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Biology |
BIOLOGY
Why
choose Biology?
It will allow you to acquire a
systematic body of biological knowledge and an appreciation of its
significance. It is a subject that can provide you with great enjoyment and
respect for all things living. This course develops many of the topics you may
have already studied and introduces you to some of the exciting areas of
biology in the contemporary world. You may study, for example, the influence
that genes have on our development, environmental issues and aspects of human
health. It is hoped that this course will help you gain some understanding of
the dynamic and exciting nature of biology today, and an awareness of the
ethical, technological and economic aspects of the subject.
What
does the course involve?
AS involves studying 3 units:
Biology
Foundation
- Structure of cells and how they work, including cell division, how enzymes
work and how genes control the cell. Ecosystems and ecology.
Human
Health and Disease - the way in which disease, diet and smoking affect health,
and how the immune system can protect the body against disease. Study of the effects of exercise.
Transport - transport
systems in mammals and plants + practical work.
A2 involves studying 3 units, one of
which has a choice:
Central
Concepts
- the way in which energy is used in organisms,
including details of photosynthesis and respiration, population ecology, Genetics and evolution, and control and
co-ordination in animals and plants.
Environmental
Biology
- a large fraction of this work will take place at Wells Field Centre over a
week in the Autumn Term.
How
is the course assessed?
The AS in Y12 involves 3 written
examinations and practical work covering the areas of planning, implementing,
analysing and evaluating.
The A2 assessment in Y13 follows a
similar pattern.
Why
is it valuable?
An A level qualification in Biology
could prepare you to study Biology or one of the Biological Sciences in further
or Higher Education. You may wish to take a more vocational course leading to a
career in medicine, veterinary medicine, animal health, horticulture or
agriculture.