A-Level Biology
Cells, Genetics, Physiology, Ecology and Evolution — with full on-site laboratory practicals. Essential for Medicine, Dentistry and Life Sciences. 3 sessions × 2 hours per week.
A-Level Biology
A-Level Biology is an essential qualification for students aspiring to careers in Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Veterinary Science, Biomedical Research and Environmental Science. It is one of the most detailed and content-rich A-Level subjects, requiring thorough knowledge of biological concepts alongside strong scientific writing and analytical skills.
Our full-time programme delivers 3 sessions of 2 hours per week — 6 contact hours every week — taught by a PhD-qualified biologist. Laboratory practical sessions are carried out in our fully equipped on-site science laboratory, where students complete all required practicals and develop the hands-on skills needed to pass the Practical Endorsement.
3
Sessions per week
2 hrs
Per session
6 hrs
Contact time per week
12+
Required practicals on-site
Weekly Lesson Schedule
New Content & Biological Concepts
New biological content taught through clear explanation, annotated diagrams, and visual models. Students build detailed notes and answer structured questions under supervision.
Laboratory Practical (fortnightly) or Data Analysis
Alternating between on-site laboratory practicals (microscopy, dissections, experiments with write-ups) and data analysis sessions practising graph interpretation, statistical analysis and experimental design.
Essay Writing & Exam Technique
Extended essay questions (9 marks), application of knowledge to unfamiliar contexts, and past paper practice across all specification topics. Strong written communication is essential for top Biology grades.
Laboratory Practicals
All required practicals are carried out in our fully equipped on-site laboratory, essential for the Practical Endorsement.
Microscopy — Cell Structure
Enzyme Activity
Osmosis in Plant Tissue
Photosynthesis Rate
Respiration Rate
Chromatography of Photosynthetic Pigments
Dissection — Gas Exchange Organs
Dissection — Mammalian Heart
Aseptic Technique & Microbiology
Plant Mineral Deficiency
Ecology Field Sampling
Genetic Inheritance & Chi-Squared
Year 12 — AS Level Content
Sept–June, 3×2hrs/weekBiological Molecules
- Water and its biological importance
- Carbohydrates: monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides
- Lipids: triglycerides, phospholipids, steroids
- Proteins: amino acids, peptide bonds, protein structure
- Nucleic acids: DNA and RNA structure
- Enzymes: structure, specificity, inhibition
- ATP: structure and role in metabolism
Cell Biology
- Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure
- Cell membranes: fluid mosaic model
- Transport: diffusion, facilitated diffusion, osmosis, active transport
- Mitosis and the cell cycle
- Cell specialisation and organisation
- Stem cells and differentiation
Exchange & Transport
- Surface area to volume ratio
- Gas exchange: fish, insects, plants and mammals
- The mammalian circulatory system: heart structure and function
- Blood: haemoglobin and oxygen dissociation curves
- Transport in plants: xylem and phloem
- Transpiration and the cohesion-tension theory
Biodiversity & Classification
- Classification systems: taxonomy and phylogeny
- The five kingdoms and three domains
- Biodiversity: species richness and evenness
- Natural selection and evolution
- Speciation: allopatric and sympatric
- Conservation: in-situ and ex-situ
Year 13 — A2 Level Content
Genetics & Inheritance
- DNA replication and protein synthesis: transcription and translation
- Gene mutation: substitution, deletion, insertion
- Mendelian genetics: monohybrid and dihybrid crosses
- Codominance, sex-linkage and epistasis
- Genetic technologies: PCR, gel electrophoresis, genetic engineering
- Gene expression and regulation
Physiology & Control
- Homeostasis: temperature regulation and blood glucose control
- The nervous system: nerve impulses, synapses, receptors
- The endocrine system: hormones and feedback
- Muscle structure and the sliding filament theory
- Kidney structure and osmoregulation
- Plant hormones: auxins, gibberellins, ABA
Ecology & Energy Flow
- Ecosystems: producers, consumers and decomposers
- Energy flow: photosynthesis, GPP, NPP
- Nitrogen cycle and carbon cycle
- Population dynamics: predator-prey relationships
- Succession: primary and secondary
- Human impact on biodiversity
Photosynthesis & Respiration
- Light-dependent reactions: photolysis, photophosphorylation
- Light-independent reactions: Calvin cycle
- Aerobic respiration: glycolysis, link reaction, Krebs cycle
- Oxidative phosphorylation and chemiosmosis
- Anaerobic respiration and lactate/ethanol fermentation
- Factors affecting rates of both processes
Exam Preparation
9-Mark Essay Questions
Extended essay questions (a unique feature of A-Level Biology exams) practised regularly with structured planning, scientific accuracy and clear communication.
Practical Endorsement
All required practicals completed on-site with structured write-ups supporting the Practical Endorsement — a separate pass/fail grade reported on the A-Level certificate.
Data Interpretation Skills
Regular practice interpreting graphs, tables, statistical results and experimental data — skills worth significant marks across all Biology exam papers.
Termly Mock Exams
Full past papers under timed conditions each term with detailed written feedback and grade tracking from AS level through to final A2 exams.
Careers
Medicine & Surgery
A-Level Biology is required by virtually all UK medical schools. It provides the cellular, physiological and biochemical foundation for clinical study.
Dentistry
All dental schools require A-Level Biology. Oral biology, pharmacology and anatomy all build directly on A-Level content.
Veterinary Science
Veterinary degree programmes require A-Level Biology and Chemistry, covering animal physiology, ecology and clinical skills.
Nursing & Allied Health
Physiotherapy, Biomedical Science, Midwifery and Nursing all require or strongly recommend A-Level Biology for university entry.
Biochemistry & Genetics
Research into DNA, proteins, cancer biology and genetic disorders all build on the molecular biology content studied at A-Level.
Environmental Science
Conservation biology, ecology, climate science and environmental management all draw on the ecological and evolutionary content of A-Level Biology.
Enrol on A-Level Biology
Get in touch to check availability and secure your place.
