Course Staff
Mr Adam Johnson, Ms Fiona Morphet, Dr Hugh Williets
In biology you will develop practical skills by planning experiments, collecting data, analysing experimental results and making conclusions. You will also learn how scientific models are developed, the applications and implications of science, the benefits and risks that science brings and the ways in which society uses science to make decisions.
Qualifications
At KS5 students follow the AS and A2 Edexcel GCE in Biology specification. This course has been developed in collaboration with the Salters-Nuffield Advanced Biology Project, which leads the field in innovative approaches to teaching and learning in biology at A level.
5 periods per week are time-tabled for Biology; in year 12 this usually includes one double period for practical investigation, and in year 13 an individual investigation is planned and undertaken as coursework. Teaching is through a context-led topic approach which starts with the consideration of an application that develops and draws on many different areas of biology.
In 2008-09 AS students will have the opportunity to visit a brewery to experience the industrial application of biology, this will probably provide the opportunity to complete elements of the AS coursework. In year 13 students are encouraged to participate in 2 days of ecological fieldwork at Malham Tarn Field Studies Centre where the data collection for their coursework can take place.
AS and A level Biology is suitable if you:
have and interest in, and enjoy biology and want to find out about how things work in the biological world by application of imaginative, logical thinking
want to use biology to progress onto further studies in Higher Education or support other qualifications or enter biology-based employment
are taking A levels in the other sciences and/or mathematics or other relevant courses such as Physical Education and want to take another course that will support those studies.
What can I do after I’ve completed the course?
Biology leads on to a wide range of courses and careers. This could include:
an undergraduate degree in a life sciences, medicine, environmental science, forensic science and related courses or a BTEC Higher National (HNC and HND)
employment, for example in the areas of biological testing, biotechnology, independent research and the food industry.
Biology continues to be a popular A level choice at Settle College, with many students progressing to university to study biology-related subjects. Over the past 5 years we have seen 6 students begin training to be Doctors together with an inspiring range of related disciplines including veterinary medicine, forensic science, physiotherapy, osteothapy, nursing, veterinary nursing and other life sciences.