Biology

Course summary

Course Content: The A Level course is divided into 8 topics (please see specification document for more detailed topic content): - Topic 1 Biological molecules: - monomers and polymers, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, DNA replication, ATP, water and inorganic molecules. Topic 2 Cells: - cell structure, magnification, cell cycle, transport across cell membranes, cell recognition and the immune system. Topic 3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment: - surface area to volume ratio, gas exchange, digestion and absorption and mass transport. Topic 4 Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms: - genetic material, protein synthesis, genetic diversity, adaptation, taxonomy, biodiversity and investigating diversity. Topic 5 Energy transfers in and between organisms: - photosynthesis, respiration, energy and ecosystems and nutrient cycles. Topic 6 Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments: - survival and response, receptors, control of the heart rate, nerve impulses, synaptic transmission, skeletal muscle, homeostasis, blood glucose control and control of blood water potential. Topic 7 Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems: - inheritance, populations, evolution, speciation and populations in ecosystems. Topic 8 The control of gene expression: - mutation, gene expression, regulation of transcription and translation, gene expression and cancer, using genome projects, recombinant DNA technology, DNA probes and hybridization and genetic fingerprinting