biology Biology - AS/A2
Exam Board: OCR
Biology is often described as the ‘Science of Life’. It involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics, ranging from molecular biology to the study of ecosystems and from microorganisms to mammoths. Biology is never far from the headlines. How did the incredible variety of organisms on the planet evolve? What is stem cell research and why is it important?
Is Biology for you? • You need to have achieved at least 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including at least a GCSE grade BB in Double Award Science or a GCSE grade B in Biology and at least one other Science. You will also need at least a grade C in GCSE Maths. You may wish to consider studying AS/A2 Maths, AS Use of Maths or AS/A2 Statistics alongside this subject to help you develop the necessary mathematical skills required to study Biology. You are fascinated by the natural world.
You like combining investigation, collecting and analysing data, problem solving, practical skills and socially relevant content. Biology at A-Level could be essential if you want a career in health and clinical professions. Biology provides a useful complement to other subjects including other Science subjects, Sports studies and Maths.
What will I learn? AS Year
A2 Year
Cells, Exchange and Transport You will study cells as the basic units of all living things: how they communicate, divide and become specialised to their function. You will also develop an understanding of how the heart and lungs are adapted for their functions and how oxygen and nutrients are transported around the body. Similarly you will examine the transport systems found in plants.
Molecules, Biodiversity, Food and Health
You will learn how organisms respond to changes in their environment and the importance of hormones and the nervous system in these responses. This will involve learning about the key features and functions of the liver, kidneys and pancreas. This unit also allows you to further develop your understanding of the fundamental processes of photosynthesis and respiration.
Control, Genomes and Environment
You will discover the key biological molecules and develop an understanding of their importance in living organisms. You will also learn about diet and enzymes, diseases and their control by the immune system. You will also consider evolution and how it has generated such a wide variety of organisms.
Practical Skills Throughout the course your practical skills will be assessed by a series of qualitative, quantitative and evaluative practical assessments. This will contribute 20% towards your final AS mark (10% of the overall A-level).
You will discover how genes control the way in which cells function. You will develop this by studying how changes within genes lead to variation, how variation provides the raw material for evolution and how animal behaviour enhances survival. You will also learn how ecosystems work and how to manage them for sustainability and conservation.
Practical Skills This unit includes another series of practical assessments contributing 20% to the A2 marks (10% of overall A-level).
How will I be assessed?
What activities can I get involved in? There are opportunities for visits to interesting and relevant places and exhibitions which bring classroom learning to life. This has included a trip to the ‘Bodies’ exhibition – a unique fusion of anatomy, science and art – and also the Nowgen centre in Manchester where students learn firsthand about developments in biomedical science and have the opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops. Some of our students on the course have also had the opportunity to take part in a Villiers Park residential course which has helped to inspire and challenge them to consider studying Biological Sciences further. The College has lots of exciting enrichment and C.V building opportunities including the chance to earn the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, learn a new skill, learn a language, join a club, take up or develop a sport or take on a new challenge. See the College Prospectus for further information about what is on offer.
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Communication, Homeostasis and Energy
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Most of your work (80%) will be assessed through written exams at the end of the AS and A2 years. Practical work (contributing 20% to your overall grade) will be assessed through a series of practical activities completed during lessons.
Where does it lead? Students who study Biology A-Level gain many transferable skills, including scientific method, problem solving, data analysis and practical skills. There are many careers for which Biology is either essential or very useful. These include medicine, nursing, dentistry, physiotherapy, health education, veterinary science, zoology, agriculture, pharmacy, pharmacology, bio-chemistry, PE, Psychology, speech therapy, forestry, biotechnology, food science, microbiology, laboratory work, radiography and teaching.
tel: 0151 652 5575 email: enrol@bsfc.ac.uk
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