Biology - A2
About this course
The Biology A2 programme is a one-year course of study and should be taken in conjunction with two or three other subjects and the Welsh Baccalaureate.
Based at our City Centre campus in Cardiff, learners may be able to take this qualification as a part-time student. This course follows on from AS Biology and covers Energy, Homeostasis and the Environment, Variation, Inheritance and Options and a practical exam.
What you will study
Unit 3: Energy, Homeostasis and the Environment
June external exam - 2 hour written paper (25% of total A-level).
- ATP and photosynthesis
- Respiration
- Microbiology
- Populations and ecosystems
- Human impact
- Homeostasis and the kidney
- Nervous system
Unit 4: Variation, Inheritance and Options
June external exam - 2 hour written paper (25% of total A-level).
- Sexual reproduction in humans and plants
- Inheritance
- Variation and evolution
- Application of reproduction and genetics
- Option A: immunology and disease
Unit 5: Practical exam
External assessment of practical skills during the course (10% of total A-level).
Course fee per year
Part-time enrolment fee: £0.00
Entry requirements
Successful completion of AS programme including satisfactory attendance and tutor recommendation.
Teaching and assessment
Two written exams and practical assessment
Important points
- The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
- Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
- Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
- Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
- Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
- All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
- Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
- Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Start date
End date
Time of day
Full Time
Course code
Qualification
Facilities
More...
I came to the College as I wanted to travel and become more independent – it’s so modern and looks amazing. When I saw the library I was sold. Honestly the library was my main pull, there are so many books I loved it.
Someone came in to speak to us about the Sutton Trust, which gives students a taste of life at American universities. I applied - it was really competitive but I got in. We went to a different state every day, and we went to different colleges including Princeton and Harvard. I also had a week at Warwick Uni and a week at Nottingham Uni. It was so good – I just loved it.
You have a lot of support at the College, especially from the Careers and Ideas team. I think there are a lot more opportunities here as it is such a big college with so many resources.
Career prospects & further study
On completion of the A Level programme, the majority of our students progress onto universities across the country and beyond. Based on this course, there are many options but below are just a few examples of degree programmes you could go on to study at University:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Structure and Function
- Environmental Issues
- Evolution and Biodiversity
- Habitat Ecology
- Human Physiology
- Marine and Terrestrial
- Ecology
- Medicine
- Molecular Methodology for
- Biologists
- Plant Science
- Principles of Genetics
Need to know
Our A Level Scholars Programme
Learning Support