A' Level Biology (Full AS + A2)

How is this course structured?

The A' Level Biology (AS/A2) course is divided into six comprehensive units:

AS Units
The whole course is assessment objectives based and combines a number of 'learning outcome' expectations. The assessment objective weightings for the AS award are as follows:

AO1 - Knowledge and understanding of science and of
How Science Works - 30-34%
AO2 - Application of knowledge and understanding of AO3 science and of How Science Works - 34-40%
AO3 - How Science Works - 28%

 Unit 1: Lifestyle, Transport, Genes and Health 
Unit code 6B101This unit carries 40% of the total AS marks and 20% of the total GCE marks

The unit is externally assessed.
Availability: January and June

Content summary
Structure and function of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins; enzyme action Structure and properties of cell membranes; passive and active transport Structure and role of DNA and RNA Replication; protein synthesis Monohybrid inheritance Gene mutations Principles of gene therapy; social and ethical issues

Assessment
This unit is assessed by means of a written examination paper which lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes:
Objective questions Structured questions Short answer questions How Science Works Practical-related questions

Unit 2: Development, Plants and the Environment
Unit code 6B1202 This unit carries 40% of the total AS marks and 20% of the total GCE marks

The unit is externally assessed Availability: January and June

Content summary
Cell structure and ultra structure of eukaryote and prokaryote cells: cell specialisation The role of meiosis Genotype and environmental influence Stem cell research and its implications Biodiversity, adaptations and natural selection Principles of taxonomy Plant cell structure Transport of water in plants Uses of plant products
 
Assessment
This unit is assessed by means of a written examination paper which lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes:
Objective questions Structured questions Short answer questions How Science Works Practical-related questions

Unit 3: Practical Biology and Research Skills
Unit code 6B103 This unit is worth up to 20% of the total AS marks and 10% of the total GCE marks

The unit is externally assessed
Availability: June

Summary

You will write a report of between 1500 and 2000 words which will be either a record of a visit to a site of biological interest, or a report of research into a biological topic. Your practical skills knowledge will be assessed within this unit but for distance learning students this will not be hands-on.

Assessment
The report will be marked and moderated by Edexcel and the practical knowledge element will be authenticated by your tutor.

The full specification can be viewed and downloaded from the Edexcel website.

How Science Works

You may have noticed that this phrase comes up in assessment and objective criteria. This builds on from Key Stage 4 science and is related to the following:
The use of theories and models, ideas and clarifications The ability to use knowledge and understanding to address scientific problems The ability to use appropriate methodology and ICT to answer scientific questions Practical knowledge and risk assessment Analysis and interpretive skills Evaluation skills Be able to communicate information and ideas using appropriate approach and terminology

Summary

The introduction has covered the basic course content and assessment criteria. Further information can be obtained through Edexcel.

The final assessment criteria and structure is the same regardless of which approach you choose.

Your tutor will support you with your project formulation and give you guidance with appropriate topics and ideas.

Predicted grades can only be given upon sufficient assignment submissions, and students are encouraged to complete all assignments as they provide valuable revision resources for written examinations and ensure that all topics have been covered.

Biology A2 Modules

The whole course is assessment objectives based and combines a number of 'learning outcome' expectations. The assessment objective weightings for the A2 award are as follows:

AO1- Knowledge and understanding of science and of How Science Works 26-30%
AO2 - Application of knowledge and understanding of AO3 science and of How Science Works 42-48%
AO3 - How Science Works 26%
 
A2 Unit 4: The Natural Environment and Species Survival
Unit code 6B104

This unit carries 40% of the total A2 marks and 20% of the total GCE marks

The unit is externally assessed
Availability: January and June
First assessment January 2010

Content summary
Photosynthesis; energy transfer within ecosystems Evidence for global warming Evolution through natural selection and speciation Nutrient recycling DNA profiling and PCR Structure of bacteria and viruses Infectious diseases and immunology
 
Assessment
This unit is assessed by means of a written examination paper which lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes:
Objective questions Structured questions Short answer questions How Science Works Practical-related questions

Unit 5: Energy, exercise and coordination 
Unit code 6B105

This unit carries 40% of the total A2 marks and 20% of the total GCE marks

The unit is externally assessed
Availability: January and June
First assessment June 2010

Content Summary
ATP, glycolysis, anaerobic/aerobic respiration Control and functioning of heart, ventilation and cardiac output Homeostasis The nervous system Impact of exercise on body, and improving performance Hormonal coordination Brain structure and development Imbalances in brain chemicals Human Genome Project

Assessment
This unit is assessed by means of a written examination paper which lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes:
Objective questions Structured questions Short answer questions How Science Works Practical-related questions

Unit 6: Practical Biology and Investigative Skills
Unit code 6B106

This unit is worth up to 20% of the total A2 marks and 10% of the total GCE marks

The unit is externally assessed
Availability: June
First assessment June 2010

Summary

You will write a report of between 2700 and 3300 words which will be about an experiment or investigation that you have designed and carried out. Your practical skills knowledge will be assessed within this unit but for distance learning students this will not be hands-on.

Assessment

The report will be marked externally and moderated by Edexcel and the practical knowledge element will be authenticated by your tutor. The full specification can be viewed and downloaded from the Edexcel website.

How Science Works

You may have noticed that this phrase comes up in assessment and objective criteria. This builds on from Key Stage 4 science and is related to the following:
The use of theories and models, ideas and clarifications The ability to use knowledge and understanding to address scientific problems The ability to use appropriate methodology and ICT to answer scientific questions Practical knowledge and risk assessment Analysis and interpretive skills Evaluation skills Be able to communicate information and ideas using appropriate approach and terminology

Summary

The introduction has covered the basic course content and assessment criteria. Further information can be obtained through Edexcel. The final assessment criteria and structure is the same regardless of which approach you choose.

Your tutor will support you with your project formulation and give you guidance with appropriate topics and ideas.

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