Studying biology will teach you to ask questions, make observations, evaluate evidence and solve problems.  Biologists learn how living things work, how they interact with one another and how they evolve.  You will increase your understanding about the natural world in which we live and address issues of personal well being and worldwide concern, such as environmental depletion, threats to human health, maintaining viable and abundant food supplies. This new specification is designed to encourage students to develop an enthusiasm for biology and develop practical skills alongside understanding of concepts and principles.

AS Topics

Unit 1

• Disease, lifestyle and immunology
• Lungs and heart
• Digestive system
• Cells and exchange

Unit 2

• DNA
• Variety within cellular organisation
• Diversity and classification

Unit 3

• Demonstration ethical, safe and skilful practical techniques
• Making, recording and communicating valid and reliable observations
• Analysing, interpreting, explaining and evaluating methodology
• Assessment is by set tasks in class time

A2 Topics

Unit 4

• Ecology
• Photosynthesis and respiration
• Transfer and cycling of nutrients and elements in the ecosystem

Unit 5

• Muscles and co-ordination
• Homeostasis and internal feedback
• Gene expression and cloning

Unit 6

• Assessment of understanding of investigative and practical skills from units covered so far
• Assessment is by by set tasks in class time

Where does it lead?

This course develops an appropriate and relevant foundation of knowledge and skills for the study of biological sciences in Higher Education.  There are several career paths you can follow as a biologist, including Research, Healthcare, Environmental management and conservation and Education.  There are also many careers for biolgoists who want to combine their scientific traning with interests in other fields.  For example: Biotechnology, Forensic science, Politics and policy, Business and Industry, Economics, Mathematics and Science writing and communication.

Why you should study Biology?

Biology is currently news; why else is it featured so frequently by the media? The technology for cloning genes and transferring genes between organisms and even species, has undergone an explosive development in the last two decades.  DNA technology is used as evidence in criminal prosecutions and to study extinct animals. The threat posed by AIDS, BSE and Swine Flu has led to feverish activity to understand the organisms that cause them.  Threats to conservation and the degradation of our landscape and habitats have been matched by a greater understanding of the dependence of organisms on each other and the environment.  Biology is also news because many of the new developments are controversial.  Reseachers will argue the merits of different strategies for controlling HIV, theories about the mechanisms of evolution and phrases such as "punctuated equilibria" can cause eminent scientists to turn purple with rage!

If you study this course you will be able to:

• Recall and show understanding of scientific knowledge
• Organise and communicate information in a variety of ways
• Analyse and evaluate scientific knowledge and apply it to unfamiliar situations
• Demonsrate and describe practical techniques and processes
• Record observations and measurements with appropriate precision
• Analyse, interpret, explain and evaluate the methodology, results and impact of their own and others' experimental and investigative activities

What skills do I need to be successful in this subject?

The ability to:

• Gather information
• Conduct researchand carry out laboratory experimentation
• Analyse and evaluate data
• Write and prepare reports
• Calculate, compute and apply formulas
• Develop ideas and problem-solve
• Coordinate work with others

Enrichment Activities

Field study day trip to strengthen understanding in ecological topics.

Other Information

Textbook and revision guide will be provided along with resources on the VLE and other resources.

For additional information visit the Institute of Biology website and the Biology Mad website.