Biology

We offer OCR as our A level choice. One of the changes is that the ALevel course is now linear. The full Science A-Level will have two grades, where one is for the direct assessment of practical skills in the form of 12 assessed practical tasks and the other for the theoretical component. The A-Level will have all practical skills assessed in the written papers. The papers will also include a higher proportion of Mathematical skills that will be taught as part of the specification, this being approximately 15% for Biology.

There is more emphasis on higher mathematical ability in the Sciences so you will have to gain a grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics to continue with a Science post-16.

Are you interested in how things work in the biological world? Are you thinking of an exciting career in Biology, or looking for a subject to complement Advanced Levels in the other Sciences, Mathematics or related subjects such as Physical Education or Psychology? If the answer is yes, or even maybe, read on….. In Biology you develop practical skills by planning experiments, collecting data, analysing experimental results and making conclusions. The new course includes a practical endorsement which replaces coursework. It does not count towards the A level grade but is reported alongside it and must be passed. You learn how scientific models are developed, the applications and implications of science, the benefits and the risks that science brings, and the ways society uses science to make decisions.

OCR AS LEVEL H020/ALEVEL H420 (full specification available online). Module 1 Development of practical skills

The scientific practical skills of planning, implementing, analysing and evaluating practical work will be covered.

Module 2 Foundations in biology

Find out about cell structure and function. Discover facts about biological molecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleotides and nucleic acids. Study cell division, cell diversity and organisation.

Module 3 Exchange and Transport

Find out about how the body works including the breathing and circulatory systems in organisms; study the heart and lungs in mammals. Investigate transport in plants.

Module 4 Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease

Study how organisms that cause disease can be controlled and the disease prevented. Study the importance of biodiversity and the need to maintain it. Find out how evolution has generated a wide range of organisms; learn about how they can be classified using common ancestry.

Module 5 Communication Homeostasis and energy

Discover how organisms respond to their external and internal environment using responses that are controlled and co-ordinated electrically or chemically.

Excretion is an essential process for all living things. Metabolic processes produce wastes many of which are toxic. Find out about these substances and how the kidneys, liver and lungs process with them. Photosynthesis is probably the most important biological process on Earth for life to exist as we know it! Investigate limiting factors and study the biochemistry of photosynthesis.

Respiration is a fundamental biological process that takes place in all living things. Study the biochemistry of how energy is stored in macromolecules and how ATP is the immediate source of energy in cells. Investigate rates of respiration in organisms.

Module 6 Genetics evolution and ecosystems.

Protein synthesis, DNA, Genes and Heredity are all studied in detail. How humans have manipulated genomes for our benefit will be covered. Investigate how ecosystems work and how to manage them for sustainability and conservation. Practical ecology will be undertaken at a residential field course. Study the brain and nervous system, nerves, hormones, and muscles. Look into animal and plant behaviour and discover how responses may enhance the survival of the organism Statistical analysis will be undertaken as part of these topics. • Undergraduate course in life sciences, medicine, environmental science, forensic science and related courses in BTEC HNC or HND • Employment in biological testing, biotechnology, independent research, and the food industry. • Further information on possible careers can be found at www.iob.org

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Grade 6:6 in GCSE Combined Science (including Biology element) or grade 6 in Biology. Also, grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics.

Exam Board - OCR