Biology at A Level

• Course Information
• Student Resources

Course Information

Advanced Subsidiary	AS
Advanced Level	A2

Examination Board: WJEC

Biology is a subject in which time does not stand still. We look at the past: how animals, plants and other organisms have evolved. We study the present: how our bodies and those of other organisms actually work.

Biology is also about the future, the cutting edge of technology: gene therapy, cloning, using biotechnology to clean up the environment etc. Biology is a subject which opens doors to many careers especially those related to health care and environmental protection.

The AS Course [Year 12] - 3 Units

Bi1 - Fundamental Concepts and Organisations

Biochemicals, cells, genetic code and protein synthesis, human genome project, cell division, enzymes including medical and industrial applications.

Bi2 - Adaptations and Ecology

Gas-exchange and transport in organisms, ecosystems and populations, human impact on the environment and conservation.

Bi3 - Practical

Investigations and microscope work related to Bi1 and Bi2.

The A2 Course [Year 13] - 3 Units

Bi4 - Biochemistrv and Health

Energy for living organisms - respiration and photosynthesis; uptake of nutrients; human health - microbes, the spread and control of disease, immunity; biotechnology - using microbes to make things.

Bi5 - Variety and Control

Variety and genetics; biodiversity, selection and evolution, reproduction in plants and animals including modem developments such as cloning, gene therapy, genetic engineering and fmgerprinting; control systems - homeostasis, hormones and nerves.

Bi6 - Practical

Investigations and microscope work

Assessment Units

AS - Year 12

• Two 1 hour 30 minutes exams including short answer, structured and one essay question. Bi1 taken in June- Year 12
• Bi2 opportunity to re-sit in January - Year 13
• Bi3 (practical) partly during the course and partly through set piece investigation before Easter (Year 12).

A2 - Year 13

• Bi4 1 hour 40 minutes
• Bi5 2 hour taken in June testing unit Bi5 plus synoptic assessment of all units.
• Bi6 practical assessment similar to Bi3 but more demanding.

Student Resources

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