Biology - A Level

Is it safe to eat genetically modified foods? Is it possible to clone a human being? What can we do about global warming? Will we ever be able to cure AIDS? If you are interested in questions like these, then Biology is the subject for you.

In the laboratory there will be plenty of practical sessions and you will use these to also help develop skills for your written and practical exams. The topics you will study include – the heart, disease, the digestive system, DNA, cell division, the nervous system, classification and biodiversity. You will also look at – population growth, photosynthesis, respiration, genetic inheritance, gene technology and genetic fingerprinting.

The AS/A Level Biology follows the WJEC specification and builds upon topics covered at GCSE. The AS Level areas of study include cell structure, nutrition, transport in plants and animals. At A2 study extends to consider wider applications of Biology such as microbiology, homeostasis, genetics and gene therapy. These topics are delivered through two theory modules in each year of the programme.

Unit 1: Basic biochemistry and cell organisation: Biological molecules, cell structure and organisation, cell membrane and transport, biological reactions are regulated by enzymes, nucleic acids and their function, mitosis and meiosis.

Unit 2: Biodiversity and physiology of body systems:
Classification and biodiversity, adaptations for gas exchange, adaptations for transport in plants and animals, adaptations for nutrition.

Unit 3: Energy, Homeostasis and the Environment:
Importance of ATP, photosynthesis, respiration, microbiology, population size and ecosystems, human impact on the environment, homeostasis and the kidney, the nervous system. Core concepts from unit 1 (can be assessed on any of unit 3 content).

Unit 4: Variation and Inheritance:
Sexual reproduction in humans, sexual reproduction in plants, inheritance, variation and evolution, application of reproduction and genetics, 1 of 3 optional units (to be decided by tutors). A: Immunology and disease. B: Human musculoskeletal anatomy. C: Neurobiology and behavior. Core concepts from unit 1 (can be assessed on any of unit 4 content).

Unit 5: Practical
A record must be kept in a dedicated lab book of all practical work as evidence towards the practical exam. The exam can be based on any of the specified practicals or any of the theory content covered in any unit across the two years of study.