A Level Biology

Course Level:
Level 3

Entry Requirements:
5 GCSEs at grade C or above including Mathematics, English and Biology or Double Award Science at grade CC, and a minimum average points score of 5.3.

Course Description:
Students will develop an understanding of biological facts and principles and gain an appreciation of their significance by studying molecules, cells and systems, inheritance, evolution and ecosystems and physiology and the environment. The course prepares students for university courses in biology and professional courses that require knowledge of biology. At the same time it performs a useful educational function for students not intending to study biology at a higher level.

Course Content:
• Molecules, Cells and Systems
• Making use of Biology
• Inheritance, Evolution and Ecosystems
• Physiology and the Environment
Year 1 - AS Level
This is the first year of the full A Level course. Students can finish at the end of Year 1 with an AS Level in Biology or continue on to Year 2 to take the full A Level qualification.
Module 1
Molecules, Cells and Systems
Most organisms are organised on a cellular basis. Biochemical reactions occur within cells and these are regulated by the action of enzymes and limited by the passage of substances across plasma membranes. In larger organisms, cells are organised into tissues and tissues into organs which have specific functions. Organisms exchange substances with their environment and transport these substances from one part of the body to another by mass flow systems.
This module will allow consideration of the principles to be stressed rather than biochemical detail and will provide an introduction to the acquisition of, and opportunities to assess appropriate laboratory skills.
Module 2
Making use of Biology
Biology influences our everyday lives in many ways. Enzymes can be isolated from micro-organisms and have important applications in industry and in medicine. A knowledge of the way in which genes code information that leads to the synthesis of specific proteins has many applications such as in the production of specific proteins and in forensic investigation. In agriculture, an understanding of physiological processes has enabled us to increase the productivity of crop plants and domestic animals.
This module will allow the continued development of basic skills as well as the opportunity to discuss the ethical and moral issues that relate to the subject.
Module 4
Centre Assessed Coursework
This unit assesses the practical, Module 4. It requires candidates to plan, carry out and evaluate their work and should involve the use of IT where appropriate. It is marked by the teacher and moderated by AQA.
Assessment: AS Examination 5131
Unit 1
Module 1:
1½ hours - 35% of the total AS marks
17.5% of the total A Level marks
Unit 2
Module 2:
1½ hours - 35%of the total AS marks
17.5% of the total A Level marks
Unit 4
Module 4:3
30% of the total AS marks
15% of the total A Level marks
Year 2 - A Level
STUDENTS MUST HAVE SUCCEEDED AT AS LEVEL TO GAIN ENTRY TO THE A2 COURSE.
Module 5
Inheritance, Evolution and Ecosystems
Variation and the Mechanisms of Inheritance and Evolution Genetic information is copied and transmitted from generation to generation. Natural selection acting on genetic variation is thought to have led to the enormous diversity of living organisms.
The Biology of Ecosystems. Living organisms do not live in isolation but form structured communities within dynamic and well-defined ecosystems through which energy flows and in which nutrients are cycled. This module also allows consideration of some of the ways in which human activity can impose far reaching effects on the environment. It is expected that candidates will carry out fieldwork involving the collection of quantitative data from at least one habitat and the application of elementary statistical analysis to the results.
Module 6
Physiology and the Environment
Living organisms do not live in isolation. They are part of complex ecosystems in which they interact with the abiotic components. This module allows consideration of some of the physiological processes on which animals and plants depend. The emphasis throughout has been on adaptation to the environment.
Module 8
8a & 8b
Unit 8a comprises two structured questions and one essay question which tests synoptic skills (AO4). There will be a choice of essay titles.
Unit 8b assesses similar practical skills to Unit 4 with more emphasis on synoptic skills.
The marks for Unit 8a and 8b will be combined to give an overall result for Unit 8.
A2 Examination 6131
Unit 5
Module 5:
1½ hours
15% of the total A Level marks
Unit 6
Module 6:
(Terminal) - 1½ hours
15% of the total A Level marks (inc. 5% synoptic)
Unit 8a & 8b
Module 6:
8a
(Terminal) - 1¾ hours
10% of the total A Level marks (all synoptic)
8b
(Terminal), Centre-assessed Coursework
10% of the total A Level marks (5% synoptic)
Assessments are usually taken in January and June.
Resits
Candidates can resit modules in the January and June examination series during the course, with the highest mark counting towards the qualification. Candidates can study the qualification more than once. However, marks cannot be transferred from one qualification to another.
Intensive One Year A Level Resit Programme
This programme is for students who need to improve their A Level grades.
Most subjects require that the A Level should have already been examined. All subjects will require students to undertake a one-year intensive programme which combines both AS and A Level modules â€" students will also be able to undertake new AS Levels along with studying for A Levels in the one-year programme.
The programme will appeal to students who did not achieve the grades they require to study for the degree of their choice. Students are invited from other institutions to continue their studies in the Sixth Form Centre. Whilst it is desirable that students transferring should have studied with the same examination board, most of the examination grades are transferable as long as the students have already been examined at AS Level even if their examination was with a different board.

Progression:
A range of degree courses, including Medicine, Dentistry, Biological Science, Environmental Science, etc.

Board:
OCR

Course Available at:
Matthew Boulton
Sutton Campus