Biology

Assessment

One – Development of practical skills in Biology Two – Foundations in Biology • Cell structure • Biological molecules • Nucleotides and nucleic acids • Enzymes • Biological membranes • Cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation Three – Exchange and transport g Exchange surfaces g Transport in animals g Transport in plants Four – Biodiversity, evolution and disease • Communicable diseases, disease prevention and the immune system • Biodiversity • Classification and evolution Five – Communication, homeostasis and energy • Communication and homeostasis • Excretion as an example of homeostatic control • Neuronal communication • Hormonal communication g Plant and animal responses • Photosynthesis g Respiration Six – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems g Cellular control • Patterns of inheritance • Manipulating genomes • Cloning and biotechnology • Ecosystems • Populations and sustainability The course is assessed by three written exams at the end of the Upper Sixth. Paper One (2 hours 15 minutes, 37% of marks) g Based on modules 1, 2, 3 and 5 g Multiple-choice, short-answer and extended response questions Paper Two (2 hours 15 minutes, 37% of marks) g Based on modules 1, 2, 4 and 6 g Multiple-choice, short-answer and extended response questions Paper Three (1 hour 30 minutes, 26% of marks) g Based on all modules g Short-answer and extended-response questions There is a significant emphasis on mathematical skills, which account for at least 10% of the marks across all three papers. There is no coursework or controlled assessment; practical skills are examined solely in the written papers. However, there is a practical endorsement to fulfil, which requires that a minimum of 12 key practical activities be undertaken and a range of practical competencies met. These are assessed internally. A ‘pass’ for this component of the course is published alongside the A-level grade that a candidate achieves.