S3 Biology

AIMS OF THE COURSE

The course develops scientific understanding of biological issues and aims to generate enthusiasm for biology by developing learners’ interests with an emphasis on practical activities.

COURSE CONTENT

• Cell Biology

This unit will explore cells – the basic units of all living things – finding out more about their structure, processes that take place within them and how cells can be used.  The main areas include cell division, therapeutic uses of cells, cancer, DNA, genes and chromosomes, enzymes and microorganisms.

• Multicellular Organisms 

This unit includes the study of plants and animals through areas such as reproduction, growth and development and inheritance.  This topic also looks at some of the mechanisms by which the human body regulates itself.  Pupils will be able to propagate plants and appreciate their importance and commercial uses.

• Life on Earth

This unit examines the environment by studying topics on world ecosystems, food chains, food webs and sampling techniques through fieldwork.  Other areas covered in this unit include biodiversity and the effects of increasing population on our environment.  The last section looks at aspects of learned behaviour in relation to species survival.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

A variety of methods is used, including class teaching, project work, various practical activities, problem-solving exercises, tutorials in small groups, videos and discussion. 

ASSESSMENT PATTERN

Each topic will be assessed through an end of topic test.

HOMEWORK REQUIREMENTS

Pupils should expect to work at home on a regular basis.   Without prompting, they should look back each week and summarise what they have covered.  In addition, they can expect to be doing either a written exercise or preparation for assessments.