b'BiologyAdvanced General Certificate of EducationSubject OverviewStudents also study kidney and liver physiology and Students who study A Level Biology develop a roundedlearn how nervous and hormonal control mechanisms and comprehensive appreciation of the variety ofregulate the body.organisms and their attributes.The A Level BiologyGenetics, Evolution and Ecosystemscourse covers a broad spectrum of topics, from theThis module covers cellular control and how the central concepts of cell ultrastructure and biochemistry,biotechnology industry can utilise and manipulate to the popular units on animal physiology and disease,biological processes. It studies the basis of genetic to more applied topics like gene technologies anddisorders and how to use genetic diagrams to predict ecology. the inheritance of characteristics. Students will also 6.1consider case studies for sustainable development in In the first year of the course four units are covered: different ecosystems, recognising conflicts of interest and proposing solutions.Development of Practical Skills in Biology How lessons are taughtThis module is designed to build on planning, analysisBiology lessons cater to a range of learning styles, with and evaluation skills as well as giving practice in dataa mix of teacher-led tasks, group activities, opportunities collection, manipulation of apparatus and conductingfor more independent study and a variety of practical valid investigations. This module is integrated into theactivities. A wide range of Biology-specific practical contexts of the other modules rather than being taughtskills are embedded into the course, including dissection, as a stand-alone topic. qualitative and quantitative biochemical testing, Foundations in Biologycolorimetry, microscopy and biotechnological processes such as aseptic technique and gel electrophoresis. This module looks at the inner structure of cells andEmphasis is also placed on the application of knowledge the functions of organelles. Students will also look atto novel contexts and scenarios to develop skills needed membrane structure and the ways in which differentin examinations. In addition to teaching the content molecules are able to enter and leave cells, in additionoutlined in the course specification, A-level Biology to considering the process of cell division. Studentsstudents complete a practical skills endorsement, where are also introduced to the structure and functions of atheir practical skills are assessed internally through 12 range of biological molecules, including carbohydrates,core practical tasks across two years. Students must proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. A good understandingdemonstrate competency across a range of skills and of these fundamental concepts underpins much of thetechniques to pass this element of the course.work covered later in the course. ProgressionExchange and Transport Biology students develop many transferrable skills, This module looks at how exchange surfaces in animalsincluding the ability to use a range of practical apparatus and plants are adapted for efficient transfer of materials,to collect valid data, analysis and evaluation skills, as well as studying transport systems, including theindependent study skills, the ability to work with structure of the mammalian heart and blood vessels. others and communicate ideas effectively and the Biodiversity, Evolution and Diseaseability to evaluate the validity of experimental data and conclusions. Biology is a key subject for any students This module covers how diseases are spread and howinterested in studying the following subjects at a the immune system responds to pathogens. Studentshigher level or pursuing a career in the following fields: also look at how biodiversity can be measured andmedicine, dentistry, veterinary science, nursing and protected, and how organisms are classified accordingmidwifery, physiotherapy, pharmacy, pharmacology, to their features. Evolution is also considered, with aconservation, forensic science, radiography, pathology, focus on natural selection and fossils. biomedical science and sports science.6.2The the second year of the course builds on theExam Board OCR (Biology A syllabus)knowledge gained and applies key concepts to theSubject Leader Mr S Hedditchfollowing two units:Communication, Homeostasis and Energy Specific Entry Requirements: 6 GCSEs at (Grades 95), including Grade 5 in English, In this module students will look at the complex seriesGrade 6 in Mathematics and Grade 6 in Biology or 6,6 in of reactions involved in respiration and photosynthesis.Combined Sciencewww.ttsonline.net 21'