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Biology
Why study Biology at AS/A level?
Studying biology gives you the opportunity to understand the living world. It lets you understand the
processes that control living organisms and give you insights into the nature of life on earth. You will
study fascinating topics, learning interesting facts. In addition biology is a rigorous scientific
discipline and training in it will give you a real understanding of the nature of science; how we use
scientific method to begin to understand the world around us. Lessons in biology will also give you
an opportunity to discuss real world issues with ethical, moral and social dimensions based on a solid
understanding of the science that underpins these topics. Rapid developments in biotechnology,
ecology, medicine and applied genetics are changing the world we live in; as a citizen of the 21 st
century you will need to make informed choices. Studying biology will give you the information that
you will need whether you chose to follow a carrier in science or not. It will help you to develop an
independent approach to your studies and will help to develop communication and presentation skills.
Biology is not an easy option but the hard work it requires is more than paid back in the pleasure it
will bring you as you see the world around you in a different light.
What can it lead towards?
As well as providing an understanding of living systems biology opens many doors to a wide range of
future career options. Medicine, Veterinary sciences, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy all need an
understanding of biology. Students often go into other fields such as Ecology, Biotechnology,
Genetics, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Radiography, Food Sciences, Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Plant
Studies, Zoology, Marine Biology; the list is very long and highlights how useful a qualification in
biology can be.
How is it studied at LMS?
At present we study the OCR course leading to AS and A2 qualifications. The AS course is split into
three units namely, „Cells, Exchange and Transport‟, „Molecules, Biodiversity and Health‟ and a
practical unit. A2 also tests practical skills and in addition two modules, „Communication,
Homeostasis and Energy‟ and „Control, Genomes and Environment‟. Practical skills in both AS and
A2 are practiced through the course and are formally assessed by the teachers using tasks set by the
examination board. Practical activities, which form an essential part of the course, are also taught
during a residential Field Trip which is a very enjoyable experience and is often a highlight of the
year.
Students are taught by two biology teachers who share the responsibility for each of the units of work.
Useful combinations
Biology is a fascinating topic in its own right but it is also a very helpful subject in combination with
other subjects where it shares common strands. Biology compliments Chemistry, Physics,
Mathematics, Geography, Psychology and Food technology.
Is biology for you?
This is a fascinating and rewarding subject to study. If you are interested in the living world around
you, if you want to understand the science behind cutting edge scientific discoveries in medicine and
the changing face of the ecology of the world you will enjoy biology at A level. For some people it
will lead to a specific career in science but an understanding of biology will always be useful to you
as a human being.
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