Biology AS / A Level

BIOLOGY AS / A LEVEL
We offer Salter's Nuffield Biology at Advanced Level, including AS Level. We aim to provide a course for students who are interested in science and who may wish to pursue a medical or science related course at University, as well as catering for students who enjoyed Biology at GCSE and who wish to pursue it further in combination with non-science subjects

What and how will I be studying?
Salter's Biology is a course with its own distinctive philosophy. It is about turning A Level students into mature and effective Biologists who not only have the knowledge of biological principles but also the skills to use that knowledge. Topics are based on a storyline or contemporary issue such as risk and heart disease, with biological principles introduced when required to aid understanding of the issues. You will learn in a variety of ways: from practical work to small group tutorials; from student research and presentation to interactive web sites; from fieldwork to biology conferences, debates and role play. You will always have lots of teaching and technical support, plus access to the Salter's online materials which include interactive activities, simulations and animations, interactive tests, exam and coursework support, topical news updates and support materials to help you with maths, biochemistry and statistics

AS Year 1

Topic 1 Lifestyle, health and risk
This work based on the heart and cardiovascular disease. We look at the heart, at diet and lifestyle, and we explore the concept of risks to health.

Topic 2 Genes and health
This topic is centred around a disease called cystic fibrosis. We look at the causes of this disease at the level of DNA and at the level of the cell. We explore the ethical issues involved in gene therapy, a possible cure.

Topic 3 The voice of the genome
Here we explore how a single cell develops into a complex individual. We begin to understand what genes do and how they determine our characteristics. We look at stem cells and the controversies surrounding their uses.

Topic 4 Biodiversity and natural resources
How do plants overcome the problems of being rooted to the spot? They have evolved many solutions and we are able to exploit them for our own benefits. We look at drugs from plants and drug trials. Biodiversity, conservation and natural selection are also studied.

A2 - Year 2
BIOLOGY A2 - follows on from the AS to make the full A Level

Topic 5 On the wild side
Ecosystems, photosynthesis and energy flow are studied, as is the evidence for global warming and its consequences.

Topic 6 Infection, immunity and forensics
We look at how forensic pathologists can determine the cause and time of death. We look at how viruses and bacteria invade their hosts, and how despite our defences like the immune system, pathogens can still cause millions of people to die from infectious diseases.

Topic 7 Run for your life
Here we study the changes in the body when humans undertake strenuous exercise, medical technologies which allow more people to participate in sport, and the ethics of performance enhancing drugs.

Topic 8 Grey matter
The brain and brain imaging. The nature of Parkinson's disease. The ethics of using animals in medical research.

What skills will I need and be developing during the course?
You should have a sound scientific background from your Science GCSE. We aim to further develop in our students the investigative and scientific skills of experimental design, implementing scientific investigations, reporting skills, analytical skills, critical thinking and debating skills.

Throughout the course you will be given a variety of tasks to carry out - reading, preparing debates, practical reports, answering past questions. These are not part of the formal assessment but our part of the learning process. Most of this will be marked for you and this work will aid your understanding, as well as giving you feed back on your progress. You will receive intensive coaching in exam technique, and you will carry out lots of practical work.

We will help you demonstrate your competence in numeracy, communication and Information Technology by using these throughout the course. We also aim to help you develop your self -reliance, your resourcefulness, your initiative and teamwork.

How is the Course assessed?

AS course: The course is assessed by examination and also students write a scientific report on an issue in biology. Investigative and practical skills are developed and assessed throughout the course.

A2 course: Students are assessed by examination and they also devise and carry out an experimental investigation and present a written report

What career opportunities are there?
Two thirds of our Biology students go on to study Biology related degrees at University.

Many of our Biology students have gone on to careers in the medical profession, veterinary science, or in a whole range of paramedical careers such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy or nursing.

Many students go on to follow a degree in a more specialised branch of Biology such as Marine Biology or Microbiology.

Many students use their Biology A Level (alongside, for example Psychology and Chemistry) to help them get onto a Degree in Forensics or Criminology.

Some students enter teaching at various levels.

Some students simply use the Biology A Level as a Science A Level to help them gain degrees or careers in sports, business, psychology etc because it gives them the necessary skills and flexibility.

Opportunities? Just about anything!

and what else?

Is there much Chemistry in the course?
Some! Studying biological molecules is a bit scary at first but we introduce the ideas gradually in an interesting context. Many students don't take Chemistry and succeed in Biology - some even go on to a Degree in Biology.

Do you have to study plants?
There is some plant physiology and photosynthesis but much of the work is based on humans and the contrasts with other animals. However don't make the mistake of thinking the course is just about the way the human body works!

I've heard that Biology is really hard and there are lots of facts - is this true?
There are certainly more facts than in studying some subjects, but the AS course is designed to help you bridge the gap between your GCSE's and the full A Level. The ideas are built up gradually in small chunks and then they are revisited in later topics.

We are proud of the extensive practical work that our students carry out, and students continue to praise us about the variety of learning activities that we provide in lessons. Many of these are geared to the different ways that students learn.

We are committed to providing our students with a safe and supportive learning environment in which students can succeed, enjoy their Biology, take part in local ecology field trips, and attend Biology and Medicine related conferences.

Suitable subject combinations - typically Biology students in the past have studied two subjects from Chemistry, Maths, PE, Psychology or Physics, but Biology combines well with a wide variety of others, including English, Art, French and the Humanities.

Entry Requirement
No. You should have at least CC in GCSE Science or equivalent. It will help if you have C in Mathematics though there is very little Mathematics in the course. You must be willing to work hard, have an interest in how living things work at the molecular, cellular, tissue and organ levels, be interested in how living things have evolved and how they behave and interact with their environment. You should enjoy practical work