Biology Post 16
Biology
Entry Guidance:
5 GCSEs at grades A* to C or equivalent.
Grade B in GCSE biology and a grade B in one other GCSE Science or double grade B in double award GCSE Science (core and additional) higher tier; grade B in GCSE Maths and English Language. A grade A in unit B2 (additional biology) or B3 (triple biology( is preferred. The course will only run if a sufficient number of students express an interest.
Syllabus Outline:
Year 12
- BIOL 1 - Biology and Disease
- BIOL 2 - Variety of Living Organisms
- BIOL 3 - Practical and Investigative Skills
Year 13
- BIOL 4 - Population and Environment
- BIOL 5 - Control in Cells and Organisms
- BIOL 6 - Practical and Investigative Skills
The course incorporates a large practical element and includes a field trip in the Summer Term of Year 12. This forms an integral part of the course during which practical study of ecology takes place.
Methods of Assessment:
The course is modular. There will be two written examination papers in Year 12 and a further two in Year 13. Practical skills will be assessed via a centre assessed unit in each year. The centre assessed unit comprises a combination of practical skills assessments (PSA), based on the candidates practical ability throughout the course, and an Investigative Skills Assignment (ISA), which requires both practical work to be undertaken and a written test completed. Success in Year 12 will result in an AS qualification and the Year 13 course will build upon this and result in an ‘A’ level qualification. The final module of the course will be designed to examine selected parts of the whole course.
General Comments:
The subject would be useful to students wishing to pursue a career in any of the Biological sciences such as Genetics, Biochemistry, Botany or Zoology. Other possibilities include Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Physiotherapy and work in fields of Food and Agriculture.
It would be advantageous to study Biology alongside Chemistry.
