OCR

AS & A2

A Level Biology develops material studied at GCSE allowing students to gain greater knowledge and understanding about a range of topics from cell biology to genetics.

Course Content - AS
Unit 1 Cells, Exchange and Transport
This module includes detailed study of cell structure and function. It covers the principles of nuclear division and stem cell research. We consider how materials cross cell membranes and link this to crucial development of drugs.
Unit 2 Molecules, Biodiversity, Food and Health
Students will have the opportunity to study the role of a range of biological molecules including proteins, nucleic acids and carcinogens. And at the other end of the scale; species diversity throughout the world.

Unit 3 Practical Skills in Biology 1
Students will be required to complete 3 tasks provided by the examination board and these will be internally assessed. These tasks will test the skills of observation, measurement and evaluation.

Course Content - A2
Unit 4 Communications, Homeostasis and Energy
This module further develops the students knowledge of communication systems that exist in living organisms, including the propagation of a nervous impulse and the wide ranging effects of hormones. Additional time is spent on biochemical systems that allow cells to capture light energy and convert it to a chemical form to be utilised for growth etc.

Unit 5 Control, Genomes and Environment
The environmental content of this module will prove very popular as it will build on our knowledge of the ever changing world we live in, considering the impact humans have on our surroundings and how the use of sustainable resources could help us lessen this impact and preserve the essential biodiversity of our habitats.

Unit 6 Practical Skills in Biology 2
Students will be required to complete 3 tasks provided by the examination board and these will be internally assessed. These tasks will test the skills of observation, measurement and evaluation.

The course provides a firm foundation for students if they wish to continue to higher education (and not just science degrees) but is also held in high regard by many employers.

Grade B (Higher Level) at either GCSE Biology or Double Award (Core and Additional Science), in component to be studied.