Biology

Course summary

Do you want to understand more about the living world around you, from cells and organelles to the human body and the whole ecosystem? Biology can help satisfy your curiosity! Biology provides an excellent balance of interesting and applied knowledge with practical and experimental skills. It plays an important role in the understanding of complex forms of life and also develops interest in the lives of living organisms to preserve them. Understanding the intricate details of life helps us understand how to care for ourselves, animals, plants and even the planet in an informed and appropriate way. Year 12 1. Biological molecules 2. Cells 3. Organisms exchange substances within their environment 4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms Year 13 5. Energy transfers in and between organisms 6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments 7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems 8. The control of gene expression There will be a mixture of approaches to include note-taking, independent research, discussion and group work. Tasks include long answer questions, problem-solving and interpretation of data. This develops practical analytical and research skills vital for higher education. There will be a significant amount of practical work; you will need to complete 12 required practical tasks in addition to the normal class practical work, all of which will be written up as you go through the course in your laboratory book. You will be awarded a practical competency alongside your A Level grade if all of the assessed components of the practical work are met. Through this course you will develop your knowledge of diverse areas of biology, studying the world around you and how the human body works. This will help if you are considering a career in a medical field, in a sports area, studying for a biological or other science degree or just lead to a healthier lifestyle! From conservation to cancer research, biologists are tackling important 21st-century challenges, and we need skilled young people to be part of this. It is also important to remember that biology is excellent preparation for non-scientific careers, thanks to the skills it provides.