A level Biology

What will I need to know or to be able to do before taking this course ?

It is expected that all students will have successfully completed either the Dual Award Combined Science or the Single Science Biology course at GCSE level.

Most of the students who join Truro School, at the Sixth Form level, have come from the Dual Award background and they perform equally well as those who have done Single Science.

What will I learn on the AS-level course?

This course is designed to prepare students who wish to continue studying Biology beyond GCSE level. It is a well-balanced course that lays the foundation for those going on to A2, and further education, as well as providing enough stimulation for those who just wish to broaden their curriculum for the one year.

The aim of the course is to develop essential knowledge and understanding of the concepts of Biology and the skills needed for the use of these in new and changing situations.

Social, economic, environmental, ethical medical and technological aspects of Biology are also incorporated into the course.

The present system of assessment is already under review. The present system of assessment is as follows.

The first year, the AS level, course includes two large modules, A and B, (30% each), one smaller module, C1, (20%) and a practical exam, C2, (20%).

Module A – Biology Foundation. As the title implies, this module is intended to act as the foundation unit providing some fundamental concepts, techniques and procedures in biology. The course includes such topics as:-

Cell structure

Biological molecules

Enzymes

Energy and Ecosystems

Module B - Human Health and Disease. This has always proved to be one of the most enjoyable modules and looks at a variety of health related issues like:-

Diet

Exercise

Smoking

Infectious diseases and immunity

Module C1 – Transport. This module is intended to develop an understanding of the transport mechanisms in mammals and flowering plants.

Module C2 – Practical exam. This is externally set and marked. It involves a Planning exercise carried out in the student’s own time and a half hour practical exam which assesses the Implementing, Analysing and Evaluating skills.

What will I learn on the A2-level course?

The aim of this course is to encourage students to show knowledge and understanding of facts, principles and concepts from different areas of biology and to make and use connections between them.

The pattern of assessment at A2 is as follows:

The second year course, the A2 level, will consist of one compulsory core module, D, (30%), one option module, E, (30%), a synoptic paper, F1, (20%) and a Practical exam (F2, 20%).

Module D – Central Concepts. This module develops an understanding of such topics as respiration, photosynthesis, populations, some simple genetics and classification.

Module E – The Option module – Mammalian physiology and behaviour

This module includes topics such as:-

Nutrition

Support and locomotion

The nervous system

Behaviour

Module  F1 – Synoptic Paper

The purpose of this module is to bring together principles and concepts from different areas of the course.

Module F2 –  Practical Exam. This is similar to C2.

Where might this subject take me?

The A-level Biology course appeals to a broad spectrum of students. Some find the subject is essential for their further studies, others choose the subject simply because they find the subject interesting. For some, Biology is their only science subject studied along side a combination of arts subjects.

Some of our most able students may be looking towards a career in Medicine, Dentistry or in Veterinary Science but there are many other Bio-science courses available.

Such courses include Physiology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Immunology, Biochemistry or Genetics.

A-level Biology would be useful for those seeking careers in Environmental Studies, Nutritional Science and also Sports related Studies.

Further details and suggestions are always available in the Biology Department as well as from the Careers Staff.