A – Level Biology at Thomas More
Catholic School
FAQs
Who takes and is successful at A – Level Biology?
Students who are interested in learning more about Biology. This is NOT an easy ALevel option and requires A LOT of work. Successful students are committed from
the start to 5 or more hours of extra work every week on top regular homework. You
must be interested in reading around the subject and seek out and read articles
pertaining to biological research.
What else should I take along with A-Level Biology?
Many students who take A-Level Biology also take Chemistry. This is a particularly
good choice as many key concepts in Biology are also covered in Chemistry as
these subjects overlap. Many students will take Psychology as these two subject are
a good match. Another good choice may be Geography as again there are many
overlapping concepts. And finally PE is also a good choice. The most important
thing is that you enjoy and are interested in the subjects you choose.
What will I be learning in A-Level Biology?
See following 2 pages or www.Edexcel.com for the GCE Biology Specification
How do I prepare for A – Level Biology?
See the last pages of this booklet. You must complete the summer assignment in
order to be eligible for this course.
AS Course Content
Unit 1: Lifestyle, Transport, Genes and Health – Exam
40% of the total AS marks 20% of the total GCE marks
Content summary:
 structure and function of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins;
 enzyme action
 structure and properties of cell membranes;
 passive and active transport
 structure and role of DNA and RNA replication;
 protein synthesis
 monohybrid inheritance, gene mutations, principles of gene therapy;
 social and ethical issues.
Unit 2: Development, Plants and the Environment - Exam
40% of the total AS marks 20% of the total GCE marks
Content summary:
 cell structure and ultrastructure of eukaryote and prokaryote cells: cell
specialisation and the role of meiosis
 genotype and environmental influence
 stem cell research and its implications
 biodiversity, adaptations and natural selection
 principles of taxonomy
 plant cell structure, transport of water in plants, uses of plant products.
Unit 3: Practical Biology and Research Skills - Coursework
20% of the total AS marks 10% of the total GCE marks
Summary:
Students write a report of between 1500 and 2000 words, either a record of a visit to
a site of biological interest or a report of research into a biological topic.
Students’ practical skills will be assessed by the teacher against criteria provided in
the specification. The work must reflect the standard at
Advanced Subsidiary level.
A2 Course Content
Unit 4: The Natural Environment and Species Survival - Exam
20% of the total GCE marks
Content summary:
 photosynthesis;
 energy transfer within ecosystems
 evidence for global warming
 evolution through natural selection and speciation
 nutrient recycling
 DNA profiling and PCR
 structure of bacteria and viruses
 infectious diseases (eg AIDS and TB)
 immunology
Unit 5: Energy, Exercise and Coordination - Exam
20% of the total GCE marks
Content summary:
 ATP, glycolysis, anaerobic/aerobic respiration
 control and functioning of heart; ventilation and cardiac output
 homeostasis
 the nervous system
 impact of exercise on body, and improving performance
 hormonal coordination
 brain structure and development
 imbalances in brain chemicals
 Human Genome Project.
Unit 6: Practical Biology and Investigative Skills - Coursework
10% of the total GCE marks
Summary:
Students will complete a written report of an experimental investigation, which they
have devised and carried out.
Required Summer Assignments
1. Purchase the following textbook. You must have this for September.
ISBN13: 9781405896078
Salters Nuffield Advanced Biology AS Student Book
You may also want to purchase the alternate student book shown below as it
provides a different and sometimes more detailed description of some of the
concepts. Certainly for those wishing to achieve A or A* this is highly recommended.
ISBN13: 9781405896320
Edexcel A Level Science: AS Biology Students' Book with
ActiveBook CD
If you look on Amazon or the Pearson website:
http://www.pearsoned.co.uk/bookshop you find the above books as well as options
for revision guides and other resources. These are all entirely optional. Just make
sure anything you buy is for the Edexcel course.
2. Purchase a ring binder and some dividers. You will need these from the first day.
3. Complete ALL of the questions in the booklet, this is vital to your success and
goes through all of the key topics (see Ms. Ace for booklet)
4. Do the following research task – no exceptions - this must be handed in on the
first day.
Research Task:
 Pick an area of Biology that interests you. A medical condition, an
endangered species, an environmental issue, advancements in sporting,
genetic issues, cancer treatments, microbiology, biological warfare, MRSA,
farming, GMO, discovery of new species, really anything that interests you.
 You need to research a question about your area of interest. So you must
think about what question you will be answering with your research. For
example: “How is gamma radiation used to treat cancer?” or “How are tigers
being conserved?” or “How is cystic fibrosis treated?” “How is research on E.
coli conducted?”
 You must try and answer your question with research – the research needs to
be QUOTED and REFERENCED.


Separate your report in to the following subheadings:
o Background information – give the reader some information on the
topic
o Current solutions to the question you asked in the title
o How well are the solution working? If you can find some data showing
that the solutions are successful, it would be useful here.
o Issues arising from this solution
o Alternative solutions.
No more than 4 pages + 1 page listing all references used.