Biology
Subject Leader: Dr O'Hanlon - cohanlon@tqacademy.co.uk
AIMS OF THE BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT
Students gain a broad understanding of the fundamentals of the living world which is essential for a general scientific education and forms an excellent basis for A level biology.
BIOLOGY CURRICULUM
OVERVIEW OF KEY STAGE 3 CURRICULUM
The KS3 science curriculum introduces students to the fundamentals of biology which is then expanded upon in key stage 4 and 5.
OVERVIEW OF KEY STAGE 4 CURRICULUM
Course Title: Trilogy Combined Science
Examining Body: AQA
Course Lead: Mrs O'Hanlon
What will I study?
The course has eight modules which seek to explain the living world through biology units.
- Cell Biology
- Organisation
- Infection and Response
- Bioenergetics
- Homeostasis and Response
- Inheritance
- Variation, Classification and Evolution
- Biodiversity
How and when will I be assessed?
This subject has two terminal exams at the end of year 11 which form part of the suite of 6 combined science exams overall.
Paper 1 is sat in May and paper 2 in June. Each exam is 75 minutes and carries 70 marks (one sixth of the total GCSE marks).
Paper 1 covers cell biology; organisation; infection and response; and bioenergetics.
Paper 2 covers homeostasis and response; inheritance, variation and evolution; and ecology.
OVERVIEW OF KEY STAGE 5 CURRICULUM
Course Title: A Level Biology
Examining Body: OCR (A)
Course Lead: Dr O'Hanlon
Course description
The OCR Biology course is a content-led approach, which aims to provide students with a thorough grounding in a wide range of Biological fields, allowing students access to allowing them to progress onto a broad variety of Biological degree courses.
During this enjoyable and motivational course, students engage with Biology in a range of theoretical and practical contexts which develop the skills and understanding to the standard required by universities, with a particular emphasis on developing the mathematical skills required for further study. Students gain an appreciation of the interconnected nature of Biology as a subject and how different fields support each other. Biology leads into a number of careers including scientific journalism, various types of research, pharmacology, the medical and veterinary sciences, dentistry, conservation and education.
What will I learn?
This course comprises of the following modules:
- Development of practical skills in Biology
- Foundations in Biology
- Exchange and Transport
- Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease
- Communication, Homeostasis and Energy
- Genetics, Evolution and Ecosystems
Course structure
Year 12
Unit 1: Practical skills
Unit 2: Foundations in Biology
Unit 3: Exchange & Transport
Unit 4: Molecules, Biodiversity, Food & Health
Year 13
Unit 5: Communication, Homeostasis and Energy
Unit 6 Control, Genomes and Environment
For each topic within every unit students will complete an end of topic test. These tests are past exam questions and are graded according to the exam board grade boundaries.
At the end of year 12 students will sit a PPE which will be two AS papers.
There are 2 further sets of PPEs in Year 13.
At the end of year 13 students will sit 3 exam papers. Paper 1 and 2 are 100 marks and last 2 hrs 15 mins. Paper 3 is worth 70 marks and is 1 hr 30 mins.
Units 1, 2, 3 and 5 are examined in paper 1.
Units 1, 2, 4 and 6 are examined in paper 2.
Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are examined in paper 3.
Where could it lead?
A qualification in Biology can lead to science career opportunities in many areas including veterinary science, medicine, nursing and many more. Many students have progressed to study biology and related subjects at degree level at several universities in recent years.
CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN TO UNIVERSITY
Every British university offers degrees in Biology or related subjects.
The universities of Cambridge, Oxford and Durham are the most highly regarded Biology universities closely followed by Exeter, Manchester, Birmingham and Imperial College.
CAREERS INFORMATION
Biology is required for Biomedical, Medical and Biology research careers.
Biology is important for a wide range of other careers such as Nursing, midwifery, healthcare fields and dentistry. Biology is also highly respected as an entry qualification into a wide range of professional careers ranging from accountancy through to business leadership, law and academia.
EXTRACURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
Biology students have the opportunity to visit biology departments at UK universities.
