Examining Board – AQA
This course covers a wide area of study including traditional topics such as human physiology together with modern developments in Biology such as genetic engineering, gene therapy and biotechnology. Students will broaden the knowledge and concepts acquired at GCSE level and further develop their experimental skills.
AS MODULES
Module 1:
- Biochemistry/ Cell Structure/ Enzyme/ Digestion
Module 2:
- DNA Structure/ Genetic Engineering
Module 3:
- 3a) Physiology (Heart, blood system, breathing)
- 3b) Practical investigation (coursework)
This will involve an extended piece of practical coursework which involves: planning an experiment; data presentation and analysis; and evaluation. This will be done over a number of weeks in lesson time and at home.
A2 MODULES
Module 4:
- Biochemistry/ Homeostasis/ Nervous System/ Genetics and Evolution
Module 5:
- 5a)The Environment
- 5b)Practical investigation (coursework). This will be a more detailed investigation than done in Year 12 and will include a statistical analysis. It will be done over a number of weeks during lessons and at home.
Module 7:
- Microbiology/ Biotechnology/ Health and Disease
METHODS OF STUDY
- You will have 7 Biology lessons every 2 weeks
- You will be taught by 2 teachers
- At the start of each section you will be given a summary of the topics to be studied together with statements from the specification.
- The standard text books should be read on a regular basis to consolidate knowledge and understanding. Also a range of alternative text books are provided in the College library for additional background reading.
- You will use CD Roms and the Internet as an alternative learning method to using textbooks to access information and be encouraged to present your practical write-ups using a word-processor to develop your ICT skills
- You will develop practical skills and the ability to apply a statistical test to scientific data you have collected
- You will have the opportunity to take part in class discussions, work in groups and to make a group presentation
- You will be given a wide range of problems, from past exam questions, which will be done in class or for homework.
- Progress will be monitored by regular short tests, homework questions and longer progress tests, which will be used to provide estimated grades for progress interviews.
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT
Year 12
Module 1:
- 30% AS Level
- 15% A2 Level
Module 2:
- 30% AS Level
- 15% A2 Level
Module 3:
- 25% AS Level
- 12.5% A2 Level
Practical
- 15% AS Level
- 7.5% A2 Level
Year 13
Module 4:
Module 5:
Practical:
Module 7:
Essay and data Questions from
Modules 15:
Note you will be given a mark out of 300 for Modules 4, 5 and 7 and this will be added to the marks already obtained for your AS modules making the total mark out of 600.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
This course builds on the work you have done in Biology at GCSE and therefore it is essential that you have sound knowledge of biological knowledge and concepts. It is strongly recommended that you obtain a B grade at GCSE before deciding to follow this course.