Download Biology Key Stage 5

Biology is truly a land of unlimited possibilities. We may expect it to give us the most surprising
information, and we cannot guess what answers it will return in a few dozen years…. They may be of
a kind which will blow away the whole of our artificial structure of hypothesis. Sigmund Freud
Biology is the natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their
structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy.
Key stage 5 content
Students have 9 lessons over a fortnight.
The exam board they follow is Edexcel SNAB (A)
http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/biology-a-2015.html
Grade B in English and Maths
Grade B in Double Science
Unit 1: Lifestyle, Transport, Genes and Health
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structure and function of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins; enzyme action
structure and properties of cell membranes; passive and active transport
structure and role of DNA and RNA
replication; protein synthesis
monohybrid inheritance
gene mutations
principles of gene therapy; social and ethical issues.
Unit 2: Development, Plants and the Environment
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cell structure and ultrastructure of eukaryote and prokaryote cells: cell specialisation
the role of meiosis
genotype and environmental influence
stem cell research and its implications
biodiversity, adaptations and natural selection
principles of taxonomy
plant cell structure
transport of water in plants
uses of plant products
Students will study the following modules in A2:
Unit 4: The Natural Environment and Species Survival
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photosynthesis; energy transfer within ecosystems
evidence for global warming
evolution through natural selection and speciation
nutrient recycling
DNA profiling and PCR
structure of bacteria and viruses
infectious diseases (eg AIDS and TB) and immunology.
Unit 5: Energy, Exercise and Coordination
Content summary:
 ATP, glycolysis, anaerobic/aerobic respiration
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control and functioning of heart; ventilation and cardiac output
homeostasis
the nervous system
impact of exercise on body, and improving performance
hormonal coordination
brain structure and development
imbalances in brain chemicals
Human Genome Project.
Outside the classroom
We arrange a number of trips throughout the year; examples include the surgical skills workshops at
the Hunterian Museum; workshops at the National Institute for Medical Research; workshops and
lectures at the Zoological Gardens and the Royal Society. We also have a number of leading
experts coming to school to give a range of talks.
All students take part in a field trip at the end of the first year. It is a great experience, not to be
missed; students say it is one of the highlights of the course. The cost of the trip is approximately
£300
Progression pathways and careers
Those that study Biology enter a very wide range of career areas including Biological research to
becoming physicians or pharmacists. The volume of analysis, using and applying mathematical
skills to manipulate data can be the foundation for indirectly related biological careers such as law
and banking.
Hendon School has a successful record of students going on to study biology and related subjects
at university.
Useful links
Biologymad www.biologymad.com
BBC Science - www.bbc.co.uk/science
The Independent Science - www.independent.co.uk/news/science
Nature - http://www.nature.com
Contact
Zahra Latif, Head of Biology, [email protected]