Biology

Biology is an exciting, challenging subject providing a foundation for understanding many important scientific developments. The course provides an insight into contemporary scientific research in progress. Studying A-level Biology is valuable for anyone looking to develop their scientific knowledge and analytical skills, whether you're aiming for university, a science career, or want a deeper understanding of life sciences.

COURSE STRUCTURE

The specification consists of 6 modules: Development of practical skills in biology; Foundations in biology; Exchange and transport; Biodiversity, evolution and disease; Communication, homeostasis and energy; Genetics, evolution and ecosystems. The course is examined with 3 written papers: biological processes, biological diversity, and Unified biology. Practical skills and foundations in biology are tested across all papers.

The Biological processes paper includes content from: Practical skills, Foundations in biology, exchange and transport and communication, homeostasis and energy. All of these topic areas have been covered at GCSE level and we now explore all of the concepts in much greater depth. Maths skills are assessed across all papers and a reasonable mathematical ability is a requirement of the course.

Biological diversity includes content from practical skills, foundations in biology, biodiversity, evolution and disease and genetics, evolution and ecosystems. This also links to our ecology fieldwork which we complete in the summer term of Year 12. Once again, all of these topics build on to the work completed at GCSE. The final paper, Unified biology, is holistic and will test content from all six units.

The development of practical skills is an important component of the course and is assessed throughout the course as well as in the final written papers. There are a number of assessed practical activities over the two years covering areas like microscopy, dissection, computer modelling, colorimetry, microbiological techniques and sampling techniques. Students are expected to demonstrate the ability to use practical equipment safely, follow written instructions, record measurements and present their data in a scientific way. This will result in the successful completion of the practical endorsement.

Admission to all of our Level 3 courses requires a minimum of five grade 4 GCSE passes; these must include at least grade 4 in Maths and English Language. Additionally, Grade 6-6 in GCSE Combined Science or 6 in GCSE Biology.

OCR’s A Level in Biology A specification aims to encourage learners to:

• develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they
  relate to each other
• develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of
  scientific methods
• develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving
  skills
• develop their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in
  further study and careers associated with the subject
• understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute
  to the success of the economy and society (as exemplified in ‘How Science Works’ (HSW))