Frequently Asked Questions
What awards will be available in this specification?
The revised GCE Biology specification is comprised of two levels: AS and A2. The AS can be taken as a ‘stand-alone’ qualification without progression to A2. However, to obtain the Advanced GCE qualification, students will have to complete both the AS and A2 levels.
Both AS and A Level qualifications will be awarded on a six-grade scale: A*, A, B, C, D and E. Students who fail to reach the minimum standard for a Grade E will be recorded as U (unclassified) and will not receive a certificate.
What will students study?
Students will have to study three modules at each level:
AS Level
- AS 1: Molecules and Cells
- AS 2: Organisms and Biodiversity
- AS 3: Assessment of Practical Skills in AS Biology
A2 Level
- A2 1: Physiology and Ecosystems
- A2 2: Biochemistry, Genetics and Evolutionary Trends
- A2 3: Assessment of Investigational and Practical Skills in Biology
How will the modules be weighted?
The modules will be weighted as follows:
| Module | Weighting |
|---|---|
AS 1: Molecules and Cells |
40% of AS 20% of A Level |
AS 2: Organisms and Biodiversity |
40% of AS 20% of A Level |
AS 3: Assessment of Practical Skills in AS Biology |
20% of AS 10% of A Level |
A2 1: Physiology and Ecosystems |
40% of A2 20% of A Level |
A2 2: Biochemistry, Genetics and Evolutionary Trends |
40% of A2 20% of A Level |
A2 3: Assessment of Investigational and Practical Skills in Biology |
20% of A2 10% of A Level |
Are there any prerequisites for this course?
Yes, the AS specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed within GCSE Science: Double Award, GCSE Science: Biology and other equivalent courses. Knowledge, understanding and skills developed within GCSE Mathematics are also relevant.
The A2 specification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills
Are there any prohibited combinations for GCE Biology?
Students will not be able to enter for exams in this specification if they are also entered for examinations in any other GCE Biology specifications.
Although there are small amounts of overlap between this specification and GCE specifications in Chemistry and GNVQ Advanced Science, we will not prohibit students from studying either of these subjects with GCE Biology.
Will students be able to resit assessment units?
Yes, students will be allowed to resit AS and A2 units. The best result for each assessment unit will count towards the AS and A Level qualifications.