Tiffin Sixth Form Course Guide 2021

BIOLOGY (AQA 7402)

How is it assessed?

Biology is an exciting, cutting edge sci- ence. The understanding of cell and mo- lecular biology, ecology, genetics and evo- lution is essential to the continuing pro- gress of society.

experience a university-led practical ses- sion.

The A level is a two year linear course with all exams taken in the Summer of Year 13. There are three exam papers: • Paper 1: assessing topics 1 to 4 • Paper 2: assessing topics 5 to 8 • Paper 3: assessing any topic, but will focus on a synoptic approach and in assessing evaluation and analysis skills Practical methods will be examined in the above papers, but there is also continual assessment of practical skills throughout the course: • Practical Endorsement: 12 teacher- assessed practical activities A key part of the A Level will be covered during a residential course at a UK field centre at the end of Year 12. Students will have the opportunity to study biology out in the real world gaining practical skills and developing a real understanding of how science works. Students also have the opportunity to at- tend off-site lectures delivered by interna- tionally renowned biologists, to participate in national biology competitions, and to Enrichment opportunities?

Where might it lead you?

Studying Biology A Level develops analyti- cal, numerical and research skills and gives you the opportunity to demonstrate that you are a critical thinker, able to solve problems and communicate your findings. This, combined with the practi- cal requirements, means that Biology stu- dents have a range of transferable skills applicable to all industries. Many of our A Level students move on to related university courses, including Oceanography, Dentistry, Medicine, Mi- crobiology, Biochemistry and Veterinary Medicine. Last year, biology students also moved on to university study in other are- as, including Music, Geography, Mathe- matics, Global Health, Psychology, Ar- chaeology, Management, Fine Art, Com- puter Science, Philosophy, Physics, and could have applied for many more. With degree level science apprenticeships expanding, which give you the opportunity to study whilst working with companies like GSK, Unilever and AstraZeneca, there are many pathways if you want to pro- gress in science after your A Levels.

What will you study?

The course is split up into eight modules, which will allow clear progression path- ways, from GCSE to A Level, through to higher education. Topics covered in Year 12 are: • Biological molecules • Cells • Exchange of substances between or- ganisms and their environment • Genetic information, variation and rela- tionships between organisms Topics covered in Year 13 are: • Energy transfers in and between organ- isms • The response of organisms to changes in their internal and external environ- ments • Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems • The control of gene expression

Teaching of practical skills is integrated with the theoretical topics throughout.