Biology

The Biology Department is offering Biology at AS and A Level.  This is an excellent course and provides a sound foundation through the study of fundamental biological principals whilst also exploring modern applications of biology.  The course is modular and involves some assessed coursework – 25% in all.  It is possible to complete the AS course in the Lower Sixth year although it is expected that the majority of students will follow the two year course leading to the full A Level.  Students intending to take these courses should have achieved an ‘A’ or ‘A*’ at GCSE Science or Biology.  A ‘B’ might be acceptable if there has been a strong performance in general at GCSE.  The details of the course are as follows:

AS Modules

Module 1 – Molecules, Cells and Systems

Most organisms are organised on a cellular basis.  Biochemical reactions occur within cells and these are regulated by the action of enzymes and limited by the passage of substances across plasma membranes.  In larger organisms, cells are organised into tissues and tissues into organs that have specific functions.  Organisms exchange substances with their environment and transport these substances from one part of the body to another by mass flow systems.

Module 2 – Making use of Biology

Biology influences our everyday lives in many ways.  Enzymes can be isolated from micro-organisms and have important applications in industry and medicine.  A knowledge of the way in which genes code information that leads to the synthesis of specific proteins has many applications such as in the production of specific proteins and in forensic investigation.  In agriculture, an understanding of physiological processes has enabled us to increase the productivity of crop plants and domestic animals.

Module 4 – Centre-Assessed Coursework

A2 Modules

Module 5 – Inheritance, Evolution and Ecosystems

• A.  Variations and the Mechanisms of Inheritance and Evolution
  Genetic information is copied and transmitted from generation to generation.  Natural selection acting on genetic variation is thought to have led to the enormous diversity of living organisms.
• B.  The Biology of Ecosystems
  Living organisms do not live in isolation but form structured communities within dynamic and well-defined ecosystems through which energy flows and in which nutrients are cycled.  This module also allows consideration of some of the ways in which human activity can impose far-reaching effects on the environment.  It is expected that candidates will carry out fieldwork involving the collection of quantitative data from at least one habitat and the application of elementary statistical analysis to the results.

Module 6 – Physiology and the Environment

Living organisms do not live in isolation. They are part of complex ecosystems in which they interact with the abiotic components.  This module allows consideration of some of the physiological processes on which animals and plants depend.  The emphasis throughout has been on adaptation to the environment.

Module 8a/9a – Synoptic Assessment

A written paper testing synopsis of the AS and A2 content.

Module 8b/9b – Centre-Assessed Coursework

Teacher assessment of practical skills.

R.S.

English Literature

History

Geography

Economics

Business Studies

Mathematics

Physics

Chemistry

Biology

Latin

Classics

French

German

Art and Design

Design and Technology

Music and Music Technology

I.C.T.

PE and Sports Studies

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