Course Introduction

Biology is a rigorous scientific discipline and it will give you a real understanding of the nature of science; how we use the scientific method to begin to understand the world around us.

Lessons in biology will also give you an opportunity to discuss real-world issues with ethical, moral and social dimensions based on a solid understanding of the science that underpins these topics. Studying biology will give you the information that you need whether you choose to follow a career in science or not. It will help you to develop an independent approach to your studies and will help to develop communication, practical and presentation skills.

As well as providing an understanding of living systems, biology opens doors to an exceptionally wide range of career options: Medicine, Veterinary Sciences, Dentistry, Nursing, Physiotherapy and Pharmacy. Students often go into other fields such as Ecology, Biotechnology, Genetics, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Radiography, Food Sciences, Physiotherapy, Plant Studies and Marine Biology; the list is long and highlights how useful a qualification in biology can be.

Course Content and Methodology

At LMS we study the OCR course. Students in Year 12 study two modules which extend their knowledge of some topics studied at GCSE such as cell structure and biological molecules. They are also introduced to new areas such as the biology of nucleotides and nucleic acids.

Year 13 builds on the Year 12 topic areas and develops a more extensive understanding of biochemistry, biodiversity and disease but also introduces fields at the forefront of biological research in Genetics, Cellular Control and Manipulating Genomes.

Course Requirements

Students must have studied dual award or separate sciences at GCSE Higher Tier and whilst students can complete the course with grade 6, students are more likely to have successful A-Level outcomes if they have achieved grade 7 or above.

Assessment

Exam Board: OCR GCE A-Level Biology A H420

Assessment Assessment is by three units taken at the end of Year 13 with a practical endorsement reported separately to the student’s grade. Practical skills are practised through the course and are formally assessed by the teachers using tasks outlined in the specification.

Component 1: Biological Processes - 2h 15 mins written paper (100 marks – 37%)

Component 2: Biological Diversity - 2h 15 mins written paper (100 marks – 37%)

Component 3: Unified Biology - 1h 30 mins written paper (70 marks – 26%)

Component 4: Practical Endorsement - Non examined and reported separately

Facilities