Biology
Biology
Biology is the science of life. It helps us understand the natural world - from the tiniest molecules to entire ecosystems - and the complex processes that keep us and our habitat alive. As our world faces growing challenges in health, sustainability, and the environment, the study of biology is more important than ever.
A Level Biology at South Devon College offers a dynamic mix of lectures, group work, practical experiments and discussion. You'll also have the chance to take your learning beyond the classroom with fieldwork opportunities, including ecological sampling and species surveys in local woodlands and coastal areas.
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation in key biological concepts. Topics include cell structure and function, biological molecules, transport systems in plants and animals, disease and immunity, biodiversity, classification and evolution.
Your second year deepens this knowledge, focusing on how organisms respond and interact. You'll study photosynthesis, respiration, nervous and hormonal communication, genetics, manipulating genomes, cloning, biotechnology, ecosystems, populations and sustainability. Throughout the course, you'll also develop essential transferable skills such as problem solving, scientific research, analysis, and data interpretation.
Delivered in partnership with AQA, you will also work towards the Certificate of Practical Competence, a key qualification for anyone considering a science-related degree or career.
If you're curious about how life works and want to explore everything from the inner workings of cells to the future of genetic technology, A Level Biology is the perfect step towards a career in science, healthcare or environmental research.
You must have a GCSE Grade 5(B) in Maths
You must have a GCSE Grade 4(C) in English
You must have 5 GCSEs at Grade 4(C) or above
You must have a grade 6 in GCSE or a grade 66 in GCSE Combined Science
Cell structure and function
Communication and cell signalling
Cell division
Gas exchange and transport in animals and plants












