Biology

Course summary

The course is divided into six teaching modules and each module is further divided into key topics. The first four modules comprise the AS Level in Biology and learners studying the A level continue with the content of modules 5 and 6. The internally assessed Practical Endorsement skills also form part of the full A level. The current outline of the specification is: Module 1 – Development of practical skills in biology 1.1 Practical skills assessed in a written examination 1.2 Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement Module 2 – Foundations in biology 2.1.1 Cell structure 2.1.2 Biological molecules 2.1.3 Nucleotides and nucleic acids 2.1.4 Enzymes 2.1.5 Biological membranes 2.1.6 Cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation Module 3 – Exchange and transport 3.1.1 Exchange surfaces 3.1.2 Transport in animals 3.1.3 Transport in plants Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution and disease 4.1.1 Communicable diseases, disease prevention and the immune system 4.2.1 Biodiversity 4.2.2 Classification and evolution Module 5 – Communication, homeostasis and energy 5.1.1 Communication and homeostasis 5.1.2 Excretion as an example of homeostatic control 5.1.3 Neuronal communication 5.1.4 Hormonal communication 5.1.5 Plant and animal responses 5.2.1 Photosynthesis 5.2.2 Respiration Module 6 – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems 6.1.1 Cellular control 6.1.2 Patterns of inheritance 6.1.3 Manipulating genomes 6.2.1 Cloning and biotechnology 6.3.1 Ecosystems 6.3.2 Populations and sustainability