Biology

Assessment

Paper 1 (this paper contributes 35% of the A-Level grade) In this paper students will be assessed on any content from Topics 1 - 4: • Topic 1: Biological molecules examines basic understanding of monomers and polymers, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, ATP, water and inorganic ions. • Topic 2: Cells examines cukaryotes, prokaryotes and methods of studying cells, as well as transport across the cell membrane along with cell recognition and the immune system. • Topic 3: Organisms exchange substances with their environment examines gas exchange, digestion and absorption and mass transport in both animals and plants. • Topic 4: Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms examines DNA, genes and chromosomes, DNA and protein synthesis, genetic diversity, species and taxonomy and biodiversity within a community. Paper 2 (35% of the A-Level grade) In this paper students will be assessed on any content from Topics 5 - 8: • Topic 5: Energy transfers in and between organisms examines photosynthesis, respiration, energy and ecosystems and nutrient cycles. Topic 6: Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments examines internal and external stimuli and how they are detected, nervous coordination, skeletal muscles and homeostasis. • Topic 7: Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems examines inheritance, mathematical models of populations, evolution leading to speciation and populations in ecosystems. • Topic 8: The control of gene expression examines alteration of the sequence of bases in DNA, control of gene expression, using genome projects and gene technologies. Paper 3 (30% of the A level grade) In this paper students will be assessed on any topic from the specification as well as any relevant practical skills.