Biology

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.