Biology

Course summary

Biology explores and investigates living creatures and the processes that occur in nature. It aims to understand how organisms work and interact with each other by exploring the disciplines of biochemistry, physiology, genetics and ecology. Potential Biology students will need a solid grounding in basic scientific and mathematical theory and should have some experience in using basic laboratory equipment. The course is vital to students wishing to pursue careers in most scientific disciplines, such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Microbiology, Genetics, Sports Science and Environmental Science. The course aims to develop skills in observation, analysis and manipulation of data and in writing clearly and scientifically but also seeks to improve knowledge and understanding of topical issues related to the subject. The A-level course aims to build on the knowledge and understanding developed during the AS course. The importance of wider reading is further emphasised to make links between areas of theory covered. Once again, this is backed up by setting regular homework and weekly Timed Assignments based on past exam questions. Emphasis is particularly placed on developing skills to effectively answer synoptic questions. A Level Specification – AQA 7402 A level Biology requires topics 1-4, plus: Topic 5 – Energy transfers in and between organisms • Photosynthesis • Respiration • Energy and Ecosystems • Nutrient cycles Topic 6 – Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments • Stimuli and response • Nervous coordination • Skeletal muscle • Homeostasis Topic 7 – Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems • Inheritance • Populations • Evolutions may lead to speciation • Populations in ecosystems Topic 8 – The control of gene expression • Alteration of the sequence of bases in DNA • Gene expression • Using genome projects • Gene technologies