student-led societies such as BioSoc, MedSoc, VetSoc and the environment society.

Three written papers which will include questions based on experience of practical work (an essential component of A level Biology). Whilst the practical endorsement will not contribute to the A level grade, the skills acquired will remain a vital contribution to equip you for higher education and/or a biological career. Examinations at the end of Year 13.

Paper 1: Biological processes: 2hrs 15mins (37% of total A level)

Paper 2: Biological diversity: 2hrs 15mins (37% of total A level)

Paper 3: Unified biology: 1hr 30mins (26% of total A level)

Practical endorsement; Non-exam assessment. Reported separately to A level grade. Doesn’t contribute to A level grade.

You need to be qualified by both the relevant Admissions Score AND the predicted GCSE grade for each A level you apply for.

Please go to the College website to find the most up-to-date entry requirements for each A level that we offer: https://www.hillsroad.ac.uk/study-with-us/a-level-subjects

You can also visit www.hillsroad.ac.uk/apply to find out more about making your application.

A level Biology provides a strong foundation for further study and a career in any area of the life sciences including medicine, plant science, ecology, environmental science, conservation, biochemistry, physiology, neuroscience, immunology, computational biology, genetics, veterinary medicine, and evolutionary biology.