Contact : Dr K J Clow Email : clowk @ pocklingtonschool . com

Course : A Level Biology Exam Board : OCR

Biology is the study of the living world , its diversity , processes and development . Few other subjects hold more scope for the excitement of discovery . With the development of modern genetic techniques , our understanding and application of the natural world has grown exponentially . Whether it is developing genetically engineered bacteria to break down oil spills , using green plants as photobioreactors or manipulating the human genome to produce personalised medicines , biology will be at the centre of our future world .

CONTENT OF COURSE

Biology is taught in a linear fashion , with six modules being taught over the two years of study :

Module 1 : Practical skills Module 2 : Cells and biological molecules Module 3 : Breathing and circulatory systems in plants and animals Module 4 : Immunity and disease , biodiversity and evolution Module 5 : Homeostasis and biochemistry Module 6 : Genetic control , inheritance and genetic manipulation , biotechnology and ecosystems

Practical work does not form part of the overall assessment , although if successful in each of 12 PAGs ( Practical Activity Group experiments ), candidates can achieve ‘ practical competence ’. This is recorded on their A level certificate .

The present specification has significant Mathematical and Chemistry components , which certainly favours those students studying Maths and / or Chemistry at A level . However , some students find they can do well in Biology as their sole science .

COURSE ENTRY AND QUALIFICATIONS

An interest in life processes is important , together with scientific and analytical ability . Increasingly , modern exam questions require not only an ability to understand factual material , but also to apply it to data , which may well be unfamiliar . Academic qualifications for the course are the same as the school Sixth Form requirement .

However , experience suggests that students with less than grade 7 in their GCSE Sciences and Mathematics often find the course a struggle , and grade 7 or above is therefore highly recommended .

BIOLOGY AS A QUALIFICATION FOR FURTHER STUDY AND CAREER OPTIONS

Biology at A level can lead to many different university courses , such as a wide range of biological science courses ( eg . genetics , marine biology , botany or zoology ), nursing / midwifery , sports science / physiotherapy , biochemistry , agriculture and pharmacy . At the more specialist level , the subject at grade A is necessary for potential medical , veterinary and dental students .

COURSE OUTLINE

A level ( examining all components of the 2 year course )

PAPER CONTENT MARKS AVAILABLE

H420 - 01 Biological Processes 100 H420 - 02 Biological Diversity 100 H420 - 03 Unified Biology 70

“ Biology is the most powerful technology ever created . DNA is software , proteins are hardware , and cells are factories .”

Arvind Gupta

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