A Levels - The Sciences

Biology

A Level Biology aims to enhance your understanding and appreciation of living organisms, how they function individually and how they interact with one another.

You will plan experiments, collect data, analyse experimental results and make conclusions. You will learn how scientific models are developed, the applications and implications of science, the benefits and risks that science brings and how society uses science to make decisions.

During the course you will look at disease, the organisation of cells, variation in organisms and the influence of genetic and environmental factors. You will also study populations and environments, looking at certain ecosystems, how human activity affects the ecological balance and how genetic variation can lead to the formation of new species. In addition, you will learn about control in cells and organisms, looking at stimulus and responses, homeostasis and genes and genetic expression.

In both years there will be opportunity to carry out a research project, which will provide vital experience for university application.

Why choose Biology?

An A Level in Biology will allow you to go to university to study a wide range of subjects. If you wish to study Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry, Physiotherapy or other medical-related degrees, you will need a good grade in Biology.

Biologists work in a challenging and diverse range of industries, from the Health Service to companies such as United Utilities.

Chemistry

This course combines theory with practical experience, encouraging imaginative critical and logical thinking for problem solving. Chemistry combines well with other sciences, and is a key subject for many degree courses in science, such as Medical, Veterinary or Dental Sciences, Biochemistry or Chemistry.

You will study atoms, bonds and groups, building on your prior knowledge and understand how atomic structure and bonding are related to reaction types, whilst investigating the three-dimensional shape of molecules and develop your knowledge of organic chemistry. You will also look at energy changes, rates of reaction, how metals are extracted from their ores, recycling, environmental responsibility and investigating trends in reactivity. In addition, you will learn about rings, polymers and analysis, and organic chemistry.

Learn about the exciting field of spectroscopy used in Forensic Science and Medicine and about the transition metals and coloured compounds, oxidation and reduction and the measurement and prediction of energy changes in reactions. You will also complete practical projects which are vital for the development of your skills if you wish to progress to study science at university.

Why choose Chemistry?

A qualification in Chemistry allows access to university courses in areas such as Chemical Engineering, Forensics,  Environmental Science, Forensic, Food and Textiles Sciences, Pharmacy and Biochemistry. Chemistry is the only science that is compulsory for the study of Medicine.

Physics

Physics is an exciting subject which aims to explain how things work from the smallest to the largest of scales, from nanotechnology, to the universe itself. It takes in practice and theory, specialist pure research and applications in the surroundings of everyday life.

You will look at how things move under the action of forces and what energy exchanges occur, and study electrons, waves and photons, looking at all aspects of electrical circuits, wave theory and an introduction to quantum physics. You will learn about The Newtonian World and look at bodies moving in circular pathways or oscillating, followed by a section on heat and thermodynamics.

In addition you will look at particles and the frontiers of physics which looks at electrical, magnetic and gravitational fields, atomic particles and some of the most up-to-date aspects of the world of Physics.

In both years you will also undertake and investigative project where you will improve your practical skills – essential if you plan to apply to study science at university.

Why choose Physics?

It is no surprise that those with a Physics degree are in demand by many employers. Due to the analytical, numerical and problem solving nature of Physics, the skills you develop will be useful for a wide range of careers. As a discipline, Physics is used in many areas of professional activity including Engineering, Health and Biomedicine, the Public Services and Utilities, Environmental Monitoring, Education, and Computing. There is potential for progression onto university degrees across a broad range of science subjects.

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