Biology Courses encourage development of skills and resourcefulness, which lead to becoming a confident individual. Successful learners in biology think creatively, analyse and solve problems. Biology aims to produce responsible citizens, through studying of relevant areas of biology, such as health, environment and sustainability.
Biology affects everyone and aims to find solutions to many of the world’s problems. Biology, the study of living organisms, plays a crucial role in our everyday existence, and is an increasingly important subject in the modern world. Advances in technologies have made this varied subject more exciting and relevant than ever..
The purpose of the Course is to develop learners’ interest and enthusiasm for biology in a range of contexts. The skills of scientific inquiry and investigation are developed, throughout the Course, by investigating the applications of biology. This will enable learners to become scientifically literate citizens, able to review the science-based claims they will meet.
DNA and the Genome (Higher)
In this Unit, learners will develop knowledge through study of DNA and the genome. The Unit covers the key areas of structure and replication of DNA, gene expression, and the genome. This Unit explores the molecular basis of evolution and biodiversity, while the unity of life is emphasised in the study of gene expression. This approach enables the development of both analytical thinking and problem solving skills in context. An understanding of gene expression, at the cellular level, leads to the study of differentiation in organisms. In addition, the Unit covers the evolution and structure of the genome and genomics, including personal genomics.
Metabolism and Survival (Higher)
In this Unit, learners will develop knowledge by investigating the central metabolic pathways of ATP synthesis by respiration and how control of the pathways is essential to cell survival. The Unit covers the key areas of metabolisms as essential for life, maintaining metabolism, and metabolism in microorganisms. Analytical thinking and problem solving skills will be developed in context, through investigation of how cellular respiration is fundamental to metabolism and by examining the stages of respiration. In whole organisms, it considers adaptations for the maintenance of metabolism for survival. In addition, it examines the importance of the manipulation of metabolism in microorganisms, both in the laboratory and in industry, including ethical considerations.
Sustainability and Interdependence (Higher)
In this Unit, learners will develop knowledge by investigating how humans depend on sufficient and sustainable food production from a narrow range of crop and livestock species, focusing on photosynthesis in plants. The Unit covers the key areas of the science of food production, interrelationships and dependence, and biodiversity. Analytical thinking and problem solving skills will be developed contextually within these topics. The importance of plant productivity and the manipulation of genetic diversity to maintain food security are emphasised. The Unit also covers interrelationships and dependence, through symbiosis and social behaviour. By studying biodiversity, the Unit attempts to measure, catalogue, understand and address the human impact, including mass extinction.
Component 1 — Question papers
Paper 1 - 40 minutes (multiple choice) - 20 marks.
Paper 2 - 2 hours 20 minutes - 95 marks.
Component 2 — Assignment
The purpose of the assignment is to allow the learners to carry out an in-depth study of a biology topic. The topic will be chosen by the learner, who will investigate/research the underlying biology and the impact on society/the environment.
The assignment will have 20 marks.
The grade awarded will be determined using both components.