Biology

Course summary

Aims of the course • To develop knowledge and understanding of content that is relevant to real-world experiences in the area of biological sciences, promoting interest and enthusiasm for the subject • To develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods • To develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills • To develop an interest in further study and careers associated with Biology The A-level Biology course has been split into eight units. Units 1-4 are designed to be covered in the first year of A level. Sections 5-8 are taught in the second year of study. A brief outline of each unit is given below: Unit 1: Biological Molecules –the common chemistry shared by all life on Earth, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Unit 2: Cells – the structure of cells and how this can be studied using microscopy and cell fractionation, how substances are transported between cells and the principles of cell division and recognition by the immune system. Unit 3: Organisms and Exchange – gas exchange in fish, insects and animals, digestion and absorption, the human circulatory system and mass transport in plants. Unit 4: Genetic Information and Variation – the structure and function of DNA, protein synthesis, genetic mutations and the process of meiosis, the principles of natural selection, classification and biodiversity. Unit 5 – Energy Transfers – the processes of photosynthesis and respiration, energy transfer in ecosystems and nutrient cycles. Unit 6 – Homeostasis – survival and response, receptors in the human nervous system, control of heart rate, nervous impulses and synaptic transmission, skeletal muscles, the control of blood glucose and water levels in the body. Unit 7: Genetics, Evolution and Ecosystems – inheritance, allele frequencies in a population, evolution and speciation, the study of population dynamics. Unit 8 – The Control of Gene Expression – stem cells, transcription and translation, gene expression and cancer, the human genome project and DNA technologies.