Examination Board: AQA
Course Aims
- To sustain and develop an enjoyment of, and interest in, the study of living organism.
- Be a suitable preparation for biological studies at higher education and for professional courses.
- To develop essential knowledge and understanding of biological facts, concepts and principles.
- To develop an understanding of the connections between facts, principles and concepts from different areas of Biology.
- Recognise the value and responsible use of Biology in society;
- To promote an appreciation of the importance of experimental and investigatory work in the study of Biology.
- To develop an understanding of the link between the theory, experimentation and scientific method through ‘How science works’.
- To provide opportunities for an understanding of spiritual, moral, ethical, social and cultural issues.
- To promote a better understanding of biology and its application to and impact on their lives.
Course Content
The GCE is divided into six units.
AS
Unit 1 - Biology and disease will cover
- How digestive and gas exchange systems may be affected by communicable and non-communicable diseases.
- How a knowledge of basic biology allows us to understand the symptoms of disease and interpret data relating to risk factors.
Unit 2 - The variety of living organisms will cover
- The influence of genetic and environmental factors on intraspecific variation.
- How the variety of life is reflected in similarities and differences in its biochemical basis and cellular organisation.
- How size and metabolic rate affect an organism's requirements and give rise to adaptations.
Unit 3 - Investigative and practical skills in AS Biology will cover
- Practical work in the contexts of Units 1 and 2.
- Assessment of implementing skills on practical work as a whole.
- Assessment by AQA-set Tasks.
A2
Unit 4 - Populations and environment will cover
- How living organisms from ecosystems through which energy is transferred and chemical elements cycled.
- How human activity affects ecological balance in a variety of ways.
- How genetic variation and isolation may lead to the formation of new species.
Unit 5 - Control in cells in organisms will cover
- Stimulus and responses—the biology of the nervous and endocrine systems
- Homeostatis and the maintenance of a constant internal environment.
- Genes and genetic expression.
Unit 6 - Investigative and practical skills in A2 Biology
- Practical work in the contexts of Units 4 and 5
- Assessment of implementing skills on practical work as a whole.
Assessment
AS
Unit 1: 17% of total A level marks, Written Paper: 1 hour 15 minutes.
Unit 2: 23% of total A level marks, Written Paper: 1 hour 45 minutes.
Unit 3: 10% of total A level marks, Practical Assessment (coursework).
A2
Unit 4: 17% of total A level marks, Written Paper: 1 hour 30 minutes.
Unit 5: 23% of total A level marks, Written Paper: 2 hour 15 minutes.
Unit 6: 10% of total A level marks, Practical Assessment (coursework).
Specific Requirements
Biology may be taken by girls who have achieved at least a BB (AA is better) at GCSE.
Fieldwork
A short residential Field course, usually in June, is an enjoyable and useful part of the course.
Costs
Two text books are required to cover the course. These will cost approx. £40.
The field course is about £250 plus travel costs.
