Biology

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

Students will be able to:

• acquire a body of biological knowledge and an appreciation of its significance;

• develop a respect for all living things;

• develop experimental skills including use of the microscope and slide preparation, dissection, chromatography and many biochemical procedures;

• develop an understanding of scientific method including controlling variables, statistical analysis and evaluation of results.

• gain an understanding of the dynamic and exciting nature of biology today including recent advances in biotechnology and medicine, and an awareness of the ethical, technological and economic aspects of the subject.

Specification content:

• Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills in Biology

• Module 2 – Foundations in Biology (Cell structure including membranes, cell division and biological molecules)

• Module 3 – Exchange and Transport (Exchange surfaces and transport in animals and plants)

• Module 4 – Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease (including communicable disease, immune system)

• Module 5 – Communication, Homeostasis and

Energy (Excretion, neuronal and hormonal control, plant and animal responses, photosynthesis and respiration)

• Module 6 – Genetics, Evolution and Ecosystems (Cellular control, inheritance, cloning, populations and sustainability)

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING BIOLOGY IN THE SIXTH FORM?

You will need to get at least 7 in Biology GCSE and at least 6 in Chemistry GCSE, or 7 7 in Double Science. During the course students will need to have the ability to communicate effectively and a grade 6 or above is usually needed in English Language. Students will be expected to interpret and process results which will involve plotting graphs and the use of some statistics. It is therefore desirable for students to have achieved a grade 6 or above in Mathematics.

WHAT KIND OF STUDENT IS THE COURSE SUITABLE FOR?

• students who have an interest in the study of living things

• students who have enjoyed investigation through laboratory based practicals, fieldwork or by reading about recent research

• students who are interested in the latest biological topics such as genetic engineering

• students who are planning careers as medics or vets

• students who want to use Biology to support other qualifications such as Geography, Chemistry, P.E. and Psychology

WHAT EXAMINATIONS WILL I HAVE TO TAKE TO GAIN MY QUALIFICATION?

There are three examination papers at the end of the two year course which may involve multiple choice questions, structured questions, problem solving, calculations and extended writing questions.

• BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES (01) 100 marks

2 hours 15 minutes – 37% of total A Level

This paper assess modules 1, 2, 3 and 5

• BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (02) 100 marks

2 hours 15 minutes – 37% of total A Level

This paper assess modules 1, 2, 4 and 6

• UNIFIED BIOLOGY (03) 70 marks

1 hour 30 minutes – 26% of total A Level

This paper assesses all modules

Practical skills will be assessed indirectly on the written papers by the use of graphs, analysis of data and evaluation of various techniques. They will also be assessed directly by a Practical Endorsement which covers 12 practical skill areas. The Endorsement involves internal teacher assessment and will be a pass or fail. External monitoring will also take place.

FIELD TRIP

As an integral part of the course, we take students out in the field for two days and parents should be aware that there is a charge for this to cover the cost of transport, etc.

WHAT COULD I GO ON TO DO AT THE END OF MY COURSE?

• Follow a degree course in Biology,

Biochemistry, Zoology, Marine Biology,

Plant Science, Medicine, Dentistry,

Nursing, Agriculture and Forestry,

Psychology, Pharmacy etc.

• Biology as a science discipline is a useful addition to the list of subjects read predominantly by Arts or Humanities based students. It demonstrates the ability to think logically and to present or evaluate data.

• Employment in a wide range of areas related to medicine, food, agriculture, land management, law and biotechnology.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS

OCR provides specimen examination papers which we recommend you investigate.

Go to http://www.ocr.org.uk