A Level

In Winchester

Price on request

Description

  • Type

    A Level

  • Location

    Winchester

  • Duration

    2 Years

Biology is the study of life. The course is as diverse as the living world itself. Although you will explore applied topics such as the mode of action of drugs, major causes of human disease, stem cells, cloning and genetic manipulation; the course concentrates mainly on an in depth study and understanding of the main concepts and processes of life. During the AS course cell structure, as.

Important information

Government funding available

Facilities

Location

Start date

Winchester (Hampshire)
See map
Owens Road, SO22 6RX

Start date

On request

About this course

To study this subject, students must achieve the following GCSE grades: B in Additional Science GCSE AND B in Maths GCSE or B in Biology or Chemistry or Physics GCSE AND B in Maths GCSE or B in Additional Science (Applied) GCSE AND B in Maths GCSE or BB in Applied Science GCSE (Double Award) AND B in Maths GCSE.

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Course programme

AS/A2 BIOLOGY

OCR (1-2 years)

Course Content

Biology is the study of life. The course is as diverse as the living world itself. Although you will explore applied topics such as the mode of action of drugs, major causes of human disease, stem cells, cloning and genetic manipulation; the course concentrates mainly on an in depth study and understanding of the main concepts and processes of life.

During the AS course cell structure, as revealed by the electron microscope, is considered and the way in which molecules interact with cell membranes. You will investigate lungs and ventilation, heart and circulation. You will experiment with the main molecules of life and the action of enzymes (these topics also occur in the second year of the Chemistry course). The major causes of human mortality are studied including heart disease, cancer, malaria, AIDS and TB. Biodiversity is measured in the field and set in the context of evolution and conservation.

During the A2 course you will develop an in depth understanding of the nervous system, muscles, hormones and the homeostatic role of the kidney. You will study genetics and population genetics and cover the fundamental metabolic pathways of respiration and photosynthesis. You will consider biotechnology, behaviour and learning. Both years of the course include some ecological aspects (similar to elements occurring in both Geography and Environmental Studies).

Methods and Patterns of Assessment

At AS there are two written exams, one of 1 hour and one of 1¾ hours. At A2, there are also two exams, each lasting 1¾ hours. Practical skills are assessed via tasks with accompanying worksheets. These are carried out and written up in normal lesson time.

Financial implications

You will need to buy a textbook for each year of the A level course. We also ask for contributions to cover the cost of photocopying support booklets. Various trips are run and appropriate charges made. At the start of the AS year we ask for £15 to cover the cost of thephotocopying and a freshwater ecology trip.

We try to organise plenty of optional trips and visits. Recently we have visited coppiced woodland, Intech, a brewery, the Millennium Seed Bank, a sewage works, Studland sand dunes and Belize. A student hardship fund exists (accessed via student services) for any student requiring financial assistance with costs.

Methods of Teaching

We currently have 13 full time members of staff, 6 of whom have doctorates. The Biology department was rated as â€OEOutstanding, grade one†by a recent OFSTED inspection.

The course is delivered using a wide range of teaching styles, including experimental work, group work, discussions, short talks and poster presentations by students. Key facts and concepts are delivered by written notes, interactive handouts, videos, practical demonstrations and extensive use of ICT. You will be expected to read from texts and use the college's intranet.

In addition to timetabled lessons, workshops are provided every day when teaching staff and student mentors are available to give one to one assistance. An extension group meets weekly for students with specific interests. We often invite experts to give lunchtime talks and seminars. Recent talks have included, genetic counselling, new diseases, infertility, epidemiology.

You may wish to take up optional extra courses which we run in Large Animal Handling and Human Anatomy and Physiology. The department also offers students the opportunity to complete an extended project in their A2 year.
Career Possibilities
Biology can lead to careers in an enormous variety of areas including medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, physiotherapy, pharmacy and other biomedical vocations. It can also provide the foundation for the many purely scientific branches of the biological sciences, such as physiology, biochemistry, ecology, pharmacology, marine biology and others. Biology is also extremely relevant to environmental science, food technology, agriculture, horticulture and forensics.

Biology can lead to careers in an enormous variety of areas including medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, physiotherapy, pharmacy and other biomedical vocations. It can also provide the foundation for the many purely scientific branches of the biological sciences, such as physiology, biochemistry, ecology, pharmacology, marine biology and others. Biology is also extremely relevant to environmental science, food technology, agriculture, horticulture and forensics.

A2 Biology

Price on request