Biology

Course summary

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 as well as the ability to apply this new learning in a range of situations. Biology continues to be a highly popular subject for A Level students at Ashlawn School. Biology as a core Science is usually studied in combination with Chemistry and Physics. However, as a natural Science, Biology is also complemented by the study of Geography, Maths, P.E and Psychology. Throughout the A Level Biology course taught at Ashlawn Sixth Form students will have the opportunity to study a wide range of biological topic’s that will allow them to broaden and deepen their understanding of the biological world. Students will examine the structure and role of key biological macromolecules include proteins, carbohydrates and lipids and nucleic acids. They will also explore the ultrastructure of cells and examine how cellular communication and co-operation allows organisms to carry out fundamental life processes. Through this course student will also have the opportunity to learn about the structure function and role of communication, exchange and transport systems and will examine these systems in a variety of living organisms. In addition to this, students will explore the causes of disease and the effects they have on organisms. At a higher level students will look at the evolutionary processes that have led to the great wealth of diversity we see in the natural world, in addition to exploring how this diversity can be studied and manipulated through the use of genomics and biotechnology. Content is split into four teaching modules: Module 1: Development of practical skills in Biology Module 2: Foundations in Biology Module 3: Exchange and transport Module 4: Biodiversity, evolution and disease Module 5: Communication, Homeostasis and energy Module 6: Genetics, Evolution and Ecosystems