Biology

Dr K W Perry, BSc, PhD (Head of Department)
S H A Crabtree, BSc
Mrs P Clarke, BSc
C P Mulligan, BSc
D G Woodward, BSc, C Biol, MIBiol

Why Biology?
Careers for which Biology would be valuable include medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, pharmacy, agriculture, the food industry and the biotechnology industry. The study and use of biological processes in industry and biomedical research is rapidly increasing in importance.

Although Biology is studied as an important pre-requisite for many university courses, some students will study AS or A-level Biology without wishing to pursue the subject further.  For these students, Biology provides a valuable science qualification acceptable for many university courses and for direct employment.  It also constitutes a fascinating subject in its own right improving students’ knowledge of the concepts of Biology and its relevance and use in today’s technological society.

The Course
The AQA A-level Biology course comprises six units; four theory units, two at AS and two at A2 examined externally and two Practical Skills units, one at AS and one at A2 which are externally marked. The A2 units are synoptic in nature.


In Lower Sixth, the three AS units comprise:
Unit 1    Biology and Disease - Cells; Digestion; Respiratory System; Circulatory System;  Infectious and Lifestyle Diseases; Immunology. 
 
Unit 2    The Variety of Living Organisms – Genetic & Environmental Variation; DNA; Cell Division; Adaptation; Exchange & Transport; Classification; Biodiversity.

Unit 3    Investigative & Practical Skills in AS Biology – developing safe, skilful practical techniques; recording valid, accurate, reliable & precise results; analysing, interpreting, explaining & evaluating data in Unit 1 & 2 topics. 

In Upper Sixth, the three A2 units comprise:

Unit 4   Populations and Environment – Populations; Photosynthesis; Respiration; Energy Transfer; Nutrient Cycles;  Inheritance & Speciation.
            
Unit 5   Control in Cells & Organisms – Responding to Stimuli; Nervous & Hormonal Control; Homeostasis; Protein synthesis; Muscles; Gene Expression; Genetic Engineering.  
 
Unit 6   Investigative & Practical Skills in A2 Biology – developing safe, skilful practical techniques; recording valid, accurate, reliable & precise results; analysing, interpreting, explaining & evaluating data in Unit 4 & 5 topics.

All A-level students participate in two Ecology field study days organised by the Department which provide invaluable first-hand experience of plant/animal interactions within their natural environment.

We have five members of staff who have different yet complimentary expertise in the main disciplines within Biology. We want students to be enthused by and confident in their increasing knowledge, encouraging them to meet challenging new areas of study in a supportive environment. Students are encouraged to develop independent study skills, to think analytically and to enhance their scientific skills whilst enjoying their studies and being supported by a willingly helpful staff body to allow them to reach the success they desire.

Facilities
The Department is housed in three large, purpose-built and well-equipped laboratories, with its own preparation room, collection of animals and greenhouse.

Entry Qualifications
Primarily, pupils need to have an avid interest in Biology as this is an academically demanding course. A grade ‘A’ or better at Biology GCSE would provide the best foundation for the course; students with a grade ‘B’ would be considered but would be unlikely to progress beyond AS level unless they raise their achievement significantly when meeting the challenges of the AS Level course. Students gaining ‘A’ grades in GCSE Science and Additional Science would be entitled to progress to AS Level Biology. It is seen as an advantage if A-level Biology students also study A-level Chemistry as the courses complement each other in many ways. However, Biology has also been successfully studied alongside many other subjects such as Geography, PE or Psychology.

 

 

 

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