Further Details | |
|---|---|
Course Code | LA01143 |
Location | Deeside |
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 | 01 Sep 2026 |
End Date | 19 Jun 2027 |
Course Overview
Are you curious about the world around you? Do you wonder about the safety of genetically modified foods, the possibilities of human cloning, or how we can tackle climate change? If these questions spark your interest, then A Level Biology is for you!
What You'll Learn:
You'll gain a deep understanding of key biological concepts, building on what you've learned at GCSE. Our engaging course follows the WJEC specification, focusing on practical experience and real-world applications.
Here's a glimpse of what you'll explore:
* Cell Structure and Function: Discover the building blocks of life, from biological molecules to cell organisation and how reactions are regulated by enzymes. You'll also delve into nucleic acids, mitosis, and meiosis.
* Biodiversity and Body Systems: Explore the incredible diversity of life, classification, and adaptations for essential processes like gas exchange, transport in plants and animals, and nutrition.
* Energy, Homeostasis, and the Environment: Understand the importance of ATP, the processes of photosynthesis and respiration, and the fascinating world of microbiology. You'll also examine population dynamics, ecosystems, human impact on the environment, and the intricate workings of the nervous system and kidneys.
* Variation and Inheritance: Learn about sexual reproduction in humans and plants, delve into the principles of inheritance, variation, and evolution, and explore the applications of reproduction and genetics. You'll also study one of three optional units: Immunology and Disease, Human Musculoskeletal Anatomy, or Neurobiology and Behaviour.
You'll have plenty of hands-on practical sessions in our laboratory to develop essential skills for your written and practical exams. You will also keep a dedicated lab book to record all your practical work, which forms evidence for your practical exam.
What You'll Learn:
You'll gain a deep understanding of key biological concepts, building on what you've learned at GCSE. Our engaging course follows the WJEC specification, focusing on practical experience and real-world applications.
Here's a glimpse of what you'll explore:
* Cell Structure and Function: Discover the building blocks of life, from biological molecules to cell organisation and how reactions are regulated by enzymes. You'll also delve into nucleic acids, mitosis, and meiosis.
* Biodiversity and Body Systems: Explore the incredible diversity of life, classification, and adaptations for essential processes like gas exchange, transport in plants and animals, and nutrition.
* Energy, Homeostasis, and the Environment: Understand the importance of ATP, the processes of photosynthesis and respiration, and the fascinating world of microbiology. You'll also examine population dynamics, ecosystems, human impact on the environment, and the intricate workings of the nervous system and kidneys.
* Variation and Inheritance: Learn about sexual reproduction in humans and plants, delve into the principles of inheritance, variation, and evolution, and explore the applications of reproduction and genetics. You'll also study one of three optional units: Immunology and Disease, Human Musculoskeletal Anatomy, or Neurobiology and Behaviour.
You'll have plenty of hands-on practical sessions in our laboratory to develop essential skills for your written and practical exams. You will also keep a dedicated lab book to record all your practical work, which forms evidence for your practical exam.
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 a higher tier.
– GCSE Science at grade B/6 or above on a 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 a higher tier.
– GCSE Science at grade B/6 or above on a 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.
The A Level Biology qualification is assessed through a combination of written papers and a practical examination:
* Year 1 (AS Level): Units 1 and 2 are each assessed through a 1½ hour written paper, including questions related to your practical experience. These units contribute equally to your AS qualification and together form 40% of your full A Level.
* Year 2 (A2 Level): Units 3 and 4 are each assessed through a 2-hour written paper, making up 50% of your full A Level.
* Practical Examination: Unit 5 is a practical examination at the start of the summer term, accounting for 10% of your A Level qualification. Questions in all written papers will also be based on specified practical work.
We’ll also conduct internal mock examinations on published dates to give you realistic experience of exam conditions and valuable practice.
* Year 1 (AS Level): Units 1 and 2 are each assessed through a 1½ hour written paper, including questions related to your practical experience. These units contribute equally to your AS qualification and together form 40% of your full A Level.
* Year 2 (A2 Level): Units 3 and 4 are each assessed through a 2-hour written paper, making up 50% of your full A Level.
* Practical Examination: Unit 5 is a practical examination at the start of the summer term, accounting for 10% of your A Level qualification. Questions in all written papers will also be based on specified practical work.
We’ll also conduct internal mock examinations on published dates to give you realistic experience of exam conditions and valuable practice.
An A Level in Biology is a highly respected academic qualification, accepted by all Higher Education institutions. Many of our Biology students progress to university to study degrees in cutting-edge biological sciences, such as:
Biomedical Sciences
Healthcare
Genetics
Biotechnology
Pharmacology
Environmental Biology
Microbiology
This qualification is particularly beneficial if you’re aiming for degree courses in medicine, veterinary medicine, or dentistry. It’s also a valuable stepping stone into healthcare professions like psychology, ophthalmology, nursing, and midwifery.
You could also pursue exciting careers in nursing, radiography, and physiotherapy, contributing to the vital work of the NHS. Some students enter hospital labs, which require specific qualifications and registration. Others venture into biological research or the pharmaceutical industry. If you have a passion for nature, you might enjoy working in the expanding field of ecology and environmental science.
Biomedical Sciences
Healthcare
Genetics
Biotechnology
Pharmacology
Environmental Biology
Microbiology
This qualification is particularly beneficial if you’re aiming for degree courses in medicine, veterinary medicine, or dentistry. It’s also a valuable stepping stone into healthcare professions like psychology, ophthalmology, nursing, and midwifery.
You could also pursue exciting careers in nursing, radiography, and physiotherapy, contributing to the vital work of the NHS. Some students enter hospital labs, which require specific qualifications and registration. Others venture into biological research or the pharmaceutical industry. If you have a passion for nature, you might enjoy working in the expanding field of ecology and environmental science.
Useful downloads
Ready to begin your journey?
Our Open Days
Our Open Days are your chance to explore the College and find out about the range of courses we offer.
March Open Event – Bersham Road
11/03/2026
17:30
Our Open Events are the perfect opportunity for you to have a look around & get all the info you need to help you make a decision on your next step.
March Open Event – Yale & Yale Sixth
11/03/2026
17:30
Our Open Events are the perfect opportunity for you to have a look around & get all the info you need to help you make a decision on your next step.
March Open Event – Deeside & Deeside Sixth
04/03/2026
17:30
Our Open Events are the perfect opportunity for you to have a look around & get all the info you need to help you make a decision on your next step.
March Open Event – Northop
14/03/2026
10:00
Our Open Events are the perfect opportunity for you to have a look around & get all the info you need to help you make a decision on your next step.
