KS 5 Courses 2014-2015
Name of Course: Biology A level
QAN Code: 50023524
Examining Body: AQA
Course Duration: 2 Years
OVERVIEW OF SUBJECT
Biology is a complex and broad science. You will enjoy this course if you are interested in all aspects of living
organisms, how they work and how they interact with their environment. You will develop a logical approach to
problem solving and become skilled in practical applications through experimentation and fieldwork.
UNITS TO BE STUDIED, EXAMS
(FORMAL & MOCK),
COURSEWORK/ ASSESSMENTS:
Autumn 2014
SeptemberOctober
Principles of
Immunology
and Cells
Autumn 2014
November February
Digestive
system and
enzymes, Lung
function and
lung disease,
Mock exams
Spring 2015
FebruaryMarch
EMPA –
coursework,
and Gas
exchange
and
Genetics
and DNA
Spring 2015
March- April
EMPA –
coursework,
Genetic
variation and
antibiotics,
Species
diversity,
Revision
Summer 2015
May-June
Revision Unit
1 and Unit 2
21st May :
Unit 1 Exam
1st June: Unit
2 Exam
Summer 2015
June- July
Continuation
of A2
teaching –
Populations
and
ecosystems
Summer
Holiday
August
Autumn 2015
SeptemberOctober
Carbon and
Nitrogen cycle,
Succession and
Respiration
Autumn 2015
November February
Inheritance,
Survival and
Response,
Photosynthesis
and Ecology
Spring 2016
FebruaryMarch
EMPA –
coursework
Nerves,
muscles and
Homeostasis
Spring 2016
March- April
EMPA –
coursework
DNA and
Genes
Summer 2016
May-June
Exams for
Unit 4 and 5
dates
unknown
Summer 2016
June- July
Exams for
Unit 4 and 5
dates
unknown
Summer
Holiday
August
13th August
2015 AS
Level
results
11th August
2016 A
Level
Results
HOW WILL I LEARN/ BE
ASSESSED
You will be taught via the AQA A level Biology specification in which you will have many opportunities to complete
practical based tasks, in order to promote a high level of understanding of key biological concepts. You will also work
as a whole group/small groups as well as be shown demonstrations.
Formal assessment is in the form of exams and coursework. There are two exams per year, Unit 1 and 2 for AS and
Unit 4 and 5 for A2. Unit 3 and 6 are externally marked pieces of coursework that are completed in class time. You
will also be tested throughout the year at the end of each module in class to check progress and understanding.
WHAT CAN I DO AFTERWARDS
A level Biology can open up a range of careers and higher education courses in medicine, veterinary science and
dentistry, optometry, physiotherapy, forensic science, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical and biological sciences,
environmental health and food sciences. A level biology can also help gain direct entry into employment, especially
into the scientific and related sectors.
WHAT ELSE MIGHT I NEED TO
KNOW?
You will have the opportunity to apply for a Nuffield Foundation Research placement during your AS year of study.
This is a fantastic opportunity that can lead to placements in hospitals and pioneering scientific areas in which you
will get to work along side other scientists on ground breaking projects. Students in the past have even been
published. By completing a Nuffield Foundation Research placement you will also be sort after by universities and
may even be offered lower entry levels.
Further information is available from Mr Turner.
WEB-LINKS TO SYLLABUSES:
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/biology-2410
TEXT BOOKS/ EQUIPMENT
REQUIRED:
AQA Biology – AS Biology text book – Glenn and Susan Toole ISBN – 978-0-7487-8275-8
Scientific calculator, Lever arch folder, pens, pencils, ruler, highlighters and revision cards.
Students are supplied with CGP AS Biology Revision book for AQA.
You will find various information to help support your son/daughter’s progress at
http://www.paigntononline.com
SUPPORT FOR PARENTS: