Biology Exam Board: Eduqas (part of WJEC) Course leader: Mrs Llewellyn Course name: A Level Biology Contact: LLK@moseley.bham.sch.uk General Information Saving threatened species, studying microbes, growing organic plants for food, curing diseases, the 21st Century offers many challenges to a biologist. Which ones are you interested in? New knowledge in areas such as genetics, molecular biology, the environment and marine science have effects on human society and the environment all over the planet. The world moves quickly, in order to move with it and participate fully people need to be "in the know". Studying biology gives you the skills and opportunities to advance human knowledge and understanding in today's world, in order to make a difference to tomorrow's world in places as diverse as laboratories, the ocean, zoos, classrooms and industry. Course Outline Component 1: Energy for Life Includes subjects such as: The importance of ATP, Respiration, Photosynthesis, Microbiology, Populations, ecosystems and the human impact on the environment. 33% of qualification. Component 2: Continuity of Life Includes subjects such as: Evolutionary relationships, cell division, sexual reproduction in plants and humans, inheritance, variation and applications of reproduction and genetics. 33% of qualification. Component 3: Requirements for Life Includes subjects such as: Adaptions for gas exchange, transport, nutrition, the nervous system, homeostasis and the kidney. Plus a choice of one option from these three: A. Immunology and Disease B. Human Musculoskeletal Anatomy C. Neurobiology and Behaviour 33% of qualification. Throughout these three strands core concepts will also be examined. These include the following topics: 1. Biological compounds 2. Cell structure and organisation 3. Cell membrane and transport 4. Enzymes 5. Nucleic acids and their functions. Practical work will be assessed throughout the two year course. At the end of which depending on your performance you will either receive an A level in Biology with or without the practical endorsement. Careers and Higher Education Opportunities This year two very talent biologist went to the University of Birmingham to study Medicine and to Aston University to study dentistry respectively. Recent students have taken degrees in Biomedical Science, Natural Science, Pharmacy and Psychology. Where can you get more information? www.eduqas .co.uk www.advancedbiology.org www.newscientist.com www.bbcfocusmagazine.com Extra-curricular enrichment opportunities Regular support sessions will be available at lunchtimes, after school and break times throughout the course to help students with homework, projects and exam preparation. There is also opportunity for students to help pitch science to our younger students though their involvement in the KS3 science club that runs during a lunchtime slot. What past students have said about studying Biology at Moseley: “It was an absolute pleasure having you as my bio teacher for 2 consecutive years. I certainly enjoyed your lessons and I surely learnt a lot, and I hope my appreciations will show up on results day. I am planning on coming back after exams to help out some of the year 12's who are potentially applying to Medicine. Once again, it was an honour”