Biology

Course outline

AQA

Biology is the study of life in all its intricacies and wonders. Biology looks at the past and how we came to be here, while also investigating the way our body functions, how to fix it when it goes wrong, and even how to interject before problems arise.

Biology studies the interactions between all the species living on Earth, factors that can affect their success and efforts that can be taken to preserve the vast array of organisms in existence today.

Theoretical knowledge and the focus on current practical techniques will support your development as a future scientist. You will learn about the core concepts of biology and about the impact of biological research and how it links to everyday life. You will learn to apply your knowledge, investigate and solve problems in a range of contexts.

Year 12

• Biological molecules.

• Cells.

• Organisms exchange substances within their environment.

• Genetic information, variation and relationship between organisms.

Year 13

• Energy transfers in and between organisms.

• Organisms respond to changes within their internal and external environment.

• Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems.

• The control of gene expression.

The course is assessed as follows:

Paper 1 (35%) 2 Hours Any content from topics 1-4. Includes short and long answer questions and extended response questions Paper 2 (35%) 2 Hours Any content from topics 5-8 Includes short and long answer questions and a comprehension question. Paper 3 (30%) 2 Hours

Any content from topics 1-8. Includes structured questions, critical analysis of experimental data and one essay from a choice of two.

There is no coursework, however relevant required practical knowledge will be assessed in all papers.

Enrichment

• Sixth Form Biology students are invited to attend and joint- lead in our ‘Dissection club’ .

• We promote participation in the Intermediate Biology Olympiad for Year 12 students and the Biology Olympiad in Year 13.

• There is a residential field trip in the summer term in which students will put their ecology studies into practice.