A2 Human Biology

AS/A2 HUMAN BIOLOGY

OCR (1-2 years)

Course Content

Human Biology uses real life situations to explain the relevance and importance of a wide range of biological topics relating them directly to man. Everyday experiences and current developments in the health and caring professions, sport and leisure, research and conservation are used to illustrate underlying biological principles.

In the AS course you will study the structure and function of the blood, the heart and heart disease, lung function and disease, stem cell technology, cancer, foetal development, immunity and the control of infectious disease. The A2 course includes the chemistry of respiration, improvement of athletic performance, the structure and function of the eye, the brain and how drugs affect its function, the treatment of spinal injuries, human reproduction and world population issues.You will also study genetics, genetic engineering, genetic counselling and organ donation, diabetes, kidney function and disease and ageing.

You will learn how to use microscopes to study cell structure. By carrying out practical investigations, you will gain experience in planning, recording, processing, interpreting and evaluating results. At A2, you will learn to process results statistically to test their validity. These skills will be used in your coursework assignments.

Methods of Teaching

A range of teaching styles is used including experimental work, group work, and discussions, short talks by students, individual assignments and whole class lessons.Subject notes, handouts, videos, practical demonstrations and computer programs are integrated into the course.

In addition to timetabled lessons, regular workshops are provided when teaching staff are available to give help with class work, homework and coursework.Individual guidance is given when necessary.

Methods and Patterns of Assessment

At AS and A2 there are two written exams, one of 1 hour, and one of 1¾ hours. Both AS and A2 have coursework components consisting of planning, carrying out and evaluating an investigation which is practical laboratory work. The A2 coursework also includes more extensive background research and a final presentation of the findings.

Financial Implications

You will need to buy 1 textbook for the whole 2 years. The cost is likely to be approximately £22; this incorporates the cost of providing books of support material for each module of the AS year. An additional photocopying charge will be made near the start of the A2 year (approx. £10). The college has a Student Support Fund for those students who have difficulty meeting these costs.
Career Possibilities
Human Biology can lead to careers in a variety of areas including medicine, physiotherapy, radiography, physiology, midwifery, anatomy, biomedical science, occupational therapy, speech therapy, nursing and other health care professions.It also provides an excellent basis for many sports related degrees and is a sound academic qualification for many other higher education courses. Whether choosing Biology or Human Biology A Level, students can expect to progress equally well as "value-added" scores are closely comparable.

It is worth noting that Human Biology is given equal value to Biology by Oxbridge and allmedicinecourses at British universities.