AS Biology
This subject may be offered at more than one Southern Consortium school site. The teaching of this subject may be at any one of the sites listed below.
The information on this webpage is a guide only. Topics, units and course content may vary from those listed below.
AS Biology @ SRS
Introduction
Biology As level is an interesting and demanding course, it will challenge both your knowledge and understanding of biology, and in some cases the ethical and moral as well as the religious aspects of what you would think is ok to do with organisms.
The course will also provide you with the key skill of working with others as well as communications, use of number and information technology.
Students will be expected to give power point presentations and construct displays when appropriate. They will also take part in debate work.
The AS biology course can be a very enjoyable experience and if you work hard you will get a lot out of it.
The Course Outline
The Biology AS level course is divided into 3 units:
Unit 1: Core principles – 1-hour examination worth 30% of the course.
Unit 2: Genes and genetic engineering – 1-hour examination worth 30% of the course.
Unit 3(a): Physiology and transport – 1-hour examination worth 25% of the course.
Unit 3(b): coursework – worth 15% of the course.
In unit 1-core principles the following will be studied:
- Biological molecules: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and biochemical tests for them, chromatography and water.
- Cells: cell structure, Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic cells, Electron microscopy and differential centrifugation and cell differentiation.
- Cell transport: Plasma membranes, diffusion, osmosis and active transport.
- Organisms exchange materials with their environment: surface area: volume ratio, gas exchange, ventilation.
- Enzymes: action of enzymes and enzyme properties.
- Digestion: extracellular digestion, digestion in humans.
In unit 2 - genes and genetic engineering the following will be studied:
- The genetic code: the gene, structure of DNA, replication of DNA, the genetic code, role of nucleic acids in protein and enzyme synthesis and mutations.
- The cell cycle: mitosis, applications of cloning.
- Sexual reproduction: gametes and fertilisation, meiosis, importance of meiosis
- Applications of gene technology: Principles of genetic engineering, polymerase chain reaction, genetically engineered micro-organisms, genetic markers, large scale culturing, gene therapy and cystic fibrosis, genetically modified animals and evaluation of genetic engineering.
In unit 3 – Physiology and transport the following will be studied:
Transport systems: mass transport: mammalian heart, blood vessels, exchange of materials, tissue fluid.
The control of breathing and heartbeat
Energy and exercise: energy source and muscle fatigue
The transport of substances in plants: root structure, uptake and the transpiration stream, xerophytes, translocation experimental evidence.
How to be a successful AS Biology student
Biology is a challenging course that most people can do very well on, to do this you will need to:
- Revise each component thoroughly.
- Read your textbook and answer the questions within the text.
- Attend on a regular basis. (A requirement for the course)
- Do the homework’s you are set.
- Ask questions when you do not understand a topic.
Assessment whilst doing AS Biology
1. Mock Module 1 exam at the end of November
2. Module 1 examination in January
3. Mock exam Module 3 in March
4. Coursework component completion date Easter
5. Module 2 and 3 examination June
6. Numerous checks on progress including essays, mini tests and exam based questions throughout the year
AS Biology @ JRCS
AS/A2 Level Exam board: Edexcel Level: 3
Outline of the course
Salters Nuffield Advanced Biology is taught through real-life biology. For example, most A-level biology courses start with cell biology or biochemistry. We don’t. We start with an account of Mark, a 15-year-old who had a stroke, and Peter, an adult who had a heart attack. We then go on from the details of their cases to look at the factors that make it more likely that any of us will suffer from a stroke or heart attack. This allows us to introduce the biochemistry of fats and carbohydrates bit by bit, as you need to know them to understand about strokes and heart diseases, rather than all at once.
In the AS year you will study four topics. Each takes about half a term, including the practical work. This gives time to do the coursework and to revise for the exams. Topics include: Lifestyle, health and risk, Genes and health, Voice of the genome and Biodiversity and natural resources
Skills you will develop include:
- Students learn the wider experimental and investigative skills needed by modern biologists.
- The ability to make judgments about the quality of scientific evidence
- Students will develop an understanding of ethics
Assessment
You will be assessed on your knowledge and understanding of the topics developed in the course, on your ability to analyse and understand scientific data, and on the quality of your written communication.
Unit 1 Lifestyle, Transport, Genes and Health is a unit with a 1 hour 15 mins exam (40%AS, 20%A2)
Unit 2 Development, Plants and the Environment is a unit with a 1 hour 15 mins exam (40%AS, 20%A2)
Unit 3 Practical Biology and Research Skills- Internally and externally marked coursework (20%AS, 10% A2),
Unit 4 The Natural Environment and Species Survival is a unit with a 1 hour 30 mins exam (20% A2 Only)
Unit 5 Energy, Exercise and Coordination is a unit with a 1 hour 30 mins exam(20% A2 only)
Unit 6 Practical Biology and Investigative techniques is internally assessed (15 % A2 only)
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AS level |
Name |
Details |
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Unit 1 |
Lifestyle, Transport, Genes and Health
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Unit 2 |
Development, Plants and the Environment
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Unit 3 |
Practical Biology and Research skills
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A2 level |
Name |
Details |
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Unit 4 |
Environment and Survival |
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Unit 5 |
Energy, Exercise and Coordination
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Unit 6 |
Practical Biology and Investigative skills |
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Careers and further study
You will find that biology qualifications offer many career choices ranging from being a Prime Minister to a scuba diver! Students could go on to study related degree courses such as: Biological Sciences, Medicine, Neuroscience, Genetics, Microbiology, Physiotherapy, Ecology and Zoology.
AS Biology @ EB
The rate at which our knowledge of how living organisms function and survive is constantly changing, and it sometimes seems hard to keep up. Biological advances occur every day around the world and not just in the field of medicine.
Details of the Course
The fast paced progress in Biology has now been recognised by examiners by the introduction of a new and exciting specification. The new syllabus in AS and A2 Biology offers you the chance to gain an understanding of interesting and diverse areas of Biology and could give you access to the career you always dreamed of, or perhaps a career that you never knew existed.
At AS, the course involves 2 externally assessed examinations:
Unit 1 – Lifestyle, Transport, Genes and Health (40% of AS)
Unit 2 – Development, Plants and the Environment (40% of AS)
In Unit 1, you’ll gain in depth knowledge of how to maintain a healthy heart, including how the heart functions, the factors that may contribute to cardiovascular disease and the associated treatments. Carbohydrates and lipids structure are also covered. The Unit then moves on to look at how your genes can play an integral part in affecting your health. This should allow you to understand exactly how genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis arise, and how they can be passed on to future generations. The interesting areas of gene therapy and genetic screening conclude the Unit.
In Unit 2, you’ll see how multi-cellular organisms like humans are very different from bacteria, not only in their cell structure but in their methods of reproduction. You’ll then explore the fascinating field of stem cells and look at some of the associated ethical questions arising from stem cell research. Later on, you’ll begin to see how animals can be adapted for their environment, and the elegant but simple way in which natural selection can allow populations to adapt and evolve over time. Plant tissues are then investigated before the Unit concludes with aspects of drug testing and conserving endangered species.
In addition to the external exams, 20% of your AS will come from an internal assessment.
Unit 3 (Practical Biology and Research Skills) involves an assessment of your practical skills and a report, either as a record of a visit or research into a biological issue or topic. This new method of assessment allows you freedom to research areas that interest you and will also allow you to develop vital skills that will be useful in a range of careers or University courses.
If you decide to take up the A2 exam in Biology, then you will begin to draw together your knowledge from different aspects of Biology. The A2 in Biology consists again of 2 externally assessed exams:
Unit 4 – The Natural Environment and Species Survival (40% of A2)
Unit 5 – Energy, Exercise and Coordination (40% of A2)
In Unit 4, you will be investigating factors that can affect where different species are found, and consider the potential effects that global warming may have on plants and animals. The fundamental importance of photosynthesis is then explored, and you will begin to appreciate how photosynthesis occurs at a molecular and cellular level. You will see in more detail how evolution occurs and consider the key role of scientists in validating evidence to support the theory of evolution. As the Unit progresses, your investigative skills will be called upon, as you learn how time of death can be established. Advances in DNA technology such as gel electrophoresis are covered, before considering the threats posed by bacterial and viral infections. The secrets of the immune system will be unlocked as you find out how we protect ourselves against disease, and how using our DNA to make proteins can contribute towards this.
In Unit 5, you will see how your muscles contract, including how respiration provides the energy required. It will become clear how the ventilation and circulatory systems work together to deliver more oxygen to your muscles as they work, and how your body maintains important conditions such as body temperature to keep you alive. As you look at the importance of exercise, you are introduced to exciting, new technologies that allow people with injuries and disability to take part in sports. The key role of the nervous system will then be covered, and you will consider how plants and animals are able to use hormones to respond to changes in their surroundings. You will begin to appreciate the complexities of the human brain and how new imaging techniques have revolutionised our knowledge of brain structure and function. After applying your knowledge of the nervous system to gain an understanding of diseases such as Parkinsons, and associated treatments, you will see how genetically modified organisms may hold the key to producing some new drugs.
20% of the A2 exam involves an internal assessment (Unit 6 – Practical Biology and Investigative Skills), in which you will submit a written report of an individual investigation. This will allow you to demonstrate your practical skills, and the in depth knowledge of How Science Works that you have gained throughout the AS and A2 Biology course.
Biology at Eastbury
Biology is a great subject. Not only is it fun and interesting, but it is a useful qualification; employers and Universities alike appreciate that Biology requires numeracy, literacy and ICT skills and are keen to take on applicants who have studied Biology.
At Eastbury, we are committed to supporting and guiding your learning to enable you to achieve. The Biology Department has a range of resources at its disposal that will support your learning on the AS and/or A2 Biology course including data-logging equipment such as breathing rate monitors and a gel electrophoresis tank. As a team we are keen to personalise your experience to help you to succeed, and feel that we offer an approachable and friendly staff who really want to help each and every pupil.
AS Biology @ DP
Biology is currently the area of science experiencing the most rapid growth. Biologists study living organisms both in the laboratory and in their environment. Recent areas of expansion include both genetics and biotechnology. Those who study Biology could progress to careers in Medicine or Environmental Studies as well as Plant or Animal Studies.
If you enjoyed your study of topics such as Inheritance, Evolution, Plants, Environment and Hormones and Nerves then this may be the course for you.
What does the course involve?
Unit 1: Lifestyle, transport, genes and health (1 hour 15 minutes exam in January).
Unit 2: Development, plants and the environment (1 hour 15 minutes exam in June).
Unit 3: Practical biology and research skills (Assessed by teacher).
For those opting to complete the A2 course there are a further three units in Year 13:
Unit 4: The natural environment and species survival (1 hour 15 minutes exam in January).
Unit 5: Energy, exercise and coordination (1 hour 15 minutes exam in June).
Unit 6: Practical biology and investigative skills (Assessed by teacher).
Progression Opportunities
You will be able to move onto A2 if you succeed in passing AS and this can lead to a variety of careers in Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Genetic Engineering, Biotechnology and related disciplines as well as the opportunity for study at degree level at University.