Why study Biology?

Studying biology gives you the skills and opportunities to advance human knowledge and understanding in today’s world, in order to make a difference to tomorrow’s world.

Advanced Level Biology

EdexcelSNAB

AS & A2

The Salters Context ApproachAS

Unit 1

Topic 1Lifestyle, health & risk

Topic 2Genes & health

Structure and function of the circulatory system including heart and blood vessels Atherosclerosis formation Structure and function of carbohydrate & lipids Effect of diet and exercise on CHD

Cell membrane structure and transport across it Protein synthesis, structure and enzyme function DNA structure and replicationGenetic inheritance and treatment

Unit 2

Topic 3The voice of the genome

Topic 4Biodiversity and natural resources

Cell ultrastructure and structure and function of cell organelles Meiosis, gamete formation and fertilisation Asexual reproduction and mitosis Gene expression and its interaction with the environment

Species and the environment Species adaptation Biodiversity and taxonomy Plant structure and functionConservation and endangered species

Unit 3 Issue report – Individual report on a biological issue of your own choice

The Salters Context ApproachA2

Unit 4

Topic 5On the wild side

Topic 6Infection, immunity and forensics

Ecosystems Consequences of climate change Natural selection and evolution Our responsibility towards the environment

Work of forensic pathologists How time of death is established Bacteria and viruses How the body fights infection Why people are still dying from infectious diseases

Unit 5

Topic 7 Run for your life

Topic 8 Grey matter

Muscle structure and functionRespirationThe effect of exercise on the bodyHomeostasis/maintenance of body tempMedical technogy in sport

How plants respond to environmental change Mammalian nervous system Brain and Parkinson’s disease Human Genome Project

Unit 6 Investigation – Individual investigation

Assessment

External

2 module written exams 80%

AS Coursework – Issue report 20%

A2 Individual investigation 20%

Internal

Homework Verbal feedback Unit tests Mock exams Core practical

activities

Extending the curriculum

Field TripAS students experience a day as ecologists, studying succession at Studland Bay Nature Reserve

Bristol zoo tripA2 students see classification and conservation in context during a specially designed workshop run by the zoo

@ BristolAS students spend a day, at the ‘Glaxo’ sponsored workshop, isolating and identifying DNA. This is a great opportunity to use the latest genetic technology

Minimum Entry Requirement

B grade in GCSE ScienceTriple or additional

Careers in Biology

AgricultureAnimal husbandry; Farm management; Veterinary science; Agricultural product testing; Agricultural engineering; Agricultural sales and marketing.

BiomedicineMedicine; Dentistry; Clinical science; Physiological measurement; Pharmaceutical industry; Radiography and radiotherapy.

CommunicationsInformation science; Journalism; Publishing; Broadcasting; Film and video; Museum work; Science promotion.

EducationTeaching and lecturing; Laboratory support; Educational resources; Psychology; Sport and fitness training; Health and safety.

EnvironmentEcology; environmental protection; Waste management; Nature conservation; Environmental health; Town and country planning.

Food and DrinkBrewing; Food quality assurance; Food product development; Catering technology; Pest control; Food and drink retailing.

GeneticsResearch, Clinical cytogenetics, Molecular cytogenetics, Counselling.

HealthcareAmbulance service; Nursing; Physiotherapy; Dietetics; Podiatry; Occupational therapy.

HorticultureFloristry; Commercial growing; Horticulture research; Horticulture retailing; Landscaping and amenity horticulture; Groundsmanship.

Marine BiologyResearch; Education; Resource Management.

Natural ResourcesWater quality control; Water for recreation; Fish farming; Fisheries inspection and research; Forestry; Countryside for leisure.