AS/A2 IN BIOLOGY (Edexcel) One Year AS-Level Course or Full Two Year A-Level Course
Why Study Biology?
Looking to the future Biology AS/A level is suitable for those students who have an interest in and enjoy biology and want to find out more through the application of imaginative and logical thinking. It combines well with A Levels in the other sciences and/or mathematics and supports courses such as physi- cal education/psychology. It enables students to progress onto further studies in Higher Education such as life sciences, medicine, environmental science or forensic science or to enter biology-based employment such as biological testing, biotechnology or the food industry.
The course offers students the opportunity to further develop their practical skills and to learn about the applications and implications of biology, the benefits and risks that research brings and the ways in which society uses biology to make decisions.
Assessment
At AS there are two externally assessed written papers (Units 1 & 2), each one lasting 90 minutes and each carrying 40% of the total marks. The final paper (Unit 3) is internally assessed and consists of a report on either a visit to a site of biological interest or of research into a biological topic of personal interest as well as assessment of practical skills demonstrated throughout the course. This carries 20% of the total marks. Biology AS is a one year course with examinations in both January and June; a pass is graded from A – E.
At A2 there are a further two externally assessed written papers (Units 4 & 5) each carrying 40% of the A2 marks and each lasting 90 minutes. A final paper (Unit 6), which carries the remaining 20% of the A2 marks, is based on an investigation planned and carried out by individual students. Biology A level requires students to have studied both the AS and the A2 components and is a two year course with examinations in January and June of both years; a pass is graded from A* - E.
Content Summary for externally assessed papers AS Units
Unit 1 - Lifestyle, Transport, Genes and Health
Unit 2 - Development, Plants and the Environment
A2 Level
Unit 4 - The Natural Environment and Species Survival Unit 5 - Energy, Exercise and Coordination
17
Mrs L Pugsley Entry Requirements
The qualification builds on the knowledge and practical skills that students have gained in GCSE Core Science and GCSE Additional Science or GCSE Biology. Minimum entry requirements are 2 grade Bs in Science/Biology and grade C in GCSE Mathematics. Students also need to be able to communicate effectively, to plan and carry out research and to think critically about problems.
The amount of knowledge that
you will receive in Biology is vast, it is also very enjoyable!
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67