Biology
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.
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.
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.
1. Mock Module 1 exam at the end of November 2007
2. Module 1 examination in January 2008
3. Mock exam Module 3 in March 2008
4. Coursework component completion date Easter 2008
5. Module 2 and 3 examination June 2008
6. Numerous checks on progress including essays, mini tests and exam based questions throughout the year
