Full Time Biology and Human Biology

Biology and Human Biology

Why choose Biology and Human Biology?
Biology has a higher profile today than perhaps at any other time and this is reflected in the number of people studying a biology-based course at college and univeristy. Many of the important and often contentious issues which society must address as it moves into the new millennium relate to the biological sciences, particularly the role that humankind plays with respect (or lack of it!) to the rest of life.
Ethical debates centre around amimal experimentation, cloning, genetically modified crops, embryo and fertility research and the human genome project and its use. High on the political agenda are health, pollution, environmental protection and food safety. AIDS, heart disease, cancer, drug use and misuse and malnutrition all continue to present us with challenges.
Whatever form the brave new world of the 21st century takes, one thing is for certain biologists have a great contribution to make in ensuring that it is a healthier and happier one for humans, animals and plants alike. Studying a biological subject at AS and A2 level will give a person the scientific basis to understand and be involved in the biological issues, either in a professional capacity or as an informed member of society. Students will learn to analyse and evaluate information in an objective way and to draw their own conclusions. study of Biology at A level.
Key Features of Biology and Human Biology at Hills Road:
· All A level students have the opportunity to participate in either a residential fieldcourse in North Norfolk at the National Trust Brancaster Millennium activity centre, or in a day course nearer to Cambridge.
· Regular surgeries are available to help any student encountering problems with particular topics or skills. These take the form of drop-in surgeries to provide individual help, and taught surgeries addressing specific topics. There are also Saturday and Sunday whole-day surgeries prior to major exams.
· We have extensive links with local industry, research institutes and other educational institutions. We provide visits to places of biolgoical interest and have a regular programme of visiting speakers.
· A high proportion of our students enter university to read for a biology-based degree.
· The teaching staff are highly qualified and experienced and include five PhDs, two Open Univeristy associate lecturers, a fellow of Christ's College, Cambridge, a major author of health education teaching resources, and a senor examiner for the AQA examination board.
· There is an extensive bank of teaching resources written by members of the department.
· Year 13 students have the opportunity to follow an Open University short course in either Human Genetics and Health Issues, or Molecules, Medicines and Drugs: a chemical story.
· The department sponsors the following website which acts as a portal facilitating links between biology-based organisations and is managed by the head of biology.
Course Outline - (Awarding body: OCR) AS Level Units
Advanced (A2) Level Units
A level results for Biology and Human Biology
Resources and Facilities
· Four well-equipped laboratories and a resources room with a suite of 7 computers and facilities for individual practical and project work.
· A highly qualified and experienced teaching staff including four PhDs, two Open University associate lecturers, a fellow of Christ's College, Cambridge, a major author of health education teaching resources, a Senior Examiner for the AQA examination board and an ILT champion.
· A department intranet site.
· An extensive bank of teaching resources written by members of the department.