Human Biology

A brief description of the A level course.

This course is being offered as an alternative to the established Nuffield Biology course. The syllabus is divided into four sections which relate to the National Curriculum.

Section 1 The organisation of living organisms
Section 2 Variation and the mechanisms of inheritance
and evolution
Section 3 The biology of ecosystems
Section 4 Life processes

There is an examination at the end of the course consisting of two papers which together comprise 80% of the marks. The remaining 20% is allocated by centre-based assessment of practical work. This will be undertaken by biology staff on experiments carried out by candidates as part of their normal laboratory work. It will involve planning, observing, evaluating and concluding.

The aims of the course are to:

Provide an appreciation and understanding of fundamental biological principles through a scientific study of the biology of humans.
Develop a scientific approach to the solving of problems within the context of planning and conducting of investigations.
Develop the skills necessary to work safely with apparatus, biological material and living organisms.
Encourage an understanding of technological applications and their ethical, social, economic and environmental implications.
Provide a scientific training, either as an end in itself or as a foundation for more advanced study.

We expect to take on candidates who have performed well in science at GCSE level. These students need not necessarily be studying another science at A-level although requirements for entry into specialist science courses at universities may demand this.

W.J. Corke