Specification = BIOLOGY OCR 3881 A level 7881

Biology is a subject that can provide you with great enjoyment and respect for all living things. This course develops many of the topics you may have already studied at GCSE and introduces you to some of the exciting areas of Biology in the contemporary world, such as the influence that genes have on our development, environmental issues and aspects of human health. We have chosen an option module which gives the course a considerable human biological emphasis. Biology is a practical science subject so you will develop further your experimental skills and an understanding of the scientific method.

Good GCSE grades in Biology, Chemistry or Dual Award Science are a help for the study of AS and A level Biology. Those with A*, A or B grades will fare better than those with C grades, but interest in the subject and a willingness to work hard are important criteria for success.

If a Biological career is intended, it is a good idea to study Chemistry at A level. However, Biology can be successfully combined with any of the arts subjects. Biology is often thought of as the most 'user-friendly' of the sciences, and those who have ability in this subject and/or are willing to work hard will enjoy examination success.

An A level qualification in Biology would prepare you to study one of the Biological Sciences at University. However, you may wish to take a more vocational course leading to a career in medicine, veterinary science, animal health, food science, pharmacy, radiotherapy, nursing, physiotherapy or speech therapy, to name but a few of the career options available.

Specification

We have a wealth of background material and past questions to enhance the course and the published textbooks tailor fit the course and are very readable.

For AS in the first year, we study the Foundation; Human Health and Disease, and Transport modules.

Assessment at AS: A 1 hour written paper in each of the Foundation and Human Health modules and 45 minutes paper in Transport. Practical skills are internally assessed as an extension to the SC1 practicals you covered at GCSE.

Topics covered include: biological molecules, cells, enzymes, DNA and protein synthesis, cell division, energy flow in the environment, diet, the breathing system, exercise, smoking, infectious diseases (cholera, malaria, TB and AIDS), immunity, the heart and blood vessels, transport in plants.

For A level in the second year - A2, we cover Central Concepts and then we have a choice of one out of the following option modules: Growth, Development and Reproduction; Genetics; Environmental Biology; Microbiology and Biotechnology; and Mammalian Physiology and Behaviour. We have chosen to study the 'Mammalian, Physiology and Behaviour module.

Topics covered include: respiration, photosynthesis, populations and interactions, meiosis, genetics, classification, evolution, the kidney, nervous system, digestion, the liver, muscles and skeleton, eye and ear, instinctive and learned behaviour.

Assessment at A2 level: A 1.5 hour written paper in the Central Concepts and Option modules and a 1.25 hour paper covering key aspects from the whole course. As with AS, Practical Skills are internally assessed.