Mrs R Huddleston Why study Biology?
Biology allows you to ask questions about the world that we live in, and understand the living things that make it up, in greater detail. The skills that you develop during this course provide an excellent grounding for a wide variety of future degree courses and employment. Biology is an A-level that opens many different doors. It offers a diversity of opportunity leading to further studies in life science, medicine, environmental science or forensic science, through biological based employment such as biotechnology or the food industry.
Course Content
OCR Biology A-level is split into six modules: Modules one to six, combined with the Practical Endorsement, constitute the full A-level. The modules can be summarised as:
Module 1: Development of Practical Skills
This module studied in year 12 and year 13 underpins the whole of the specification, and covers the practical skills that students should develop throughout the course. The practical skills in this module are assessed in the written examinations and (for A-level only) within the Practical Endorsement.
Module 2: Foundations in Biology
This module studied in year 12 and year 13 introduces students to the concepts required for all the other modules.
Modules studied in Year 12 Modules 3: Exchange and Transport
This module covers exchange surfaces, transport in animals and transport in plants. Module 4: Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease
This module covers communicable diseases, disease prevention, the immune system, biodiversity, classification and evolution.
Modules studied in Year 13 Modules 5: Communication, Homeostasis and Energy Covers communication, homeostasis, excretion as
an example of homeostatic control, neuronal communication, hormonal communication, plant & animal responses, photosynthesis and respiration.
Module 6: Genetics, Evolution and Ecosystems
This module covers cellular control, patterns of inheritance manipulating genomes, cloning, biotechnology, ecosystems, populations and sustainability.
A-level Assessment
Paper 1: Biological Processes examines content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5 Assessment: 2¼ hr written exam. Worth 100 marks - 37% of A-level mark.
Paper 2: Biological Diversity examines content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6
Assessment: 2¼ hr written exam. Worth 100 marks - 37% of A-level mark.
Paper 3: Unified Biology Synoptic paper examining content from all modules 1 to 6
Assessment: 1½ hr written exam. Worth 70 marks - 26% of A-level mark.
19 Entry Requirements
The qualification builds on the knowledge and practical skills students have gained in GCSE Core Science and GCSE Additional Science, or GCSE Biology. Minimum requirements are a Grade A in both GCSE Core Science and GCSE Additional Science, or Grade A in GCSE Biology.
10% of the marks available within written examinations will be for assessment of mathematics (in the context of biology) at a Level 2 standard, or higher. Therefore students with a B grade in GCSE mathematics, as well as those studying A-level mathematics, would be at an advantage.
A LEVEL IN BIOLOGY (OCR)
Full Two Year A-level Course
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