Further Details | |
|---|---|
Course Code | LA01143 |
Location | Deeside |
Duration | Full Time, The AS qualification is taught in the first year of study.The A2 qualification is taught in the second year of study. |
Department | A Levels |
Start Date | 04 Sep 2023 |
End Date | 21 Jun 2024 |
Course Overview
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.
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.
Units 1 and 2 are both assessed through a 1½ hour written paper with questions which will relate to practical experience. Both units will contribute equally to the AS qualification and combined will form 40% of the full A Level qualification.
Units 3 and 4 are both assessed through a 2 hour written paper. Both units combined will form 50% of the full A Level qualification.
In the papers for Units 1-4 there will be questions based on specified practical work undertaken throughout the course.
Unit 5 is reserved for the practical examination at the start of the summer term which forms 10% of the A Level qualification.
There will be internal mock examinations on published dates to provide realistic experience of examination conditions and practice.
Units 3 and 4 are both assessed through a 2 hour written paper. Both units combined will form 50% of the full A Level qualification.
In the papers for Units 1-4 there will be questions based on specified practical work undertaken throughout the course.
Unit 5 is reserved for the practical examination at the start of the summer term which forms 10% of the A Level qualification.
There will be internal mock examinations on published dates to provide realistic experience of examination conditions and practice.
5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including Science at Grade B/6 and Additional Science at Grade B/6 or Biology Grade B/6 (all HIGHER TIER). You will also need Maths or Maths Numeracy at grade B/6 or above.
Study of A Level Chemistry alongside A Level Biology is strongly recommended.
Students with a C/4 in the Sciences should discuss alternative level 3 provision with the Science Curriculum Director.
Please note: where GCSE Science options have not been available NQF BTEC First Award in the Principles of Applied Science and First Award in the Applications of Applied Science at Merit will be accepted with a Distinction in the externally assessed units (1 and 8). Along with the grade B/6 in GCSE Maths requirement stated two other GCSEs at grade B/6 would be required for BTEC Applied Science applicants.
Should an A level applicant have or be predicted a grade D/3 in either GCSE Maths or English (and at least a grade C/4 in the other subject) then your application will be considered.
At Coleg Cambria we would encourage you to do the very best that you can in your exams. The better your grades the more options you will have, and may result in you gaining entry onto a higher level course.
Study of A Level Chemistry alongside A Level Biology is strongly recommended.
Students with a C/4 in the Sciences should discuss alternative level 3 provision with the Science Curriculum Director.
Please note: where GCSE Science options have not been available NQF BTEC First Award in the Principles of Applied Science and First Award in the Applications of Applied Science at Merit will be accepted with a Distinction in the externally assessed units (1 and 8). Along with the grade B/6 in GCSE Maths requirement stated two other GCSEs at grade B/6 would be required for BTEC Applied Science applicants.
Should an A level applicant have or be predicted a grade D/3 in either GCSE Maths or English (and at least a grade C/4 in the other subject) then your application will be considered.
At Coleg Cambria we would encourage you to do the very best that you can in your exams. The better your grades the more options you will have, and may result in you gaining entry onto a higher level course.
A Level Biology is accepted as a recognised academic qualification for entrance to all Higher Education institutions. Most Biology students go to university to study for degrees in biological sciences, the sciences of the future, e.g. biomedical sciences, healthcare, genetics, biotechnology, pharmacology, environmental biology and microbiology.
Biology A Level particularly supports theory covered in degree courses in medicine, veterinary medicine and dentistry. It is also a valuable qualification for entrance to healthcare professions such psychology, ophthalmology, pharmacology, nursing and midwifery.
Biology A Level particularly supports theory covered in degree courses in medicine, veterinary medicine and dentistry. It is also a valuable qualification for entrance to healthcare professions such psychology, ophthalmology, pharmacology, nursing and midwifery.
Some courses may require equipment and/or uniforms to be purchased. Please see attached equipment list for further information.
Useful downloads
Useful downloads
Kit ListOur open days
Our Open Days are your chance to explore the College and find out the range of courses we offer.
Accessible Open Event – Llysfasi
30/11/2023
17:30
Our Open Events are the perfect opportunity for you to have a look around & get all the info you need to help you make a decision on your next step.
Accessible Open Event – Bersham Road
23/11/2023
17:30
Our Open Events are the perfect opportunity for you to have a look around & get all the info you need to help you make a decision on your next step.
Accessible Open Event – Northop
29/11/2023
17:30
Our Open Events are the perfect opportunity for you to have a look around & get all the info you need to help you make a decision on your next step.
