Life Study - Biology A Level in the 21st Century

This document presents the recommendations and research findings of a report from the Wellcome Trust, published in 2004.

The purpose of the research was to investigate:
• the response of students and teachers to biology A level courses
• factors which made biology a popular option at AS and A level
• the effectiveness of biology A level courses in preparing students for progression in the biosciences
• the extent to which biology A level courses reflected changing research priorities in biosciences

The research highlighted the popularity of A level biology courses amongst students. It also, however, recognises some areas for concern such as the variable amounts of practical work and the high levels and nature of assessment and coursework.

The report makes a series of ten recommendations to improve teaching and learning.