A-Level Biology (AQA 7402)

Course Overview

Biology is an eye-opening subject to study that allows you to cover a wide range of interesting and engaging topics.

You will develop your skills in thinking about the activity of your body and all the incredible organisms in the world around you. As well as the theory, there is the important experimental aspect of the course, assessed through a variety of engaging practicals and logged in a lab book. We are one of a select number of schools where you will get the opportunity to actually make recombinant plasmids (normally a university experiment) rather than just learning about it.

Biology is an excellent subject to have if you would like to be involved in pharmaceuticals, physiotherapy or ecology; if you hope to go to university to study medicine or psychology; or if you wish to be involved in caring, medical or sports professions later on. Complementary subjects include chemistry, sports, psychology, geography and mathematics.

To have the widest possible choice in future, especially if you wish to study science at university, you should consider taking two science A-levels. Most university courses count mathematics, geography or psychology as a second science.

You will study:

  • Biological molecules
  • Cells
  • Organisms exchange substances with 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

“Biology is fun and interesting and gives us the opportunity to try new and exciting challenges.”

St Ivo Student

Course Code: 7402

Minimum Entry Requirements

  • A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English 
  • Grade 6+ in GCSE mathematics
  • Grade 6+/6+ including biology in GCSE combined science or two grade 6+ including biology in triple science

Exam Board: AQA

Assessment

100% Exam:

  • Paper 1 – 35%
  • Paper 2 – 35%
  • Paper 3 – 30%

*Plus a practical endorsement

Choosing your post-16 options is an important decision, and St Ivo Academy Sixth Form is here to guide you. Applications are welcome from students in St Ives and beyond via the MyChoice16 platform.

Step-by-step application process

  1. Log in to your MyChoice16 account.
  2. Select ‘My Applications’. To start a new application, click ‘Start a new Application’; to continue an existing one, click ‘Continue’ next to your application.
  3. Complete all sections of your Profile Template if this is your first application. For additional applications, only ‘Course Choices’ needs to be completed.
  4. Qualifications will be uploaded by the school—this section can be skipped. Your form tutor will add a reference.
  5. Complete any remaining fields or checkboxes. Click ‘Send Application’ to submit.
  6. Your application status will update (eg. Sent, Schools Hold). The school will review your application to ensure it meets the requirements, and you may be asked to discuss it with a teacher.
  7. Monitor your application regularly and respond promptly to any notifications.
  8. All applicants will be invited to an interview before a provisional offer is made.

 

  • Science & Research:
    • Biologist
    • Biochemist
    • Microbiologist
    • Environmental Scientist
    • Marine Biologist
  • Healthcare & Medicine:
    • Doctor
    • Dentist
    • Veterinarian
    • Pharmacist
    • Physiotherapist
    • Nurse
  • Other Fields:
    • Teacher
    • Forensic Scientist
    • Nutritionist
    • Science Communicator

Caroline Marshall – Caroline Marshall@astreastivo.org 

Other courses you might be interested in