Biology
Why do biology?
There are three very good reasons for choosing A Level Biology at Elutec. Firstly everything we do at Elutec is related to our goal of producing excellent Engineers, so your Biology lessons will have a practical connection with the real world that many colleges cannot replicate.
Our industry and university links give us the edge in that you will meet real scientists carrying out research and designing products using the science you will be learning about in your lessons. The second reason is that the pursuit of biology saves and changes lives. Without biologists we do not have medicine and drugs we need to treat serious illnesses such as cancer, we would not have an understanding of how humans came to exist on this planet despite all of the odds working against us.
Without a knowledge of biology we wouldn’t even have the faintest idea of how any life started on this planet. Thirdly, A Level biology is one of the most highly regarded qualifications in the world. Top universities and employers scramble to recruit top rate biologists every year after results day, as they know the future of this country and others depends on good, reliable and innovative science.
They know that biology graduates have the skill, concepts and mathematical ability to push the limits of our understanding to create new ways of solving problems in the modern world. Our sponsors and partners are actively looking for highly trained biology students, in fields that range from forensic science to medical practitioners, biology is one of the most adaptable and flexible courses to have on your CV.
Biology is a fascinating and thrilling subject to study, and at Elutec you will be taught by an experienced team of biology teachers that will expose you to the highest level of modern biological science, and prepare you thoroughly for the examinations at the end of the course
Course outline
We deliver the AQA Biology specification, this is an accredited course and will result in either one AS Level qualification if exams are taken after the first year, or the full A Level if both years are completed.
Year 1:
Topic 1: Biological Molecules
Topic 2: Cells
Topic 3: Organisms exchange substances with their environment
Topic 4: Genetic information, variation and relationships with organisms
Year 2:
Topic 5: Energy transfers in and between organisms
Topic 6: Organisms respond to changes in their environments
Topic 7: Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
Topic 8: The control of gene expression
There are 12 required practical investigations placed throughout the course that students will be expected to carry out and learn about, these will be thoroughly planned and evaluated by students after each experimental session.
Entry requirements
A/A* in relevant GCSE Sciences and Maths. Core science is not adequate for entry without additional science at the same grade. Students with a grade B in science but higher grades achieved in mathematics will be considered at the discretion of the Head of Department.
Resources
4 brand new laboratories including all gas and electrical fixtures.
Extensive resources for all core practical’s.
Access to 3D printing.
Extension activities
Science club
This course will prepare me for…
National apprenticeships in environmental science.
Higher apprenticeships in environmental and biological sciences.
University courses in biology, applied biology, medicine, environmental sciences and many more.
Quotes
“It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change.” Charles Darwin
