Biology is the study of living organisms, from the molecular biology of virus replication to the study of animals and plants in their natural habitats. Biology is a fascinating subject and includes all the traditional areas of biology as well as the advances in areas such as epigenetics and recombinant DNA technology.
Entry requirements
To study at RSFC, you must have achieved a minimum of five GCSEs or equivalent at grade 4 or above across four separate subjects, including GCSE Mathematics and/or English Language. In addition a grade 6-6 is required in Combined Science or grade 6 in two separate sciences. You must also achieve a grade 5 in Mathematics and a grade 4 or above in English Language.
Why study this course?
Biology has a wide range of interesting applications in research, drug and vaccine development, health care and the environment. Many of our students continue their study of Biology at university in such diverse fields as Marine Biology, Immunology, Genetics, Radiography, Environmental Health, Biomedical Sciences, Pharmacology, Medicine and Dentistry. Most medical courses demand that students have A level Biology. The transferable analytical and evaluation skills acquired in the study of biology are an excellent preparation for a wider range of courses.
What can you expect from A level Biology?
The Biology course covers a diverse range of topics from the fundamental biological processes and mechanisms at the molecular level in plants, animals and bacteria to whole eco-systems. The course will nurture your passion for biology and lay the groundwork for further study in courses like Biological Sciences, Medicine and Dentistry. Biology has a strong practical element, and you will have plenty of opportunities to study biological concepts in our well-equipped laboratories during your two-year course. We also offer a number of trips and guest speakers.
KEY TOPICS - YEAR 1
• Biological molecules
• Cells
• How organisms exchange substances with their environment
• Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
KEY TOPICS - YEAR 2
• Energy transfers in and between organisms
• How organisms respond to changes in the internal and external environments.
• Genetics, populations, evolution, and ecosystems
• The control of gene expression and gene technologies
What can I do with a qualification in Biology?
Biology can lead to a wide range of university and career options. Biology students may choose to use their biological knowledge to study a science course at university or to study a health care-related course like Medicine or Dentistry. Alternatively, many students choose to use the skills they have acquired from their Biology course in other areas of work or study.
How is this course assessed?
Assessment is through examinations at the end of the two years. There are three two-hour papers:
• Paper 1 - Any content from topics 1–4, including relevant practical skills
• Paper 2 - Any content from topics 5–8, including relevant practical skills
• Paper 3 - Any content from topics 1–8, including relevant practical skills
The practical experiments that you will complete throughout the course will contribute to a practical skills certificate.
Who is this course for?
If you have a particular interest in life sciences, with strong numeracy and literacy skills, and aim to go on to study a biological science-related degree, this is the subject for you.
