|
Unit |
Unit Content |
Assessment and Weighting |
| AS |
Cells, Exchange and Transport |
Cell structure, microscopy and functions of organelles. Cell membranes, methods of transport across membranes and the action of drugs on membrane receptors. Cell division, specialisation of cells and the use of stem cells in medicine. Exchange of gases in the lungs and breathing. Transport in animals ie. heart structure and cardiac cycle, tissue fluid and blood. Transport in plants ie. Movement of water in the xylem and sugars in the phloem |
Written examination 15% |
| AS |
Molecules, Biodiversity and Food and Health |
Carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. DNA structure, replication of DNA and its role in protein synthesis. Enzymes, how they work and factors that affect them. Biodiversity, methods of sampling and how it’s measured. Classification and the use of keys. Evolution and types of variation. The benefits of biodiversity and conservation. Diet and its links with heart disease. Food production and the role of selective breeding and fertilisers. Diseases such as malaria, AIDS/HIV and TB. The immune system. Smoking and its effects on the gas exchange system and the cause of heart disease. |
Written examination 25% |
| AS |
Practical Skills in Biology 1 |
This unit assesses the practical skills developed during the study of AS Biology. Students are assessed on three practical tasks carried out during the AS course |
Practical tests 10% |
| A2 |
Communication, Homeostasis and Energy |
Nervous and hormonal communication. Homeostasis and temperature regulation. Receptors, action potentials and synapses. Hormonal control by adrenalin and insulin, cause and types of diabetes and its treatment. Excretion and the kidney. Photosynthesis and respiration |
Written examination 15% |
| A2 |
Control, Genomes and Environment |
DNA and protein synthesis, mutations, gene control. Meiosis, genetics, genetic and environmental variation. Artificial selection. Cloning and biotechnology. Gene sequencing and genetic engineering. Ecosystems. Cycles and energy flow. Populations and conservation. Plant hormones and tropisms. Brain structure and role of medulla, cerebrum and cerebellum. Muscle contraction. Behaviour – innate and learned. Social behaviour in primates |
Written examination 25% |
| A2 |
Practical Skills in Biology 2 |
This unit assesses the practical skills developed during the study of A2 Biology. Students are assessed on three practical tasks carried out during the A2 course. |
Practical tests 10% |
College Prospectus 2010
