Further Details | |
|---|---|
Course Code | LA00045 |
Location | Yale |
Duration | Full Time, The AS content is taught in the first year of study. The A2 content is taught in the second year of study. |
Department | A Levels |
Start Date | 02 Sep 2025 |
End Date | 20 Jun 2026 |
Course Overview
Is it safe to eat genetically modified foods? Is it possible to clone a human being? What can we do about climate change? Will we ever be able to cure AIDS? If you are interested in questions like these, then Biology is the subject for you.
In the laboratory there will be plenty of practical sessions and you will use these to also help develop skills for your written exams. The topics you will study include – the heart, the digestive system, breathing, DNA, cell division, haemoglobin, evolution and biodiversity. You will also look at – population growth, photosynthesis, respiration, food production, genetic inheritance, genetic engineering and gene technology.
The A Level Biology follows the WJEC specification and builds upon topics covered at GCSE. The AS Level areas of study include cell structure, nutrition, transport in plants and animals. At A2 study extends to consider wider applications of Biology such as microbiology, homeostasis, genetics and gene therapy. These topics are delivered through two theory modules in each year of the programme.
Unit 1: Basic Biochemistry and Cell Organisation:
Biological molecules, cell structure and organisation, cell membrane and transport, biological reactions are regulated by enzymes, nucleic acids and their function, mitosis and meiosis.
Unit 2: Biodiversity and Physiology of Body Systems:
Classification and biodiversity, adaptations for gas exchange, adaptations for transport in plants and animals, adaptations for nutrition.
Unit 3: Energy, Homeostasis and the Environment:
Importance of ATP, photosynthesis, respiration, microbiology, population size and ecosystems, human impact on the environment, homeostasis and the kidney, the nervous system. Core concepts from unit 1 (can be assessed on any of unit 3 content).
Unit 4: Variation and Inheritance:
Sexual reproduction in humans, sexual reproduction in plants, inheritance, variation and evolution, application of reproduction and genetics, 1 of 3 optional units (to be decided by tutors). A: Immunology and disease. B: Human musculoskeletal anatomy. C: Neurobiology and behaviour. Core concepts from unit 1 (can be assessed on any of unit 4 content).
Unit 5: Practical
A record must be kept in a dedicated lab book of all practical work as evidence towards the practical exam. The exam can be based on any of the specified practicals or any of the theory content covered in any unit across the two years of study.
In the laboratory there will be plenty of practical sessions and you will use these to also help develop skills for your written exams. The topics you will study include – the heart, the digestive system, breathing, DNA, cell division, haemoglobin, evolution and biodiversity. You will also look at – population growth, photosynthesis, respiration, food production, genetic inheritance, genetic engineering and gene technology.
The A Level Biology follows the WJEC specification and builds upon topics covered at GCSE. The AS Level areas of study include cell structure, nutrition, transport in plants and animals. At A2 study extends to consider wider applications of Biology such as microbiology, homeostasis, genetics and gene therapy. These topics are delivered through two theory modules in each year of the programme.
Unit 1: Basic Biochemistry and Cell Organisation:
Biological molecules, cell structure and organisation, cell membrane and transport, biological reactions are regulated by enzymes, nucleic acids and their function, mitosis and meiosis.
Unit 2: Biodiversity and Physiology of Body Systems:
Classification and biodiversity, adaptations for gas exchange, adaptations for transport in plants and animals, adaptations for nutrition.
Unit 3: Energy, Homeostasis and the Environment:
Importance of ATP, photosynthesis, respiration, microbiology, population size and ecosystems, human impact on the environment, homeostasis and the kidney, the nervous system. Core concepts from unit 1 (can be assessed on any of unit 3 content).
Unit 4: Variation and Inheritance:
Sexual reproduction in humans, sexual reproduction in plants, inheritance, variation and evolution, application of reproduction and genetics, 1 of 3 optional units (to be decided by tutors). A: Immunology and disease. B: Human musculoskeletal anatomy. C: Neurobiology and behaviour. Core concepts from unit 1 (can be assessed on any of unit 4 content).
Unit 5: Practical
A record must be kept in a dedicated lab book of all practical work as evidence towards the practical exam. The exam can be based on any of the specified practicals or any of the theory content covered in any unit across the two years of study.
Units 1 and 2 are both assessed through a 1½ hour written paper with questions which will relate to practical experience. Both units will contribute equally to the AS qualification and combined will form 40% of the full A level qualification.
Units 3 and 4 are both assessed through a 2 hour written paper. Both units combined will form 50% of the full A level qualification.
In the papers for Units 1-4 there will be questions based on specified practical work undertaken throughout the course.
Unit 5 is reserved for the practical examination at the start of the summer term which forms 10% of the A level qualification.
There will be internal mock examinations on published dates to provide realistic experience of examination conditions and practice.
Units 3 and 4 are both assessed through a 2 hour written paper. Both units combined will form 50% of the full A level qualification.
In the papers for Units 1-4 there will be questions based on specified practical work undertaken throughout the course.
Unit 5 is reserved for the practical examination at the start of the summer term which forms 10% of the A level qualification.
There will be internal mock examinations on published dates to provide realistic experience of examination conditions and practice.
5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including English Language / Welsh (1st Language) and meet the following criteria:
– GCSE Maths at grade B/6 or above on higher tier
– GCSE Science at grade B/6 or above on higher tier in the science you wish to study.
At Coleg Cambria we would encourage you to do the very best that you can in your exams. The better your grades the more options you will have, and may result in you gaining entry onto a higher level course.
– GCSE Maths at grade B/6 or above on higher tier
– GCSE Science at grade B/6 or above on higher tier in the science you wish to study.
At Coleg Cambria we would encourage you to do the very best that you can in your exams. The better your grades the more options you will have, and may result in you gaining entry onto a higher level course.
A Level Biology is accepted as a recognised academic qualification for entrance to all Higher Education institutions. Most Biology students go to university to study for degrees in biological sciences, the sciences of the future, e.g. biomedical sciences, healthcare, genetics, biotechnology, pharmacology, environmental biology and microbiology.
Biology A Level particularly supports theory covered in degree courses in medicine, veterinary medicine and dentistry. It is also a valuable qualification for entrance to healthcare professions such psychology, ophthalmology, pharmacology, nursing and midwifery.
Biology A Level particularly supports theory covered in degree courses in medicine, veterinary medicine and dentistry. It is also a valuable qualification for entrance to healthcare professions such psychology, ophthalmology, pharmacology, nursing and midwifery.
Some courses may require equipment and/or uniforms to be purchased.
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Open Event – Yale & Yale Sixth
12/03/2025
17:30
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Accessible Open Event – Llysfasi
28/11/2024
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It’s the perfect opportunity to explore everything Cambria has to offer in a sensory-supportive setting.
Accessible Open Event – Bersham Road
21/11/2024
17:00
Neurodiverse people who want to study at Cambria are invited to our Accessible Open Events.
It’s the perfect opportunity to explore everything Cambria has to offer in a sensory-supportive setting.
