AS and A level

A LEVEL

A level courses are allocated 12 periods per fortnight in years 12 and 13. Two specialist teachers share the teaching of each biology group. Students follow the AQA Specification B course. The two-year course leads to A level while the year 12 course on its own leads to AS level.

Coursework forms an important element in each year of the course and candidates are assessed on four or five practical skills taken from an investigation based on the subject content:

A.Planning

B.Implementing

C.Analysing evidence and drawing conclusions

D.Evaluating evidence and procedures

E.Synthesis of principle and concepts (A2 only)

This component is marked by the teacher and moderated by AQA. The School’s coursework policy is being followed. Apart from the practical assessments there are three module examinations each year, with the second year examinations being significantly more demanding.

AS modules:

Core Principles Biological molecules, Cells, Cell transport, Organisms exchange materials with their environment, Enzymes, Digestion

Genes and Genetic Engineering The genetic code, The cell cycle, Sexual reproduction, Applications of gene technology

Physiology and Transport systems, The control of breathing and heartbeat, Energy and exercise, the transport of substances in plants

A2 modules:

Energy, Control and Continuity Energy supply, Photosynthesis, Respiration, Survival and co-ordination, Homeostasis, Nervous co-ordination, Analysis and integration, Muscles are effectors that enable movement to be carried out, Inheritance, Variation, Selection and evolution, Classification

Environment Energy flow through ecosystems, Materials are recycled in ecosystems, Studying ecosystems, Dynamics of ecosystems, Human activities can impose far reaching effects on the environment

Microbes and Disease Bacteria, Culturing bacteria, Commercial biotechnology, Bacterial disease, Viral disease, Protection against disease.