AS Biology

AS Level Units
Unit 1: Lifestyle, Transport, Genes and Health:
Carbohydrates, lipids and proteins; Enzyme action;
Structure and properties of cell membranes;
Passive and active transport;
Structure and role of DNA and RNA;
Replication; protein synthesis;
Monohybrid inheritance;
Gene mutations;
Principles of gene therapy;
Social and ethical issues.
Unit 2: Development, Plants and the Environment:
Cell structure and ultrastructure of eukaryote and prokaryote cells: Cell specialisation;
The role of meiosis;
Genotype and environmental influence;
Stem cell research and its implications;
Biodiversity, adaptations and natural selection;
Principles of taxonomy;
Plant cell structure;
Transport of water in plants;
Uses of plant products.
Unit 3: Practical Biology and Research Skills.
A Level Units:
Unit 4: The Natural Environment and Species Survival:
Photosynthesis; Energy transfer within ecosystems;
Evidence for global warming;
Evolution through natural selection and speciation;
Nutrient recycling;
   DNA profiling and PCR;
Structure of bacteria and viruses;
Infectious diseases (e.g. AIDS and TB) and immunology.
Unit 5: Energy, Exercise and Co-ordination:
ATP, glycolysis, anaerobic/aerobic respiration;
Control and functioning of heart;
Ventilation and cardiac output;
Homeostasis;
The nervous system;
Impact of exercise on body and improving performance;
Hormonal co-ordination;
Brain structure and development;
Imbalances in brain chemicals;
Human Genome Project.
Unit 6: Practical Biology and Investigative Skills.