Biology

Head of Science and Technology: P.C. Clark, BSc (London) ARCS CPhys MinstP
Head of Department: A.E. Langsdale, BSc (Bristol) MSc (Aberdeen)

Course Specification: AQA 2410/2411

Biology in the Sixth Form is much less content-driven than in the Lower School. Much more time is spent reflecting, creating and learning. The Sixth Form course takes in both contemporary themes, such as gene technology, the human genome project, biotechnology and the control and regulation of gene expression, as well as more traditional areas, such as biochemistry, ecology and aspects of human and animal physiology. The content of the IGCSE course is developed further but several areas will be completely new. There is a strong tradition of practical work in the Department and all pupils will be well practised in all the required practical skills before the elements of practical assessment are required to be completed.

Pattern of Assessment

AS Unit 1 BIOL1
Biology & Disease
1¼ hours written exam [16%]
Themes include cell structure, transport across membranes, molecular structure and how this relates to or is affected by pathogens such as Cholera.
AS Unit 2 BIOL2
The Variety of Living Organisms
1¾ hours written exam [23%]
A wide-ranging module that contains the structure of DNA and cell replication, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and a variety of related topics.
AS Unit 3 BIOL3
Investigative and Practical Skills
practical work [10%]
A single investigative skills assignment and practical skills assessment.
A2 Unit 4 BIOL4
Populations and the Environment
1½ hours written exam [16%]
Ecology of populations, the factors that affect populations of different species, their interaction with the biotic and abiotic environment and how all these interact.
A2 Unit 5 BIOL5
Control in Cells and Organisms
2¼ hours written exam [23%]
Regulation at the molecular, cellular, organ and organismal level.
A2 Unit 6 BIOL6
Investigative and Practical Skills
practical work [10%]
A single investigative skills assignment and practical skills assessment.

Pupils taking Biology to AS only complete their exams in the Trinity Quarter of the Lower Sixth.



Page last updated Tue 2 Dec 2008 12:21