Biology

Exam Board: Edexcel

For the full specification check https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-and-a-level/biology-a-h020-h420-from-2015/

Content is split into 6 modules:

Module 1 – Development of practical skills in biology 1.1 Practical skills assessed in a written examination 1.2 Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement

Module 2 – Foundations in biology 2.1.1 Cell structure 2.1.2 Biological molecules 2.1.3 Nucleotides and nucleic acids 2.1.4 Enzymes 2.1.5 Biological membranes 2.1.6 Cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation

Module 3 – Exchange and transport 3.1.1 Exchange surfaces 3.1.2 Transport in animals 3.1.3 Transport in plants

Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution and disease 4.1.1 Communicable diseases, disease prevention and the immune system 4.2.1 Biodiversity 4.2.2 Classification and evolution

Module 5 – Communication, homeostasis and energy 5.1.1 Communication and homeostasis 5.1.2 Excretion as an example of homeostatic control 5.1.3 Neuronal communication 5.1.4 Hormonal communication 5.1.5 Plant and animal responses 5.2.1 Photosynthesis 5.2.2 Respiration

Module 6 – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems 6.1.1 Cellular control 6.1.2 Patterns of inheritance 6.1.3 Manipulating genomes 6.2.1 Cloning and biotechnology 6.3.1 Ecosystems 6.3.2 Populations and sustainability

Assessment

Paper 1- Biological processes (37% of total)

Paper 2- Biological Diversity (37% of total)

Paper 3- Unified Biology (26% of total)

Teacher assessed practical skills qualification throughout the course (practical endorsement)

Requirements

General Sixth Form admission requirements plus a grade 5 or above in GCSE Mathematics and a minimum of two 6 grades in GCSE Science subjects.

Where can it lead?

Biology leads on to a wide range of courses and careers. This could include, an undergraduate degree in a life sciences, medicine, environmental science, forensic science and related courses or BTEC Higher National (HNC and HND). Or alternatively, employment, for example in the areas of biological testing, biotechnology, independent research and the food industry.