Biology
Head Of Department: Miss K J Farr
Contact Details: kjf@felsted.org
Twitter: @felstedscience
IB
Course structure
Through the overarching theme of the nature of science, the course aims to enable students to:
1. develop conceptual understanding that allows connections to be made between different areas of the subject, and to other DP sciences subjects
2. acquire and apply a body of knowledge, methods, tools and techniques that characterize science
3. develop the ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesize scientific information and claims
4. develop the ability to approach unfamiliar situations with creativity and resilience
5. design and model solutions to local and global problems in a scientific context
6. develop an appreciation of the possibilities and limitations of science
7. develop technology skills in a scientific context
8. develop the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively
9. develop awareness of the ethical, environmental, economic, cultural and social impact of science
Course Content
Four basic biological concepts run throughout the course, serving as themes to unify the topics. This allows the pupils to study at different levels of complexity. The concepts are:
Unity and Diversity (which includes topics such as water, nucleic acids, cell structure, diversity of organisms, evolution and speciation and conservation of biodiversity)
Form and Function (which includes topics such as carbohydrates, proteins, gas exchange, transport, membranes and membrane transport and ecological niches)
Interaction and interdependence (which includes topics such as cell respiration, neural signalling, defence against disease, transfer of energy and matter and photosynthesis)
Continuity and Change (which includes topics such as DNA replication, water potential, inheritance, homeostasis, natural selection, mutations and gene editing and gene expression)
Assessment:
External Assessment 80%
Paper 1
Section A: Multiple-choice questions test knowledge of the core for SL pupils, plus the advanced (AHL) material for HL pupils.
Section B: 4 multi-part data-based questions from unfamiliar contexts (short answer questions).
Paper 2
Section A: 1 multi-part data-based question from unfamiliar contexts and short answer questions
Section B: Extended response questions that focus on holistic knowledge and understanding of a wide range of syllabus content, skills and understandings.
Internal Assessment 20%
The internal assessment consists of an interdisciplinary project; a mixture of short and long-term investigations (practicals and subject specific projects). Pupils’ work is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IBO.
A Level
Exam Board: aqa www.aqa.org.uk
Syllabus Code: 7402
Why study Biology?
Biology is the study of life from the smallest microorganisms to the entire planet. The subject presents essential principles in contexts that pupils find useful in many higher education choices. It provides an insight into the fact that nature is not just a backdrop to our existence but that we are very much part of it.
Studying Biology equips pupils with relevant skills for many university courses, such as collecting and processing data, data analysis, evaluation of scientific procedures, logical and lateral thinking, essay writing and research skills.
The reformed A Level course is a linear course which leads to an A Level qualification. The subject content of the specification is relevant to real world experiences. It has been written in a context-free style which enables teachers to select the context and the applications to bring the subject alive and to teach to the pupils’ needs.
Expectations of independent study
Biology is an interesting and exciting subject. The specification content will require pupils to acquire a large amount of factual knowledge which can only be achieved through independent learning. Pupils are expected to read around the subject and should spend at least 4 hours per week on consolidating their knowledge outside the classroom.
Requirements
Pupils should be aiming for at least a 7 in GCSE Biology or a 77 grade in GCSE Double Award Science. At least a grade 6 in Mathematics is also recommended.
A Level subject content
1. Biological molecules
2. Cells
3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment
4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
5. Energy transfers in and between organisms
6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
8. The control of gene expression
What do the pupils say?
“The subject covers a wide range of topics and helps to understand scientific issues covered in the media.”
“The field trip enabled us to see real life examples of what we learnt in class.”
What career pathways are open to me if I study this subject?
Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Zoology, Botany, Environmental Monitoring, Genetic Engineering, Pharmacology, Agricultural Studies, Estate Management, Physical Education, Health Management to name a few.
Assessment:
Paper 1 35%
Any content from topics 1-4, including relevant practical skills.
Written exam: 2 hours
91 marks (76 marks short and long answer questions and 15 marks extended response questions)
Paper 2 35%
Any content, including relevant practical skills.
Written exam: 2 hours
91 marks (76 marks short and long answer questions and 15 marks extended response questions)
Paper 3 30%
Any content from topics 1-8, including relevant practical skills.
Written exam: 2 hours
78 marks (38 marks structured questions, including practical techniques, 15 marks critical analysis of given experimental data, 25 marks one essay from a choice of two titles)