Biology

Course summary

Vast, exciting and concerning every living thing on the planet – subjects don’t come much more fundamental than Biology. This course is all about the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, identification and taxonomy. If you want to think big, make your mark and work at the cutting edge of Science, Biology could be for you. Biologists are making an increasing contribution to ensuring the world becomes a healthier and safer place WHAT WILL I BE LEARNING? Topics include: - Biological molecules and cells; Organisms exchange substances with their environment; Genetic information, variation, and relationships between organisms: Energy transfers in and between organisms; How organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments, Genetics, populations, evolution, and ecosystems and control of gene expression. HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT? The Biology course will involve regular laboratory work to develop your practical skills and an understanding of how scientific investigations are planned and carried out. At the start of the course, you will be set short, frequent homework tasks, similar to the kind of assignments you were set at GCSE. There will be regular end-of-topic tests to assess your progress. As time goes on, we expect you to take more responsibility for your own learning, and cope with less frequent, longer pieces of work. We will expect you to answer past examination questions; make structured notes on specific topics; research an area for yourself; produce leaflets or posters about a particular issue; or work through selfstudy material. WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP? Laboratory techniques, analysis and interpretation of data, evaluation and communication; mathematical, technical and observational skills. Problem solving through use of data, theories and models. Making reasoned judgments and drawing appropriate evidence-based conclusions.