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Course Information Evening for 2025 is Wednesday 6th August. Subject information is current for 2026
Year 12 Biology
Duration: Full Year
Duration: Full Year
What is more important than life? From the modification of genetics to treat disease to the treatment of cancer by synthetic antibodies, this subject dives into some of the fundamental concepts relating to the function, structure and future of living things, with a particular focus on humans.
What is more important than life? From the modification of genetics to treat disease to the treatment of cancer by synthetic antibodies, this subject dives into some of the fundamental concepts relating to the function, structure and future of living things, with a particular focus on humans.
COURSE OUTLINE
COURSE OUTLINE
Biology is a Science subject and as such does involve both key knowledge and key skills related to the Scientific Process. This includes working with primary data from experiments and analysing secondary data from collected sources. Bioethics is also an integral component and students will formulate scientific arguments using evidence to support decisions about contentious issues.
Biology is a Science subject and as such does involve both key knowledge and key skills related to the Scientific Process. This includes working with primary data from experiments and analysing secondary data from collected sources. Bioethics is also an integral component and students will formulate scientific arguments using evidence to support decisions about contentious issues.
Unit 3
Unit 3
In this unit students investigate the workings of the cell from several perspectives. They explore the relationship between nucleic acids and proteins as key molecules in cellular processes. Students analyse the structure and function of nucleic acids as information molecules, gene structure and expression in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and proteins as a diverse group of functional molecules. They examine the biological consequences of manipulating the DNA molecule and applying biotechnologies to solving current and future problems.
Outcome 1
Outcome 1
On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse the relationship between nucleic acids and proteins, and evaluate how tools and techniques can be used and applied in the manipulation of DNA.
Outcome 2
Outcome 2
On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse the structure and regulation of biochemical pathways in photosynthesis and cellular respiration, and evaluate how biotechnology can be used to solve problems related to the regulation of biochemical pathways
Unit 4
Unit 4
In this unit students consider the continual change and challenges to which life on Earth has been, and continues to be, subjected to. They study the human immune system and the interactions between its components to provide immunity to a specific pathogen. Students consider how the application of biological knowledge can be used to respond to bioethical issues and challenges related to disease. Students examine the evidence for structural trends in the human fossil record, recognising that interpretations can be contested, refined or replaced when challenged by new evidence. Students demonstrate and apply their knowledge of how life changes and responds to challenges through investigation of a selected case study, data analysis and/or bioethical issue.
Outcome 1
Outcome 1
On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse the immune response to specific antigens, compare the different ways that immunity may be acquired and evaluate challenges and strategies in the treatment of disease.
Outcome 2
Outcome 2
On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse the evidence for genetic changes in populations and changes in species over time, analyse the evidence for relatedness between species, and evaluate the evidence for human change over time.
Outcome 3
Outcome 3
On completion of this unit the student should be able to design and conduct a scientific investigation related to cellular processes and/or how life changes and responds to challenges, and present an aim, methodology and methods, results, discussion and a conclusion in a scientific poster.
ASSESSMENT TASKS
ASSESSMENT TASKS
Across the year students will complete five School Assessed Coursework (SAC) tasks that relate to the five Outcomes.
Across the year students will complete five School Assessed Coursework (SAC) tasks that relate to the five Outcomes.
Four task types can be used at any of the first four Outcomes and this will be determined by the teacher. The tasks include:
Four task types can be used at any of the first four Outcomes and this will be determined by the teacher. The tasks include:
analysis and evaluation of a selected biological case study
analysis and evaluation of generated primary and/or collated secondary data
comparison and evaluation of biological concepts, methodologies and methods, and findings from three student practical activities
analysis and evaluation of a contemporary bioethical issue.
The fifth SAC will be the presentation of a scientific poster based on an independent student investigation. This relates to Outcome 3 of Unit 4.
Unit 3
Unit 3
School Assessed Coursework
Outcome 1 - 40 marks
Outcome 2 - 40 marks
Unit 4
Unit 4
School Assessed Coursework
Outcome 1 - 40 marks
Outcome 2 - 40 marks
Outcome 3 - 40 marks
End of Year Examination 50%
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