Biology

Assessment

Component 1: energy for life Marks: 100. Written paper, 2 hours. This unit looks at respiration, photosynthesis, microbiology, populations, ecosystems, and human impact on the environment. Component 2: continuity of life Marks: 100. Method of assessment (coursework, exam, etc.): Written paper, 2 hours. This unit includes biodiversity, cell division, sexual reproduction in animals and plants, inheritance, variation, evolution and applications of reproduction and genetics. Component 3: requirements for life Marks: 100. Method of assessment (coursework, exam, etc.): Written paper, 2 hours. Section A includes adaptions for gas exchange in animals and plants, transport in animals and plants, nutrition, homeostasis, and the nervous system (80 marks). Section B is from a choice of three options: immunology and disease, human musculoskeletal anatomy, neurobiology, and behavior (20 marks). Core Concepts: Basic biochemistry and cell structure will be examined in all three A-level components. Practical Endorsement: This will be evidenced by a minimum of 12 experiments carried out over the two-year course. Practical skills and application will be assessed in written papers (15% of content).