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Maria Fidelis Catholic School FCJ

Biology

Biology Edexcel (9BN0)

WHAT THIS COURSE OFFERS YOU

  • There are thousands of careers and Higher Education options available to a student with A-level Biology.
  • After the obvious ones like Medicine and Dentistry, there are hundreds more, some of which are detailed below.
  • The course focuses on the biology that is relevant to YOUR life and looks at contemporary issues such as inherited disease, genetic screening, cancer, conservation, stem cell research and gene therapy.

 

  • You’ll enjoy this course if….
    • …you have an enquiring mind and are keen to ask and answer questions
    • …you see lessons as an active part of learning and don’t just want to sit and soak up information like a sponge!
    • …you are self-motivated, independent, proactive and able to meet deadlines.

 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

  • 5 GCSE passes at G4 or higher.
  • G6 or above in GCSE English and Maths.
  • G6 or above in GCSE Science (Trilogy) OR G6 or above in GCSE Biology (Separate Sciences).
  • Baseline entry test, taken in the Sixth Form Induction Week in September.

 

ASSESSMENT / CORE MODULES

  • Paper 1 – The Natural Environment and Species Survival
  • Paper 2 – Energy, Exercise and Coordination
  • Paper 3 – General and Practical Applications in Biology
  • 10% of the marks for this specification will involve mathematical skills at level 2 or above.

 

HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT?

  • Biology is a practical subject.  As well as 18 core practical investigations, which are an integral part of the course, there will be debates, discussions, teacher input and written activities.  There is also a field trip to Norfolk in Year 13.

 

FUTURE PATHWAYS

  • After the obvious ones like Medicine and Dentistry, there are the biomedical sciences, forensic science, marine science and Ecology, science journalism, nursing, nutrition, physiotherapy, radiography, cell biology, immunology, environmental science, food technology, law, education, business… the list is endless!
  • It should also be noted that taking an A-level in a science subject does not limit you to following science courses later on.