Why study Biology?
Studying biology gives you the
skills and opportunities to
advance human knowledge and
understanding in today’s
world, in order to make a
difference to tomorrow’s
world.
Advanced Level Biology
Edexcel
SNAB
AS & A2
The Salters Context Approach AS
Topic 1
Lifestyle, health & risk
Structure and function of the
circulatory system including heart and
blood vessels
 Atherosclerosis formation
 Structure and function of carbohydrate
& lipids
 Effect of diet and exercise on CHD
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Unit 1
Topic 2
Genes & health
Cell membrane structure and transport
across it
 Protein synthesis, structure and
enzyme function
 DNA structure and replication
Genetic inheritance and treatment
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Topic 3
The voice of the genome
Cell ultrastructure and structure and
function of cell organelles
 Meiosis, gamete formation and
fertilisation
 Asexual reproduction and mitosis
 Gene expression and its interaction
with the environment
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Unit 2
Topic 4
Biodiversity and natural resources
Species and the environment
 Species adaptation
 Biodiversity and taxonomy
 Plant structure and function
Conservation and endangered species
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Unit 3 Issue report – Individual report on a biological issue of your own
The Salters Context Approach A2
Topic 5
On the wild side
Unit 4
Ecosystems
 Consequences of climate change
 Natural selection and evolution
 Our responsibility towards the
environment
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Topic 6
Infection, immunity and forensics
Work of forensic pathologists
 How time of death is established
 Bacteria and viruses
 How the body fights infection
 Why people are still dying from
infectious diseases
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Topic 7
Run for your life
Unit 5
Unit 6
Muscle structure and function
Respiration
The effect of exercise on the body
Homeostasis/maintenance of body temp
Medical technogy in sport
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Topic 8
Grey matter
How plants respond to environmental
change
 Mammalian nervous system
 Brain and Parkinson’s disease
 Human Genome Project
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Investigation – Individual investigation
Assessment
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External
2 module written exams
80%
AS Coursework –
Issue report
20%
A2 Individual investigation
20%
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Internal
Homework
Verbal feedback
Unit tests
Mock exams
Core practical activities
Extending the curriculum
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Field Trip
AS students experience a day as ecologists,
studying succession at Studland Bay Nature
Reserve
Bristol zoo trip
A2 students see classification and conservation in
context during a specially designed workshop run
by the zoo
@ Bristol
AS students spend a day, at the ‘Glaxo’ sponsored
workshop, isolating and identifying DNA. This is a
great opportunity to use the latest genetic
Minimum Entry Requirement
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B grade in GCSE Science
Triple or additional
Careers in Biology
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Agriculture
Animal husbandry; Farm management;
Veterinary science; Agricultural product
testing; Agricultural engineering;
Agricultural sales and marketing.
Biomedicine
Medicine; Dentistry; Clinical science;
Physiological measurement;
Pharmaceutical industry; Radiography and
radiotherapy.
Communications
Information science; Journalism;
Publishing; Broadcasting; Film and video;
Museum work; Science promotion.
Education
Teaching and lecturing; Laboratory
support; Educational resources;
Psychology; Sport and fitness training;
Health and safety.
Environment
Ecology; environmental protection; Waste
management; Nature conservation;
Environmental health; Town and country
planning.
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Food and Drink
Brewing; Food quality assurance; Food
product development; Catering technology;
Pest control; Food and drink retailing.
Genetics
Research, Clinical cytogenetics, Molecular
cytogenetics, Counselling.
Healthcare
Ambulance service; Nursing; Physiotherapy;
Dietetics; Podiatry; Occupational therapy.
Horticulture
Floristry; Commercial growing; Horticulture
research; Horticulture retailing;
Landscaping and amenity horticulture;
Groundsmanship.
Marine Biology
Research; Education; Resource Management.
Natural Resources
Water quality control; Water for
recreation; Fish farming; Fisheries
inspection and research; Forestry;
Countryside for leisure.