Altrincham Grammar School For Boys

Biology Department

 

Biology at AGSB is studied throughout GCSE, AS and A2 level learning. A qualification in biology can lead to many different careers click HERE to see what careers you could have

For GCSE:
AQA Science GCSE (specification B) is used

In the first biology module they learn -
How do human bodies respond to changes inside them and to their environment?
What can we do to keep our bodies healthy
How do we use/abuse medical and recreational drugs?
What causes infectious diseases and how can our bodies defend themselves against them
What determines where particular species live and how many of them are there?
Why are individuals of the same species different from each other? What new methods do we have for producing plants and animals with the characteristics we prefer?
Why have some species of plants and animals died out? How do new species of plants and animals develop?
How do humans affect the environment?

AQA Additional Science GCSE
In this section students gain moreexperience in science and increase their understanding of:
What are animals and plants built from?
How do dissolved substances get into and out of cells?
How do plants obtain the food they need to live and grow?
What happens to energy and biomass at each stage in a food chain?
What happens to the waste material produced by plants and animals?
What are enzymes and what are some of their functions?
How do our bodies keep internal conditions constant?
Which human characteristics show a simple pattern of inheritance?

AS and A2 Level Biology

AS and A2 Level biology encourages student to

Develop essential knowledge and understanding of concepts of biology, and the skills needed for the use of these in new and changing situations;
Develop an understanding of scientific methods;be aware of advances in technology, including information technology, relevant to Biology;recognise the value and responsible use of biology in society;
Sustain and develop their enjoyment of, and interest in, biology.

In addition A level biology encourages students to

Show knowledge and understanding of the facts, principles and concepts from different areas of biology and to make and use connections between them.

An A Level in Biology forms a good basis for Careers in Medicine and associated areas, as well as in other specialist fields such as Veterinary Work, Horticulture, Agriculture, Food Technology, Forensic Science and Biotechnology. For more information on biology careers click HERE.