EXAMINATION BOARD: AQA

The AS and A Level Biology course have been designed to engage and inspire pupils by showing how an understanding of many contemporary issues requires a grasp of fundamental biological ideas. Whilst a great deal of the course is theory based, pupils will have many opportunities to improve their practical skills whilst also learning the importance of critical thinking and analytical

enquiry. The course ranges in focus from the smallest units of life to the management of complex ecosystems encouraging pupils to apply scientific and rigorous thinking to understand the natural world better. It is a subject which provides not only a key foundation for medical-related and scientific careers, but a background into scientific thinking which is an important enduring lifeskill.

The most successful pupils are engaged and conscientious but most importantly those that have a genuine interest in science and the natural world. The course is organised around eight topics.

Topics 1-4 are: Biological molecules, Cells, Organisms exchange substances with their environment, Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms. Topics 5-8 are: Energy transfers in and between organisms, Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments, Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems and The control of gene expression.

Pupils will:

• Develop precise scientific knowledge and understanding of complex biological systems.
• Acquire essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other.
• Demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods.
• Show competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills.
• Have an understanding of how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society.