home | news | curriculum | sixth form | school info | calendar | governors | prospectus | performance | alumnae | parents' area | fos and sal| contact
     
    Sixth Form  
     
       
Curriculum
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 


BIOLOGY

Title/Name Course Title/Exam Board, Syllabus details AS/A2 Biology A
Examination Board: OCR
AS Code: H021 A2 Code: H421


What will I learn?

What will I gain from doing this course

Aims/Objectives

What will I do

The AS/A2 specifications aim to:

  • promote an appreciation of the importance of experimental and investigatory work in the study of biology and develop an understanding of the link between theory and experiment and of scientific methods
  • develop essential knowledge and understanding of biological facts, concepts and principles together with an appreciation of their significance
  • sustain and develop an enjoyment of, and interest in, the study of living organisms
  • recognise the value and responsible use of biology in society
  • be a suitable preparation for biological studies in higher and other educational establishments and for professional courses, which require students to have knowledge of biology when admitted.
What are the entry requirements What is the minimum skills or qualification level the learner needs to start this course It is expected that all students will have studied either Core and Additional Science or Biology GCSE, obtaining at least A grades. In the past, students who have achieved A grades seemed to have coped better with the demands of the course
How will I be assessed Method of Assessment (exam, coursework etc.)

Course Content

Style of Teaching and Learning

The AS course (a “stand-alone” qualification and also the first half of the A2 course) is made up of three units, two of which are examined externally and one internally assessed unit which includes the assessment of practical skills.

The A2 course builds on the AS undertaken in Year 12 and also includes two further units (examined externally) and a third unit which is internally assessed, involving practical skills.

AS Course
Unit 1 Cells Exchange and Transport

  • Module 1: Cells
  • Module 2: Exchange and Transport

Unit 2 Molecules, Biodiversity Food and Health

  • Module 1: Biological Molecules
  • Module 2: Food and Health
  • Module 3: Biodiversity and Evolution

Unit 3 Practical Skills 1

A2 Units


Unit 4 Communication, Homeostasis and Energy

  • Module 1: Communication and Homeostasis
  • Module 2: Excretion
  • Module 3: Photosynthesis
  • Module 4: Respiration

Unit 5 Control, Genomes and Environment

  • Module 1: Cellular control and variation
  • Module 2: Biotechnology and Gene Technologies
  • Module 3: Ecosystems and Sustainability
  • Module 4: Responding to the Environment

Unit 6 Practical Skills 2

What are the costs What equipment will I need (if appropriate)

Any other costs
None
Is there anything else I need to know Where will I study

What support will I receive

Where can I get further information

 

Future Opportunities Progression to further education, study or work The study of Biology at this level obviously leads to a wide variety of careers including medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, physiotherapy etc. It also allows students to further their knowledge in Biological or environmental courses at degree level.
It is advisable to study Chemistry at AS and A2 if Biology is to be taken further. However in the past, many students have found Biology to be a useful complementary subject with Geography, Psychology and many others! If you have an interest in living organisms and are not afraid of hard work, Biology is worth considering!


top of page

Warwickshire Healthy Schools  
School Achievement Awards Scheme
.The Specialist Schools Trust Science Colleges Language Colleges