Biology

Course summary

Take this subject if you: have an appreciation of life and living organisms, and the human body are highly motivated and therefore able to cope with the demands of this course are prepared to devote private study time to the background reading of biological reviews and other scientific articles are prepared to develop the skills necessary to work safely with apparatus, biological material and living organisms. The A Level specification encourages candidates to develop essential knowledge and understanding of concepts of biology and the skills needed for the use of these in new and changing situations as well as developing an understanding of scientific methods. Students will become aware of advances in technology, including information technology and will learn to recognize the value and responsible use of biology in society. There are a number of core practicals which will enable the development of skills of manipulation, observation, analysis and evaluation. The contents of the course the Edexcel A level course Biology A comprises a study of the following broad topics: ● Topic 1: Lifestyle, Health and Risk ● Topic 2: Genes and Health ● Topic 3: Voice of the Genome ● Topic 4: Biodiversity and Natural Resources ● Topic 5: On the Wild Side ● Topic 6: Immunity, Infection and Forensics Topics 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 will be examined at the end of year 13 in a 2 hour paper (Paper 1) carrying 33.3% of the total marks: ● Topic 7: Run for your Life ● Topic 8: Grey Matter Topics 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 8 will be examined at the end of year 13 in a 2 hour paper (Paper 2) carrying 33.3% of the total marks: There is one final exam paper at the end of year 13, Paper 3: General and Practical Applications in Biology. This paper tests knowledge of all topics 1-8 including the core practicals, and will also include questions relating to a pre-release paper.