Biology

Exam Board: OCR Biology A Syllabus: A-level: H420 Consult: Mr Blair

Miss Dowling / Dr Macey

WHY STUDY THE SUBJECT? Biology has application to virtually everything we do, from behaviour to population control, from diet to agriculture, from health to chemical and germ warfare. Biology is a challenging science which provides academic challenge to stimulate the most enquiring mind. From GM foods to human cloning to stem cell research, Biology is talked about in the media every day. The OCR Biology A-level is rigorous and engaging, and aims to equip students with a contemporary grasp of key biological principles allowing you to apply your knowledge to new situations. Concepts are taught in the context of scientific research and development, with practical investigations forming a key part of the curriculum.

CONTENT AND BREAKDOWN Year 12 Modules: • Module 1: Development of practical skills in Biology • Module 2: Foundations in biology • Module 3: Exchange and transport • Module 4: Biodiversity, evolution and disease

A-level Modules (in addition to the Year 12 Modules above) • Module 5: Communication, homeostasis and energy • Module 6: Genetics, evolution and ecosystems • Practical endorsement - a pass/fail component separate from the final grade. A minimum of 10% of the final exam will be based on questions relating to practical techniques

ASSESSMENT The A-level is assessed by three examinations

EXTRACURRICULAR In the summer term of Year 12, a field course is undertaken to give students the opportunity to study field techniques, ecology and environmental Biology. Students will spend 3 days at a Field Studies Council Residential Site. Here they are taught about and will carry out all the practical element of the Ecology and Environmental Biology, from freshwater sampling techniques to sand dune succession studies.

AFTER ASHCOMBE Apart from obvious career courses such as nursing, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacology, pathology, psychology, forensic science, biochemistry and biophysics, Biology may be taken with almost any combination of other subjects and may have application in marketing, management, law, journalism or town planning!

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Higher grades in the A-level sciences correlate strongly with high GCSE grades. A GCSE grade of 6 or higher will put you in a strong position at A-level studies. As you study a combined course at GCSE, we would be happy to advise you if you have a particular strength in one of the sciences which is not reflected in your overall GCSE grade. We are happy to consider grade 5 GCSE grades for A-level study, but this will require a commitment to attendance at additional clinics to support your studies – success at A-level is certainly possible but you need to recognise that there will be gaps to fill.