Biology A Level
A Level
In Leicester
Description
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Type
A Level
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Location
Leicester
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Duration
2 Years
Course outline
Over the two years of the course there are six teaching modules.
Module 1 – Development of practical skills in biology (years 1&2)
• There are 12 assessment tasks covering the areas of planning, implementing, analysis and evaluation
• The individual tasks are integrated into the teaching and are not separate controlled assessments or exams
Module 2 – Foundations in biology (year 1)
• Cell structure; biological molecules; nucleotides and nucleic acids; enzymes; biological membrane; cell division; cell diversity and cellular organisation
Module 3 – Exchange and transport (year 1)
• Exchange surfaces; transport in animals; transport in plants
Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution and disease (year 1)
• Communicable diseases; disease prevention and the immune system; biodiversity; classification and evolution
Module 5 – Communication, homeostasis and energy (year 2)
• Communication and homeostasis; excretion; nervous and hormonal communication; plant and animal responses; photosynthesis and respiration
Module 6 – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems (year 2)
• Cellular control; patterns of inheritance; manipulating genomes; cloning and biotechnology; ecosystems; populations and sustainability
Important information
Government funding available
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
About this course
As part of a level 3 programme a minimum of five GCSEs at grade A*- C or 4 – 9 are required, or equivalent, including English Language, Mathematics, EITHER Core Science grade B and Additional Science grade B (not Applied Science); OR GCSE Biology grade B.
Equivalent qualifications may be considered.
Reviews
Subjects
- Biology
- Biology Science
- Scientific investigation unit
Teachers and trainers (1)
Regent College
Teacher
Course programme
Course outline
Over the two years of the course there are six teaching modules.
Module 1 – Development of practical skills in biology (years 1&2)
· There are 12 assessment tasks covering the areas of planning, implementing, analysis and evaluation
· The individual tasks are integrated into the teaching and are not separate controlled assessments or exams
Module 2 – Foundations in biology (year 1)
· Cell structure; biological molecules; nucleotides and nucleic acids; enzymes; biological membrane; cell division; cell diversity and cellular organisation
Module 3 – Exchange and transport (year 1)
· Exchange surfaces; transport in animals; transport in plants
Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution and disease (year 1)
· Communicable diseases; disease prevention and the immune system; biodiversity; classification and evolution
Module 5 – Communication, homeostasis and energy (year 2)
· Communication and homeostasis; excretion; nervous and hormonal communication; plant and animal responses; photosynthesis and respiration
Module 6 – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems (year 2)
· Cellular control; patterns of inheritance; manipulating genomes; cloning and biotechnology; ecosystems; populations and sustainability
Assessment
There will be three written papers in June of the second year: Biological processes (37%); Biological diversity (37%); Unified biology (26%).
As well as assessing your practical skills within the written examinations there will be a non-examined Practical Endorsement in Biology to record your successful skill development.
Teaching styles
A very wide range of teaching styles is used on the course including practical work, use of ICT and group work. Lessons are varied and accommodate all learning styles and differing student abilities.
Subject combinations
Many students will take Biology alongside other science subjects (Chemistry, Physics) but for others it will be their only science subject. It goes particularly well with Health and Social Care and Psychology.
Resources and facilities
At the beginning of 2011 all the science labs were completely refurbished. As well as a full range of science equipment the new labs incorporate ICT facilities including computers and interactive whiteboards. There is also a new computer suite dedicated to science students.
Key features
Good group sizes, excellent additional support, experienced teachers who are available to help students on individual basis are key features that help each student achieve their best.
Biology A Level