Biology

Course summary

This course has been designed to engage and inspire students by showing how an understanding of many contemporary issues requires a grasp of fundamental biological ideas. The A-level course in the first year of Sixth Form contains a well-balanced spread of topics including blood circulation and the heart, DNA and protein synthesis, enzymes, cell biology, evolution and biodiversity. Associated medical issues such as cardiovascular disease and cystic fibrosis are also explored. A-level topics include forensic science, ecology, microorganisms, sports science, biochemistry, the nervous system and an introduction to how the brain works. The body’s response to infection is studied and the diseases which can result when the immune system fails to cope are investigated. There is no coursework component within the course, however, students complete a series of core practicals that will be examined in their written exams. Students will undertake a residential field trip with The Field Studies Council (FSC) to cover the ecological sampling and successions aspects of the course. The Biology Department is well-resourced with up-to-date equipment such as a polymerase chain reaction thermocycler and gel electrophoresis. Year 1 Topic 1: Lifestyle, Health and Risk Topic 2: Genes and Health Topic 3: Voice of the Genome Topic 4: Biodiversity and Natural Resources Year 2 Topic 5: On the Wild Side Topic 6: Immunity, Infection and Forensics. Topic 7: Run for your Life Topic 8: Grey Matter.