Biology

Year 12 Course Content

Biological molecules - All life on Earth shares a common chemistry. This provides indirect evidence for evolution. Despite their great variety, the cells of all living organisms contain only a few groups of carbon-based compounds that interact in similar ways. (3.1)

Cells - All life on Earth exists as cells. These have basic features in common. Differences between cells are due to the addition of extra features. This provides indirect evidence for evolution. You will study the fine structure of cells, how cells divide and how the cells of your immune system function. (3.2)

Organisms exchange substances with their environment - The internal environment of a cell or organism is different from its external environment. The exchange of substances between the internal and external environments takes place at exchange surfaces. This unit looks at how those surfaces are adapted for exchange and how materials are then transported around large organisms. (3.3)

Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms - Biological diversity is reflected in the vast number of species of organisms, in the variation of individual characteristics within a single species and in the variation of cell types within a single multicellular organism. Differences between species reflect genetic differences. Differences between individuals within a species could be the result of genetic factors, of environmental factors, or a combination of both. You will study how diversity is caused and how it can be measured. (3.4)

Year 13 Course Content

Energy transfers in and between organisms - Life depends on continuous transfers of energy. In photosynthesis, light is absorbed by chlorophyll and this is linked to the production of ATP. In respiration, various substances are used as respiratory substrates. The hydrolysis of these substrates is linked to the production of ATP. This topic looks at the biochemical pathways of these two fundamental processes. (3.5)

Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments - This topic looks at nervous co-ordination and compares that to how hormones are used for organisms to co-ordinate responses. (3.6)

Genetic, populations, evolution and ecosystems - This unit looks at how inheritance of alleles is played out and how variation in genetics drives natural selection. You will also study how populations within communities are also affected by, and in turn affect, the abiotic (physicochemical) factors in an ecosystem. (3.7)

The control of gene expression - There are many factors that control the expression of genes and you will learn that epigenetic regulation of transcription is being increasingly recognised as important. Humans are learning how to control the expression of genes by altering the epigenome, and how to alter genomes and proteomes of organisms. You will also study DNA technology in the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. (3.8)

Assessment

There is no coursework on this course. However, your performance against certain competencies during practicals will be assessed and be accredited in an endorsement (this does not count towards the A Level).  

There are three exams at the end of the second year of study. At least 15% of the marks for A Level Biology are based on what you learned in your practicals and 10% of marks are based on Maths skills. In the third A Level paper you will write a 25 mark essay, given a choice of two titles.