Biology
Course summary
Study Biology at A Level and you will learn how the eye sends an electrical impulse to the brain, which areas of the brain process the information, therefore allowing you to understand this otherwise meaningless collection of random shapes that we call letters and words. The OCR Biology specification covers a wide range of exciting and interesting topics. If you have ever wondered how your heart keeps beating when you sleep, how plants grow towards the light or fundamental principles of how cells work, then this is the course for you. If you don’t know what the liver does or are intrigued by how red blood cells work, then this is the course for you. Learn how plants can literally create food from thin air and how forensic scientists can catch a criminal with even the smallest sample of DNA. The course is demanding but rewarding and should be considered by all those wishing to pursue careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, pharmacology, biological sciences and forensic sciences. Students considering Biology as an option must be prepared to work independently to regularly consolidate their learning or review their understanding. Additionally, students will be expected to complete some preparatory tasks in advance of studying a topic in lessons. In addition, a residential field trip has now become an integral part of the course. Students will get the opportunity to study ecology in action, bringing to life aspects of the course that would otherwise be difficult to visualise. This course has terminal exams which will be completed at the end of Year 13. In addition, the experimental side of Biology is assessed through the Practical Endorsement, which is reported separately as Pass/Fail.Students’ learning and understanding is tested using synoptic tests, past exam questions, revision activities and experiments. Excellent preparation is provided for future careers in medicine, veterinary science and dentistry.
Entry Requirements
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Assessment
Content is split into six teaching modules: • Module 1: Development of practical skills in Biology • Module 2: Foundation in Biology • Module 3: Exchange and transport • Module 4: Biodiversity, evolution and disease • Module 5: Communication, homeostasis and energy • Module 6: Genetics, evolution and ecosystems Biology processes – 100 marks - 2h15 written paper - Assesses modules 1,2,3 and 5 37% Biological diversity – 100 marks - 2h15 written paper - Assesses modules 1,2,4 and 6 37% Unified Biology – 70 marks - 1h30 written paper - Assesses all six module 26% Practical endorsement in Biology - Non-exam assessment Reported separately
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