KS 5 - BIOLOGY
The Salters-Nuffield (Edexcel) Biology course, new at AS for 2008, is taught through real-life biology. All the topics studied have direct reference to the students themselves, their lifestyles and their place in the world.
Year 12 AS
- Topic 1: Lifestyle, health and risk
- Topic 2: Genes and health
- Topic 3: Voice of the genome
- Topic 4: Biodiversity and natural resources
Assessment is by examination and coursework. Most of the exam questions are structured as short essays. Coursework includes writing a report either on a biological issue or a visit to a place where biology is a focus of activity.
Year 13 A2
- Unit 4: Respiration and Coordination, Metabolic pathways, Regulation of internal environments in mammals and plants, Nervous coordination in mammals
- Either Microbiology and Biotechnology Or Human Health and Fitness
- Unit 5: Genetics, Evolution and Biodiversity
- Unit 6: Synoptic paper
Assessment
Assessment is via examination with part of unit 5 being coursework. The A2 examinations are progressively more synoptic requiring students to draw on their knowledge from AS/A2 Biology. Coursework is undertaken on a fieldtrip to a field studies centre on the Isle of Wight.
Course Books and Equipment
- Advanced Biology AS – Biozone Learning Media
- Introduction to Advanced Biology – CJ Clegg
- Advanced Biology for You – Gareth Williams
- Respiration and Coordination – John Adds, Erica Larkcom, Ruth Miller
- Genetics, Evolution and Biodiversity – Nelson Thornes
- Planner, pencils, pens, eraser, metric ruler, calculator
Events and Visits
- Field studies centre on the Isle of Wight
Key Dates