Biology

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Is this course for me?

If you have enjoyed Biology at GCSE and want to study the subject in more depth, then this is the subject for you. You will be required to read around the subject and you will need to spend time understanding and learning biological concepts in depth. Therefore, be prepared for some challenging work as it is a real step up from GCSE. There are a great deal of new names and words to deal with throughout the course.

Specific entry requirements: Higher tier GCSE biology grade 6+ or higher tier combined (trilogy) science grades 6+,6+

The Basics…..

  • Develop practical skills and knowledge of biological principles.
  • Independent research and work required.
  • Strongly advised to study alongside another science subject.
  • Gain an understanding of how all life is connected

What will I learn?

Content is in six modules, each divided into key topics:

1. Development of practical skills in biology

  • Practical skills assessed in a written examination

  • Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement

2. Foundations in biology

  • Cell structure

  • Biological molecules

  • Nucleotides & nucleic acids
  • Enzymes
  • Biological membranes
  • Cell division, cell diversity & cellular organisation

3. Exchange & transport

  • Exchange surfaces

  • Transport in animals

  • Transport in plants

4. Biodiversity, evolution & disease

  • Communicable diseases, disease prevention and the immune system

  • Biodiversity

  • Classification and evolution

5. Communication, homeostasis & energy

  • Communication & homeostasis
  • Excretion as an example of homeostatic control
  • Neuronal communication Hormonal communication
  • Plant & animal responses
  • Photosynthesis
  • Respiration

6. Genetics, evolution & ecosystems

  • Cellular control
  • Patterns of inheritance
  • Manipulating genomes
  • Cloning and biotechnology
  • Ecosystems
  • Populations and sustainability

Anything else I need to know?

Overall, at least 10% of the marks in examinations will come via the use of mathematical skills e.g. percentage changes and statistical tests. These will be the standard of higher tier GCSE mathematics.

Students gain practical skills throughout the course. These are assessed in the written examinations and in the practical endorsement (component 04).

Future careers:

  • Medicine
  • Dentistry
  • Biochemist
  • Pharmacologist
  • Teacher
  • Vet
  • Environmental health officer
  • Ecologist

Year 12 Biology Curriculum

Year 13 Biology Curriculum