Biology involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics; from molecular biology to the study of ecosystems and from micro-organisms to mammals. Biology is never far from the headlines either. Current topics in the news include stories about human cloning, stem cell research, the problems caused by cutting down rainforests, AIDS and genetically modified foods.

What is Biology @ DLD?

A-level Biology is available as a two-year or a one-year course, depending on prior learning. It is taught through a combination of practical and theory sessions, using interactive materials to bring up-to-the-minute information into lessons. In the AS units you'll study three main topics: "Biology and disease", "The variety of living organisms", and a practical assignment which is designed to sharpen your investigative skills. The assignment is set and marked by the exam board and is completed in lesson time - so you don't have to spend weeks researching a written piece of coursework. The A2 course helps you build on this firm foundation of biological knowledge. The two academic topics studied are "Populations and environment" and "Control in cells and organisms". A second exam-board set practical assignment allows you to investigate a different area of biology.

The one-year course is popular with graduates who want to apply for medicine or dentistry, as well as students who may have taken A or AS level Biology before and are seeking to improve their grade. The one-year group has more teaching time per week. In addition, any student applying for Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or Dentistry has the opportunity to attend free seminars on the medical schools' admissions tests.

How is it assessed?

What do I need?

• The interest in the living world and a desire to discover more about it
• An enthusiasm to study Biology in much greater depth than you did at GCSE level
• Grade C or above in GCSE Biology, Dual Award Science or equivalent qualification

Good subject combinations

Biology is one of the most popular A levels in the country, attracting students taking a wide variety of other subjects. Biology is often chosen alongside another science and/or Maths and ICT. Geography is another popular choice, as there is overlap with the areas of ecology and physical geography. However, Biology works as a "standalone" science, and attracts students taking subjects as diverse as Art, Psychology, Sociology and Music.

After DLD

Many students go on to a biologically-related degree course such as Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Optometry, Nursing, Marine Biology, Zoology or Forensic Science. Biotechnology and pharmacology are growing industries employing many Biology graduates. Biologists are vitally important in such areas as food production, ecology and cell biology. Others choose careers as diverse as law, computing, accounting or teaching. The skills of experimentation, logical analysis and evaluation learned in Biology have uses that transcend subject boundaries and are helpful in many career areas.

Questions

Can I do the course in one year? YES. Providing you meet certain criteria. Many of our one year students are graduates or those with A levels who wish to apply for medicine at university

Is Easter Revision available? YES

Will I need to complete a coursework project out of lesson time? NO. Your practical work assignment is all completed in normal lesson time

Will I have to go on a residential field course? NO. Fieldwork is undertaken during day or half-day visits in and around London