Biology
BIOLOGY in the Sixth Form
Introduction:
By choosing Biology at A level, you will be taking your first step to being a serious student of a subject which continues to have a profound effect on our lives.
The course has been designed to encourage the student to develop an essential knowledge of concepts in Biology. In addition it recognises the value of Biology to society by encouraging understanding of scientific methods and an awareness of advances in technology.
Assessment Objectives:
Students are expected to demonstrate the objectives outlined below in order to achieve success when studying A level Biology.
AO1 – Knowledge and understanding
Candidates should be able to recall and show understanding of scientific knowledge, organise and communicate information in a variety of ways.
AO2 – Application and analysis
Candidates should be able to analyse and evaluate scientific knowledge and apply it to unfamiliar situations.
AO3 – How Science Works
Candidates should be able to demonstrate and describe practical techniques and processes. They should be able to record observations and measurements with appropriate precision and analyse, interpret, explain and evaluate the methodology, results and impact of their own and others’ experimental and investigative activities.
Outline of AQA specification:
The specification builds on concepts and skills that will have been developed in the new GCSE Science specifications. It presents biology as exciting, relevant and challenging subject.
The specification presents essential principles in contexts that we know students find interesting. It will stimulate the enthusiasm of students from the start.
The specification emphasises the way in which scientists work and the contributions of science to modern society in a way that underpins the specification but is never intrusive.
Unit 1 is smaller than Unit 2 to allow more time to develop skills alongside understanding of concepts and principles.
The scheme of assessment allows for stretch and challenge.
Specification at a glance
AS Examination – 1411
Unit 1 – Biology and disease
Examination paper (100 UMS) (60 raw marks)
5 – 7 short answer questions plus 2 longer questions, a short comprehension and a short structured essay -1¼ hour
Unit 2 – The variety of living organisms
Examination paper (140 UMS) (85 raw marks)
7 – 9 short answer questions plus 2 longer questions (data handling and 1 assessing analysis and evaluation)- 1¾ hours
Unit 3 – Investigative and practical skills in AS Biology
AS Centre Assessed Unit (60 UMS) (50 raw marks)
Practical Skills Assessment (PSA) 6 marks
Investigative Skills Assignment (ISA) 44 marks
A2 Examination – 2411
Unit 4 – Populations and environment
Examination paper (100 UMS) (75 raw marks)
6 – 9 short answer questions plus 2 longer questions (a short comprehension and a short structured essay) – 1½ hours
Unit 5 – Control in cells and in organisms
Examination paper (140 UMS) (100 raw marks)
8 – 10 short answer questions plus 2 longer questions (a data-handling question and a synoptic essay – choice of 1 out of 2)- 2 ¼ hours
Unit 6 – Investigative and practical skills A2 Biology
A2 Centre Assessed Unit (60 UMS) (50 raw marks)
Practical Skills Assessment (PSA) 6 marks
Investigative Skills Assignment (ISA) 44 marks
If you enjoyed GCSE Biology and above all found it interesting, then A Level is for you. Think very carefully about what you want to do at University: if it is a degree in something related to the Biological Sciences then Biology is a must. If you are more inclined to the Arts and Humanities, then this will be a good way of staying in touch with the Sciences.
For further details, please contact Miss Christine Hennity, Head of Biology.