Biology

The Programme

"Biologists work very close to the frontier between bewilderment and understanding.
Biology is complex, messy and richly various, like real life; it travels faster nowadays than physics or chemistry (which is just as well, since it has so much farther to go), and it travels nearer to the ground. It should therefore give us a specially direct and immediate insight into science in the making."
Sir Peter Medawar, Nobel laureate

The biological sciences comprise a broad range of inter-linked disciplines which encompass the study of life from the molecular level, through cells, tissues and organisms, to populations and ecosystems.

As well as being intellectually interesting, advances in biology have direct relevance to our everyday lives. Examples of this are to be found in new medical treatments, increased agricultural output, the protection of endangered species and the development of new food products. These breakthroughs have improved the quality of life for millions of people over the past few decades. Biological scientists are at the forefront of biomedical, pharmaceutical, agricultural and ecological research, so if you are looking for an exciting, flexible field of study with excellent career prospects, both within science and in the wider employment market, then look no further than the biological sciences.

Requirements
A minimum requirement of two grade B's from higher GCSE Science qualifications and a grade B in GCSE Mathematics are needed to study Biology at AS/A2 level.

Next Step
Biology is a very useful 'general' qualification as it develops the skills of planning, evidence gathering, analysis and critical thinking. Degree courses for which biology is especially useful (or essential) include; Environmental Science, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Forensics and Physiotherapy. This list is by no means exhaustive and there are a huge number of other degree courses which look favourably on A level Biology.

Student Comment
'A Level Biology is incredibly challenging and requires a lot of hard work. However, interesting topics such as human health and disease and field trips (in the mud!) easily make up for it. Also, the opportunities provided by Biology at the end of the course are very wide ranging.'