Human Biology AS/A Level

HUMAN BIOLOGY AS/A LEVEL

Examination Board: AQA Syllabus AS: 1406 A2: 2406

HBAS

How long is the course?
The course is divided into AS and A2. Students can take AS over one year or both AS & A2 modules over two years to make up a full A Level.

Cost:
Textbook approx £20 each year.

Is there an interview?
Yes

What can I progress to?
Higher Education - specific Universities tend to have preferred subject combinations for particular degree courses. Students must seek guidance on this before the start of the course. Human Biology A Level is preferred by large number of universities for those students hoping to study Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Radiography, and Sports Science. It is also useful for students who study Chemistry at higher levels and those interested in environment.
Employment

Possible Subject Combinations
The course combines well with a variety of other Advanced Level courses. See above for entry to degree courses.

Extra Curricular Activities
All students can add to their main programme of study by taking part in a wide range of clubs, groups, societies and courses. Not only are the activities fun, they also develop skills and provide new and fulfilling experiences, as well as enhancing applications to Higher Education and employment.

What is the course about?
The course covers all aspects of Human Biology in depth. It is designed to develop an understanding of physiological facts, concepts and principles and to appreciate their significance in personal, social, environmental, economic and technological contexts.
The course involves a considerable amount of practical work that counts towards the final exam. Skills will be established in the collection and analysis of data from experiments and other sources, the presentation of information and the use of computers.

AS Level - Year 1
Unit 1: The Body and it's Diseases
Unit 2: Humans - their origins and adaptations
Unit 3: Centre assessed unit in Practical Skills
If students wish to progress to the A2 Level, it will be necessary to obtain a grade D or above at AS Level.

A2 Level - Year 2
Unit 4: Bodies and Cells In and Out of Control
Unit 5: The Air We Breathe, The Water We Drink, The Food We Eat
Unit 6: Centre assessed unit in Practical Skills.

IT Plus and Research Skills
IT Plus is an important element of every programme within the Sixth Form College. All Advanced Level students will enter for the appropriate IT Plus qualification (Level 2/3) during the first year.

Study Skills
As part of Stanmore College Sixth Form's excellent support network, Literacy and Numeracy support is available to any student enrolled on a course, depending on the student's individual needs (determined during Induction by an assessment). Support is provided through the Skills for Life Study Plus Programme. Students can attend either one-to-one or group sessions in a friendly, stimulating and supportive environment.

Additional Requirements
Ecology Trip: £150 towards the cost of visit.

What are the course outcomes?

How will you be assessed?

AS Level:
2 theory papers - 1 hour and 30 minutes each = 80% of total AS mark (40% of total mark for A2 Level)
Centre-assessed Practical Investigation = 20% of total for AS mark (10% of total mark for A2 Level).

A2 Level
2 theory papers - 2 hours each = 40% of total A Level mark
Centre-assessed Practical Investigation = 10% of total A Level mark.
Exam may be taken in June of the first year and January and June of the second year.