Biology A-level provides an opportunity to gain a sound understanding of this subject through the study of fundamental Biological principles, whilst exploring modern applications of Biology. The course provides an appropriate foundation for further study of Biology or related subjects in higher education. The exam board is WJEC/Eduqas. Examinations are taken at the end of the two year course.
Component 1: Energy for Life
Marks: 100 Method of assessment (coursework, exam, etc.): Written paper, 2 hours.
This unit looks at respiration, photosynthesis, microbiology, populations, ecosystems and human impact on the environment.
Component 2: Continuity of Life
Marks: 100 Method of assessment (coursework, exam, etc.): Written paper, 2 hours.
This unit includes biodiversity, cell division, sexual reproduction in animals and plants, inheritance, variation, evolution and applications of reproduction and genetics.
Component 3: Requirements for Life
Marks: 100 Method of assessment (coursework, exam, etc.): Written paper, 2 hours.
Section A includes adaptions for gas exchange in animals and plants, transport in animals and plants, nutrition, homeostasis and the nervous system (80 marks). Section B is from a choice of three options: immunology and disease, human musculoskeletal anatomy, neurobiology and behaviour (20 marks).
Core Concepts Basic biochemistry and cell structure will be examined in all three A level components.
Practical Endorsement This will be evidenced by a minimum of 12 experiments carried out over the two-year course. Practical skills and application will be assessed in written papers (15% of content).
Who does this subject?
To study Biology at Loreto you must have achieved at least 2 Bs in core and additional GCSE science or separate sciences and a 6 in Mathematics. (Grade 5 in Maths dependent on overall GCSE qualifications)
Anyone interested in Biology or wishing to study Marine Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Physiology, Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, Animal Behaviour, Pharmacology or Zoology at University.
Biologyis essential for all students wishing to pursue a career in Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry or Pharmacy.
Biology develops and enhances manipulative and logical thinking skills, as well as the ability to analyse, interpret, evaluate and communicate well
The Biology course is designed to link with the current GCSE science syllabus and allows students to progress to University for the majority of courses available.
What makes Loreto’s Biology department unique?
Biology lessons are taught in newly built state of the art labs which all have data projectors.
The vast majority of students have successfully gone on to study Biology related degrees at top universities including Oxford and Cambridge.
Medlink and Vetlink support students going on to study Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.
As part of an enrichment programme, our students, along with other science students, are given the opportunity to take part in the Science Club where they can carry out exciting activities.
In association with Operation Wallacea, students have the opportunity to learn about and use the practical techniques at a residential field course at Malham Tarn in North Yorkshire as well as abroad.
An expedition in 2008 travelled to Honduras for two weeks to study the cloud forest and coral reef ecosystems.
An expedition in July 2010 travelled to Egypt. Students experienced trekking with the Bedouin people and carrying out fieldwork in the desert and an Oasis as well diving in the Red sea to look at coral reef ecology.
Additional student support is offered through supplementary, study skills and revision sessions.
Students enjoy relevant lectures given by eminent Scientists and the Medical Profession and Manchester Literary & Philosophical Society.
