Biology A-Level

Assessment

Paper 1: Advanced Biochemistry, Microbiology and Genetics This will cover the topics 1-4 above as well as: ■ Topic 5– Energy for biological processes Aerobic respiration Glycolysis Link reaction and Krebs cycle Oxidative phosphorylation Anaerobic respiration Photosynthetic pigments Photosynthesis ■ Topic 6 – Microbiology and pathogens Microbial techniques Bacteria as pathogens Action of antibiotics Antibiotic resistance Other pathogenic agents Problems of controlling endemic diseases Response to infection ■ Topic 7 – Modern genetics Using gene sequencing Factors affecting gene expression Stem cells Gene technology Paper 2: Advanced Physiology, Evolution and Ecology This will cover the topics 1-4 above as well as: ■ Topic 8 –Origins of genetic information Origins of genetic variation Transfer of genetic information Gene pools ■ Topic 9 – Control systems Homeostasis Chemical control in mammals Chemical control in plants Structure and function of the mammalian nervous system Nervous transmission Effects of drugs on the nervous system Detection of light by mammals Control of heart rate in mammals Osmoregulation and temperature regulation ■ Topic 10 – Ecosystems The nature of ecosystems Energy transfer through ecosystems Changes in ecosystems Human effects on ecosystems How will it be delivered and assessed? In AS Biology, Modules 1–4 are assessed, all modules are assessed at A-Level. You will be required to apply your knowledge to both familiar and unfamiliar situations. Practical work is only assessed at A‑Level by the teacher as Pass/Fail, however core practicals are examined in the written papers at both AS and A level. A minimum of 10% of the marks in both AS and A level Biology are for mathematics. Paper 1: Core Cellular Biology and Microbiology Questions draw on content from Topics 1 and 2. Exam 1 hour 30 minutes. 80 marks. 50% of total AS Level Paper 2: Core Physiology and Ecology Questions draw on content from Topics 3 and 4. Exam 1 hour 30 minutes. 80 marks. 50% of total AS Level Paper 1: Advanced Biochemistry, Microbiology and Genetics Topics 1–7. 1 hour 45 minutes. 90 marks. 30% of the total qualification Paper 2: Advanced Physiology, Evolution and Ecology Topics 1–4 and Topics 8–10. 1 hour 45 minutes. 90 marks. 30% of the total qualification Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Biology Topics 1–10. 2 hours 30 minutes. 120 marks. 40% of the total qualification