A / AS Level Biology
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PDF version- Course Description
- Entry Requirements
- Progression & Assessment
- Duration & Location
- Fees
- Further Information
Course Description
What is the subject about?
The studies for this course centre around major current themes and use these to investigate and understand biological processes. These themes include:
- CARDIO-VASCULAR DISEASE
- FORENSIC SCIENCE SPORT
- EXERCISE AND TRAINING RESPONSES OF THE BODY
- INHERITANCE of CYSTIC FIBROSIS
The course has been developed with funding from the Nuffield Foundation and Salter`s Institute in conjunction with Heinemann Publishers. These provide the following:
- COURSE-SPECIFIC TEXTBOOK
- FULLY INTERACTIVE WEBSITE (with home access)
Practical and research skills are developed through investigations, coursework, scientific report compilation, and educational visits and fieldwork at a nature reserve.
Course Content
Each year of the course is divided into four topics:
AS Topic
- Lifestyle and Health
- Genes and Health
- The Voice of the Genome
- Biodiversity and Natural Resources
A2 Topics
- Forensics, Infection and Immunity
- On the Wild Side
- Run for your Life
- Grey Matter
Topics begin with themes of topical concern that draw on many different areas of biology, then the biological understanding and knowledge are developed to appreciate the implications of these themes. Sessions include web-based interactive learning including GCSE reviews, internet research, model building, statistical processing and experimental investigations. Learning involves a combination of research, classwork activities and practical investigations. It is based around the use of scientific processes to understand ourselves and the modern world in which we live.
Entry Requirements
Students wishing to study AS/A level Biology must have 5 GCSEs at grade C and above including C in English Language, B in Science and B in Additional Science (or C in Biology) and C in Maths. Students who are not also studying AS Mathematics or AS Use of Mathematics will be required to take a small number of additional maths sessions to help with their studies in Biology. Previous experience and career aspirations could be taken into account for mature applicants who lack formal, mainstream qualifications.
Progression & Assessment
Where can this subject lead me?
A qualification in this subject can lead to science career opportunities in many areas including veterinary science, medicine, nursing, environmental science, dietetics, sport science, science journalism, teaching, nature conservation, microbiology, equine science, agriculture, biochemistry, physiotherapy and many others.Biology can be also be used successfully to support studies in areas such as geography, psychology and sociology. This subject, in combination with other suitable qualifications, will allow entry into employment or into a wide range of Higher Education programmes and then on to postgraduate study and research work.
For AS Level you take two written Unit papers and Investigation Assessment which includes a Report of a Visit.
For A2 Level you take two written module papers and the Individual Investigation (research report).
| Examination Board | EDEXEL AS 8Bio1 A2 9Bio1 (Context) |
| Assessment | 20% Coursework 80% Examination |
| Programme Co-ordinator | Sally Bentley |
| Teaching Staff | Ross Clifford(AS) Sally Bentley(A2) |
Duration & Location
One year for AS Level; a further one year for A2
AS Level 5 hours per week, in three sessions, over 1 year
A2 Level 5 hours per week, in three sessions, over 1 year
Start date: September each year
Fees
If you are under 19 on 31 August when your programme begins and are full-time, you will be entitled to free tuition and no examination fees wherever you live provided you are a European Community National. Mature students may also qualify for free tuition and no examination fees, please ask Guidance Services for details.
Further Information
Sally Bentley
School of Access and Advanced Education
For further details please contact the Information Office on 01522 876274
