AS & A2 Biology
Why choose Biology?
The word Biology comes from the Greek: bios - life, logos - knowledge. It is the study of life and living things (organisms) and is an enormous, rapidly developing subject involving many allied disciplines such as chemistry, physics, mathematics, geology and psychology.
During the course you will have the opportunities to:
- Develop greater understanding of biology facts together with an appreciation of their significance in new and changing situations.
- Develop greater expertise in the area of practical work and the link between theory and experimental work
- Continue to enjoy a personal interest in the study of living organisms - gain first hand experience with a scalpel!
- Recognise the responsible use of biology in society
- Develop a deeper awareness of biology in the changing world and its importance
What is in the scheme?
Biology is offered at AS and A level. The AS scheme is a one year course and can be taken on its own. A level consists of an AS plus a second year called A2.
AS: Year 12
During AS biology students will study the biology of cells and how organisms develop transport systems for the exchanges of various biological molecules. Biodiversity is the variety of life and students will study its forms at all levels. Students also get the opportunity to explore both traditional and more modern food technologies.
A2: Year 13
During A2 biology students will study how organisms control and coordinate their bodies. Photosynthesis is a vital process that life would not be able to exit without. The cutting edge of biology is covered here with a valuable insight into genetics and the ever emerging new genetic technologies. How do all these organism exist together? Ecosystems range in size from the very large to the very small. Students will discover the fascinating world of Ecology!
How is it assessed?
Each unit has a structured test, with a mixture of short answers and extended writing. You will have to show you can integrate information from the different units, in order to achieve grade A at A level. There is a coursework element for both AS and A2 which will involve practical investigations.
What do you have to do?
You should have an enthusiasm for Biology and be ready to learn about the wonderful world around and inside you!!
In biology we encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning, with support! You learn research and presentation skills, practical skills and must be able to do mathematics at grade C GCSE. So as well as covering advanced study of Biology, this course will enable you to develop key skills, which will be essential to you whatever you go on to do afterwards although these may not be assessed formally.
Key Skills
The Key Skills you could develop during this course are:
Communication
- Taking part in discussions on issues such as cloning
- Giving presentations on different areas of work
- Preparing written documents for your practical work
- Using reference materials from books, CD-ROM, Internet and school intranet
Application of Number
- Planning to collect results from experiments and presenting them in a suitable format
- Carrying out calculations on the data collected in experiments
- Interpreting the results from experiments and seeing how this relates to your plan
Information Technology
- Using word-processing software to present written reports and prepare presentations
- Using data capture techniques to get evidence for practical work
What next?
At the end of your course you could:
- Follow a degree in, for example, biology, environmental science, animal science, forensic science, medicine, nursing, dentistry, psychology, pharmacy, complementary medicine, veterinary science, animal care.....the list is endless!
- Enter a Higher National Degree course in biological science or a related programme
- Take up employment in one of many related employment areas, for example, pharmacy, biotechnology, catering, land management or scientific journalism.
Please see Mr Cheetham, Miss Dyke or Miss Coulthard or talk to sixth form biologists if you are interested in studying Biology.
