GCSE Biology

Exam Board: AQA

In Biology, students will develop a deeper understanding of the vital processes within the human body and other organisms and the interactions between living things and their environment. They will learn about the fundamental processes of life on our planet.  


Topic areas include: cell biology, organisation, infection and response, bioenergetics, homeostasis and response, inheritance, variation and evolution, and ecology. 

The AQA Triple Science GCSE course allows students to experience greater depth and breadth of biology, chemistry and physics and explore practical science in a working scientifically context. Students will learn how to analyse and interpret data and form reasoned judgements using the scientific information presented to them.  

Students will be taught the three science disciplines as separate subjects and achieve three GCSE grades, one in each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. A love of science and sound mathematical ability are important if a student is to achieve well on this course. Triple science includes more content than Combined science and requires students to study science at a deeper level. For this reason, science staff will be consulted when determining a student’s suitability for studying the three sciences as separate GCSEs. 

Assessment

The course is 100% examination. There are two examination papers per subject (six exam papers in total); each lasting 1 hour 45 minutes. Papers may include multiple choice, long and short answer questions, open response, graphical skills and data analysis. 

Where can it lead?

Students do not need to take Triple science to study Science courses at A ‘level and beyond but we would advise this as the best route, creating a strong foundation on which to build even more challenging concepts.  

Possible career paths include: zoologist, veterinarian, researcher, forensic scientist, medical professional, botanist and more. Biology is a broad subject and those that study it can also go on to have careers in various other sectors such as PR and accountancy.  

You will develop a range of transferable skills including communication, time management, numeracy, analysis, data management, problem solving, independence, teamwork and more.

Find out where studies in Biology can take you on Unifrog:

Biology and Biological Sciences Subject Profile.