A level Biology12/11/2008 - Verona Tomlin |
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The study of Biology at Biddenham provides an academic, practical and broad experience of one of the most relevant and exciting areas in the Sciences What will I learn? The AQA course has just been approved by the QCA, first teaching will begin in Sep 2008 for the AS (1411) and Sep 2009 for the A2 (2411). Examination will be in 2009 (AS) and 2010 (A2). The study of Biology at Biddenham provides an academic, practical and broad experience of one of the most relevant and exciting areas in the Sciences. With a broad range of topics in the subject, GCE Biology provides many natural links to other subjects providing an extremely useful and supportive basis for them. Subjects commonly taken with Biology include Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Health and Social Studies, Mathematics, PE and Geography, although many other subjects have been studied with Biology at Biddenham such as History, Art and English. The new GCE runs over two years Programme of study • Unit 1 • Unit 2 The variety of living organisms Biology and Disease • Unit 3 ISA – investigative skills assessment The second year consists of • Unit 4 Populations and the Environment . Unit 5 Control in cells and organisms How will I be assessed? AS Examination 1411 - Unit 1 Biology and disease - paper (100UMS) (60 raw marks) 5-7 Short answer questions plus 2 longer questions, a short comprehension & short structured essay one and quarter hours 33.33% of the total AS marks, 16.67% of the total A-level marks. Unit 2 - The variety of living organisms-BIOL2 Examination paper (140 UMS) (85 raw marks) 7-9 short answer questions plus 2 longer questions (1 data handling and 1 assessing analysis and evaluation) one and three quarter hours 46.67% of the total AS Marks and 23.33% of the total A level marks. Unit 3 - Investigative and practical skills in AS Biology - BIOL3, AS Centre Assessed Unit (60 UMS) (50 raw marks) Practical Skills Assessment (PSA) 6 marks and Investigative Skills Assignment (ISA) 44 marks. 20% of the total AS marks 10% of the total A Level marks A2 Examination - 2411. Unit 4 Populations and environment - BIOL4. Examination Paper (100 UMS) (75 raw marks) 6-9 short answer questions plus 2 longer questions (a short comprehension and a short structured essay) one and half hours 16.67% of the total A-level marks. Unit 5 - Controls in cells and organisms - BIO-5 Examination paper (140 UMS) (100 raw marks) 8-10 short answer questions plus 2 longer questions (a data handling question and synoptic essay - choice of 1 out of 2) two and a quarter hours 23.33% of the total A Level Mark. Unit 6 - Investigative and practical skills A2 Biology - BIOL6 A2 Centre Assessed Unit (60 UMS) (50 raw marks) Practical Skills Assessment (PSA) 6 marks Investigative Skills Assignment (ISA) 44 marks 10% of the total A Level marks Although these are the public assessment exams, there will be occasional tests in school to assess progress. There will also be practical classes at appropriate stages of the course (some of which will be used to award PSA marks) What are the entry requirements? Entry requirements are fairly flexible but students must obtain a minimum of 4 GCSEs of which English and Maths should be at a grade C or above. Science should be at grade C or above. Further advice on entry grades must be addressed to individual teachers and further information students are referred to the Head of Sixth Form. What are the costs? Students undertaking field trips in the A2 year are requested to make a donation towards the charity that supports the projects. This is not excessive and should not normally produce hardship. There are no other compulsory extra costs. Revision trips prior to the examination have, in the past, been organised by the AQA board. They provide a summary of the subjects studied prior to examination. At this stage it is unsure whether the AQA will be running these. Students wishing to go in the past have paid around £15 plus travel costs of around £6. Reading and research material is a vital component of the course and we will (most probably) be using the Nelson Thornes accompanying books and electronic resources. Prices for these have not yet been finalised. However, there are likely to be a variety of different titles that will cover the specification and students are at liberty to find their own resources. Is there anything else I need to know? Homework – this forms a major part of any subject at GCE A level. Research and independent study is a major component of the Biology course and prepares the student for study at University level Future opportunities Progression from A level. The Biology Department has had an excellent progression history with students going on to University studies and vocational courses. Medical students, biochemists and many other biology-related professions have been followed after 'A' level. |
