Biology

Studying this subject you will learn how molecules, cells and organs work and how organisms operate in their environment.

Special features

There is a three day residential field trip at the Malham Tarn Field Study Centre in the Yorkshire Dales. This is part of the A2 course and takes place in the Autumn term of Year 13. The course includes ecological studies of streams, peat bogs and woodland habitats. You will be provided with excellent resources and ICT opportunities. You will be supported via revision clinics to consolidate your knowledge and understanding of the subject.

What you will study

Examinations for the two Biology AS and A2 Units are held in January and June. Additionally, there are assessments of Investigative and Practical Skills that are completed in June of both years.
An integrated approach is taken that includes the study of the structure of biological molecules at cell level, to ethical considerations that surround some aspects of health politics. Understanding and recall competence are essential skills, and models, theories, techniques and processes are examined to aid understanding of how Science works.

AS Unit 1 Biology and Disease. Topics include Biological molecules, Pathogens, Risk factors and cancer, Coronary heart disease, Digestive system, Enzymes, Cells, Cholera, Lungs and Immunology.

AS Unit 2 The Variety of Living Organisms. This unit provides an opportunity to study Variation, DNA, Meiosis, Gas exchange, Taxonomy and Diversity.

A2 Unit 4 Populations and Environment. Significant subjects in this Unity are Factors affecting Populations, Photosynthesis, Respiration, Energy transfer, Nutrient cycles, Succession and Inheritance.

A2 Unity 5 Control in Cells and Organisms. The final unit that is examined demands an understanding of Homeostasis, Sensitivity, Negative feedback, Protein synthesis, Gene cloning, Gene therapy and Genetic fingerprinting.

How you will study

A wide variety of classroom activities will support your learning in different ways, working in large or small groups as appropriate. You will do experiments and other practical work in well equipped laboratories, giving you the expertise to tackle coursework investigations. The examiners are keen that you can relate what you have learned to the real world, so the applications of biology in medicine and industry are the focus of what you do.

Qualities required

You will need to be interested in the subject and have a willingness to work hard and undertake independent study outside lesson time. You should have a sound understanding of Mathematics. At A2 you will be expected to be able to handle data including carrying out a Statistical Test and understand the terms mean, mode, variance and standard deviation.

Subject Combinations

Biology combines well with many subjects, the Sciences, Mathematics and Geography are especially suitable as are Sport studies and Psychology.

Progression

A good grade in Biology is a requirement for university courses in Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Forensic Science, Pharmacy, Optometry, Nursing, Physiotherapy and Radiography. Opportunities also exist in areas such as Sport Physiology, Biochemistry, Genetic Engineering and Environmental Science. Biology also provides a useful background to a wide variety of higher education courses such as Law, Accountancy and Journalism.