Biology
The course
AS – the Edexcel course Biology A comprises a study of the following broad topics:
● Topic 1: Lifestyle, Health and Risk
● Topic 2: Genes and Health
● Topic 3: Voice of the Genome
● Topic 4: Biodiversity and Natural Resources
A level: the Edexcel course Biology A comprises a study of the following broad topics:
● Topic 1: Lifestyle, Health and Risk ● Topic 2: Genes and Health ● Topic 3: Voice of the Genome ● Topic 4: Biodiversity and
Natural Resources (These are the topics which are also taught at AS)
● Topic 5: On the Wild Side
● Topic 6: Immunity, Infection and Forensics
● Topic 7: Run for your Life
● Topic 8: Grey Matter
The A Level specification encourages candidates to develop essential knowledge and understanding of concepts of biology and the
skills needed for the use of these in new and changing situations as well as developing an understanding of scientific methods.
Students will become aware of advances in technology, including information technology and will learn to recognize the value and
responsible use of biology in society. The core practicals will enable the development of skills of manipulation, observation, analysis
and evaluation.
Assessment
AS Topics 1 and 2 will be examined Paper 1, a 90 minutes paper carrying 50% of the total marks
AS Topics 3 and 4 will be examined in Paper 2, a 90 minutes paper carrying 50% of the total marks:
A level Topics 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 will be examined at the end of year 13 in Paper 1, a 2 hour paper carrying 33.3% of the total marks.
Topics 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 8 will be examined at the end of year 13 in Paper 2, a 2 hour paper carrying 33.3% of the total marks.
There is one final exam paper at the end of year 13, Paper 3, which tests knowledge of all topics 1-8 including the core practicals,
and will also include questions relating to a pre-release paper.
The various topic areas include 18 core practicals. These practicals will be carried out during the course of the two years. Knowledge
of these practicals is tested all three of the exams, particularly Paper 3. In addition your practical competencies will be assessed
under the Science Practical Endorsement: this is a separate qualification. There is no coursework in A level Biology.
In year 12 the students will Whipsnade Zoo and attend lectures on endangered species and conservation programmes.
Additionally, there will be a visit to a field studies centre to study animal and plant ecology relating to topic 4, and to carry out
investigative work.
You should take this course if:
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You have an appreciation of life and living organisms, and the human body
You are highly motivated and therefore able to cope with the demands of this course
You are prepared to devote private study time to the background reading of biological reviews and articles
You are prepared to develop the skills necessary to work safely with apparatus, biological material and living organisms
Biology students doing level coursework, October 2015