A Level Biology at Thomas More Catholic School

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1 A Level Biology at Thomas More Catholic School FAQs Who takes and is successful at A Level Biology? Students who are interested in learning more about Biology. This is NOT an easy A- Level option and requires a LOT of work. Successful students are committed from the start to 5 or more hours of extra work every week as well as regular homework. You must be interested in reading around the subject and seek out and read articles pertaining to biological research. What else should I take along with A-Level Biology? Many students who take A-Level Biology also take Chemistry. This is a particularly good choice as many key concepts in Biology are also covered in Chemistry as these subjects overlap. Many students will take Psychology as these two subjects are a good match. Another good choice may be Geography as again there are many overlapping concepts. And finally PE is also a good choice. The most important thing is that you enjoy and are interested in the subjects you choose. What do I need to be eligible for A-Level Biology? 2 B grades in Double Science or 3 B grades in Triple Science B grade in English C grade in Maths There will be no exceptions, these are the minimum requirements. If the course is oversubscribed, the students with the lowest grades will be dropped. What will I be learning in A-Level Biology? See following 2 pages or for the GCE Biology Specification How do I prepare for A Level Biology? See the last pages of this booklet. You must complete the summer assignment in order to be eligible for this course.

2 AS Course Content Unit 1: Lifestyle, Transport, Genes and Health Exam 40% of the total AS marks 20% of the total GCE marks structure and function of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins; enzyme action; structure and properties of cell membranes; passive and active transport structure and role of DNA and RNA replication; protein synthesis; monohybrid inheritance, gene mutations, principles of gene therapy; social and ethical issues. Unit 2: Development, Plants and the Environment - Exam 40% of the total AS marks, 20% of the total GCE marks cell structure and ultrastructure of eukaryote and prokaryote cells: cell specialisation and the role of meiosis genotype and environmental influence stem cell research and its implications biodiversity, adaptations and natural selection principles of taxonomy plant cell structure, transport of water in plants, uses of plant products. Unit 3: Practical Biology and Research Skills - Coursework 20% of the total AS marks, 10% of the total GCE marks Summary: Students write a report of between 1500 and 2000 words, either a record of a visit to a site of biological interest or a report of research into a biological topic. Students practical skills will be assessed by the teacher against criteria provided in the specification. The work must reflect the standard at Advanced Subsidiary level.

3 A2 Course Content Unit 4: The Natural Environment and Species Survival - Exam 20% of the total GCE marks photosynthesis; energy transfer within ecosystems evidence for global warming evolution through natural selection and speciation nutrient recycling DNA profiling and PCR structure of bacteria and viruses infectious diseases (eg AIDS and TB) immunology Unit 5: Energy, Exercise and Coordination - Exam 20% of the total GCE marks ATP, glycolysis, anaerobic/aerobic respiration control and functioning of heart; ventilation and cardiac output homeostasis the nervous system impact of exercise on body, and improving performance hormonal coordination brain structure and development imbalances in brain chemicals Human Genome Project. Unit 6: Practical Biology and Investigative Skills - Coursework 10% of the total GCE marks Summary: Students will complete a written report of an experimental investigation which they have devised and carried out.

4 Required Summer Assignments 1. Purchase the following textbook. You must have this for September. ISBN13: Salters Nuffield Advanced Biology AS Student Book You may also want to purchase the alternate student book shown below as it provides a different and sometimes more detailed description of some of the concepts. Certainly for those wishing to achieve A or A* this is highly recommended. ISBN13: Edexcel A Level Science: AS Biology Students' Book with ActiveBook CD If you look on Amazon or the Pearson website: you find the above books as well as options for revision guides and other resources. These are all entirely optional. Just make sure anything you buy is for the Edexcel course. 2. Purchase a ring binder and some dividers. You will need these from the first day. 3. Purchase the following book and do ALL of the questions this is vital to your success. 4. Do the following research task no exceptions - this must be handed in on the first day. Research Task: Pick an area of Biology that interests you. A medical condition, an endangered species, an environmental issue, advancements in sporting, genetic issues, cancer treatments, microbiology, biological warfare, MRSA, farming, GMO, discovery of new species, really anything that interests you. You need to research a question about your area of interest. So you must think about what question you will be answering with your research. For example: How is gamma radiation used to treat cancer? or How are tigers

5 being conserved? or How is cystic fibrosis treated? How is research on E. coli conducted? You must try and answer your question with research the research needs to be QUOTED and REFERENCED. Separate your report in to the following subheadings: o Background information give the reader some information on the topic o Current solutions to the question you asked in the title o How well are the solution working? If you can find some data showing that the solutions are successful, it would be useful here. o Issues arising from this solution o Alternative solutions. No more than 4 pages + 1 page listing all references used.