Biology

Course summary

Students will study for three examined components, Biological Processes, Biological Diversity and Unified Biology. The fourth component is the Practical Endorsement in Biology and is reported separately. Unit 1: Development of practical skills in biology Unit 2: Foundations in Biology includes: cell structure; biological molecules; nucleotides and nucleic acids; enzymes; biological membranes; cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation. Unit 3: Exchange and transport in plants and animals includes: exchange surfaces; transport in animals and transport in plants. Unit 4: Biodiversity, evolution and disease includes: communicable diseases, disease prevention and the immune system; classification and evolution; and Biodiversity. Unit 5: Communications, homeostasis and energy includes: communication and homeostasis; excretion as an example of homeostatic control; neuronal communication; hormonal communication; plant and animal responses; photosynthesis and respiration. Unit 6: Genetics, evolution and ecosystems includes: cellular control; patterns of inheritance; manipulating genomes; cloning and biotechnology; ecosystems; populations and sustainability.