Biology

Specification: Edexcel Biology (1BI0) 

Biology is an optional subject to be taken by boys with an interest in science.  It is essential for a career in medicine and is an excellent introduction to A-level Biology.  If you are interested in your body and how it works as well as the world around you this is the course for you!

“Science is beautiful when it makes simple explanations of phenomena or connections between different observations. Examples include the double helix in biology and the fundamental equations of physics.”

Stephen Hawking

Biology follows the assessment criteria below:

External assessment - 100%

•  There are two examinations for Biology, each 1 hour and 45 minutes.  Practical work will be assessed as part of the examinations with a minimum of 15% of the examination based on practical tasks.  A minimum of 10% of the examinations will also comprise mathematical content.

• There are a minimum of 9 core practical tasks which have to be completed and a record kept by the school of the practical work for inspection by the examination board.

• The examinations have the option of two tiers: Foundation tier levels 1-5 and Higher tier levels 4 – 9.

Topics covered include:

 Paper 1 - BI0 / 1F, 1BI0 / 1H

 ·         Overarching concepts in Biology

·         Cells and control

·         Genetics

·         Natural selection and genetic modification

·         Health, disease and the development of medicines

Paper 2 - BI0 / 2F, 1BI0 / 2H

 ·         Overarching concepts in biology

·         Plant structures and their functions

·         Animal coordination, control and homeostasis

·         Exchange and transport in animals

·         Ecosystems and material cycles