BIOLOGY A/S LEVEL AND A2 LEVEL
COURSE DESCRIPTION |
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Examination Board - AQA
Course - GCE AS and A2 Biology
AS Biology is a 1 year course consisting of 3 units according to the list below:
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BIOLOGY |
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Unit 1 Biology and disease
Unit 2 The variety of living organisms
Unit 3 Investigative and practical skills
Pupils will normally sit the AS examination at the end of their first year, some being offered to sit unit exams earlier as appropriate.
A2 Biology is a 2 year course consisting of the 3 AS units and 3 other units according to the list below:
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BIOLOGY |
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Unit 4 Populations and environment
Unit 5 Control in cells and in organisms
Unit 6 Investigative and practical skills
Pupils will sit the A2 examinations at the end of their second year. It may be possible to sit both AS and A2 examinations at the end of the second year.
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COURSE AIMS |
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• To develop essential knowledge and understanding of concepts of Biology and the skills needed for the use of these in new and changing solutions
• To develop an understanding of scientific methods;
• To be aware of advances in technology, including information technology, relevant to Biology
• To recognise the value and responsible use of Biology in society
• To sustain and develop their enjoyment of, and interest in, Biology.
In addition the A2-level specification encourages candidates
• To show knowledge and understanding of facts, principles and concepts from different areas of Biology and to make and use connections between them.
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COURSE DELIVERY |
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Pupils will be taught a minimum of 8 lessons per week with support tutorials being organised when necessary. Most of the course content is teacher-led; theory work is backed up by appropriate practical work, problem solving tasks, individual and group activities. However to complete the courses successfully a minimum of 8 hours of independent study is required. There is an extensive range of books and scientific journals, both in the main School Library and the Biology Department as well as access to the Internet. Students are encouraged to make full use of the well-equipped laboratories (modern data-logging equipment, computers, video microscopes etc) during school hours and to see themselves, along with the Science Staff, as enthusiastic members of the ‘A’ level team intent on achieving the highest standards.
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REQUIREMENTS |
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Prospective students should preferably have achieved a Grade A or B in Double Award Science in the higher tier. Students should be aware that the course has a strong Biochemical bias and that mathematical calculations form an integral part of the course. Students should be aware of the complex nature of the scientific language used throughout this course and the requirement in
module 5 of essay writing and comprehension analysis.
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PROGRESSION ROUTES |
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Studying A level Biology allows progression into many areas:
• Specialist areas of Biology; including Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Medicine, Pharmacy or any degree course requiring a high level of analytical and evaluative skills.
• Biochemistry which is a broad based scientific degree giving good grounding in scientific techniques. This would offer opportunities for employment in the scientific laboratories of, e.g. the pharmaceutical industry, the food manufacturing industry or hospital laboratories.
• There are opportunities for careers in environmental work following qualifications in specialised
areas such as marine biology, freshwater biology or ecology.
• There are the more traditional courses in which A Level Biology is important, e.g. Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Environmental Health Care, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Physiotherapy and Nursing.
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