Biology

Course summary

This OCR course will be taught through real-life biology for the 21st Century. You will learn a wide range of experimental and investigative skills needed by modern biologists, including the ability to make judgments about the quality of evidence both as individuals and in groups. You will participate in practicals, simulations, interactive IT tutorials, online seminars, and tests. Your A-level course is divided into 6 modules taught over 2 years, this also includes 12 required practicals. 1. Development of practical skills in biology - The practical assessments that are completed as part of this module link directly to the topics that you have learned throughout modules 2-6. You will complete a range of practical assessments including microscopy, heart dissection, colorimetry, and growing microbial samples. 2. Foundations in biology - In this module, you will study cell structure, different biological molecules, the base structure of DNA, enzyme structure, how membranes allow substances to move across, and cell division. 3. Exchange and transport - In this module, you will study how different molecules are transported in plants and animals as well as how the exchange surfaces are adapted for this role. 4. Biodiversity, evolution and disease - In this module, you will study communicable diseases, disease prevention, the immune system, biodiversity, classification, and evolution. 5. Communication, homeostasis, and energy - In this module, you will study homeostasis, neuronal and hormonal communication, photosynthesis, respiration, and plant and animal responses to change. 6. Genetics, evolution and ecosystems - In this module, you will study cellular control, patterns of inheritance, how genomes can be manipulated, ecosystems, cloning, populations and sustainability.