Biology

Biology AS and A2



WHO THIS COURSE IS AIMED AT
This course will be enjoyed by students who; Enjoy biology & human biology Enjoyed science at G.C.S.E. and got C grades or above Are fascinated by the study of life Are interested in finding out answers for themselves Want to study science to give breadth to their studies

AS CONTENT AND ASSESSMENT (1st Year)
Unit 1: Biology and Disease How digestive and gas exchange systems may be affected by communicable and non-communicable diseases How a knowledge of basic biology allows us to understand the symptoms of disease and interpret data relating to risk factors Assessment Written paper: 1 hour 15 minutes Weighting: 33% of total AS level marks Five seven short answer questions plus two longer questions (a short comprehension and a short structure essay)

Unit 2: The Variety of Living Organisms The influence of genetic and environmental factors on intraspecific variation How the variety of life is reflected in similarities and differences in its biochemical basis and cellular organisation How size and metabolic rate affect an organism†s requirements and give rise to adaptations Assessment Written paper: 1 hour 45 minutes Weighting: 46% of total AS level marks Five seven short answer questions plus two longer questions (one will emphasise data handling and include a section requiring continuous prose. The other will assess How Science Works).

Unit 3: Practical and Investigative Skills Practical work in the contexts of Units 1 and 2 Assessment by AQA-set tasks, to reduce the burden on teachers and students Assessment Internal Assessment Weighting: 20% of total AS level marks By a Practical Skills assessment (PSA) Investigative skills assignment (ISA) A2

CONTENT AND ASSESSMENT (2nd Year)

Unit 4: Populations and Environment How living organisms form ecosystems through which energy is transferred and chemical elements cycled How human activity affects ecological balance in a variety of ways How genetic variation and isolation may lead to the formation of new species Assessment Written paper: 1 hour 30 minutes Weighting: 16% of total A level marks Six nine short answer questions plus two longer questions (a short comprehension and a short structure essay)

Unit 5: Control in Cells and in Organisms Stimulus and responses â€" the biology of the nervous and endocrine systems Homeostasis and the maintenance of a constant internal environment Genes and genetic expression Assessment Written paper: 2 hours 15 minutes Weighting: 23% of total A level marks Eight â€" ten short answer questions plus two longer questions (a data-handling question and a synoptic essay)

Unit 6: Practical and Investigative Skills Practical work in the contexts of Units 4 and 5 Assessment of implementing skills on practical work as a whole Assessment by AQA-set tasks, to reduce the burden on teachers and students Assessment Internal Assessment Weighting: 10% of total A level marks By a Practical Skills assessment (PSA) Investigative skills assignment (ISA)

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
As part of an advanced level programme, a minimum of 4 G.C.S.E.s at grade C or above (or the equivalent), including a minimum of grade A-C in Maths and grade A-C in English. A grade C or above in G.C.S.E. Biology or at least B C in GCSE Core and Additional Science is essential. (GCSE Additional Applied Science is not suitable for this course).

HOW WILL I STUDY?
Students work in groups shared between two teachers. You can expect to take part in the following activities: Whole class learning/class discussion Student centred learning Researching topics for yourself using various resources Group working in class Practical investigations Homework/regular tests

LENGTH OF COURSE
A three-week intensive bridging programme to help with the transition to AS Biology will be run at the start of the course. You will be expected to pass this. AS level is one year followed by a second year for those progressing to A2 level.

WHERE NEXT?
You may go to study degree courses such as Biology, Medicine, Physiotherapy or courses in other subject areas. You could also enter into health related careers such as nursing, or a career using your scientific background such as laboratory work or go into a career using the biology as an A level qualification.

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