AS Level Biology is the first half of the A Level Biology curriculum, typically studied by students in the UK and some international schools as part of their post-16 education. The AS Level course provides a foundational understanding of biological concepts and is generally taken in the first year of A Levels, with students either progressing to the full A Level in the second year or stopping at the AS qualification.

Key Components of AS Level Biology

• Cell Structure: Studying the structure and function of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, including cellular organelles.
• Biological Molecules: Understanding macromolecules like proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids and their roles in living organisms.
• Enzymes: Learning how enzymes work, enzyme kinetics, and factors affecting enzyme activity.
• Exchange and Transport: Covering gas exchange, circulatory systems, and transport mechanisms in plants and animals.
• Genetics and Variation: Exploring basic genetics, DNA, inheritance patterns, and genetic variation.

Skills Developed

• Experimental Techniques: Performing and interpreting experiments, with emphasis on lab work and scientific method.
• Data Analysis: Interpreting and analyzing biological data, often presented in graphs, charts, or tables.
• Critical Thinking: Applying knowledge to unfamiliar contexts and developing problem-solving skills.

AS Level Biology assessments are usually a mix of written exams, which include multiple-choice, short-answer, and long-answer questions. This qualification is a stepping stone for careers and further studies in biology, medicine, environmental science, and biotechnology.

Candidates for Cambridge International AS Level Biology study the following topics:

1. Cell structure
2. Biological molecules
3. Enzymes
4. Cell membranes and transport
5. The mitotic cell cycle
6. Nucleic acids and protein synthesis
7. Transport in plants
8. Transport in mammals
9. Gas exchange
10. Infectious diseases
11. Immunity