Download Biology - Toot Hill School

Welcome to GCE Biology
By the end of this course you will:
• Develop essential knowledge and understanding of
different areas of Biology and how they relate to each
other
• Develop competence and confidence in a variety of
practical, mathematical and problem solving skills
• Develop their interest in and enthusiasm for Biology,
including developing an interest in further study and
careers associated with Biology
• Understand how society makes decisions about
scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the
success of the economy and society
GCE Biology
Ellie Fanzo
Lynne Cullingworth
Lucy Hughes
Caroline Morgan
Belinda Barton
Nikita Dunn
2015/16 Department
Performance
70% A* - C
100% A* - E
Course requirements
• College entry
requirements
• Grade ‘6’ in
Mathematics GCSE
and either grades
‘BBC’ in separate
sciences (with one ‘B’
in Chemistry GCSE)
or grades ‘AB’ in
double award
science.
• A Challenging facilitating subject but enjoyable and
rewarding course
• A level Biology develops concepts that have been
studied at GCSE in addition to introducing new
topics
• Students achieving GCSE Science grade A*-B are
most likely to achieve an A-level grade otherwise
please seriously consider whether a BTEC course
would be more appropriate
• Successful A-level students are self motivated,
independent learners who take responsibility for
their own learning.
• Grades A*-E
GCE Biology
The themes you will study...
In
Year
12
Biological molecules
Cells
Commitment
Organisms exchange
substances
Community
Genetic information,
variation and relationships
In
Year
13
Energy transfers
Organisms respond to
changes
Genetics, evolution and
ecosystems
The control of gene
expression
Consideration
Toot Hill
College
Topic 1
• Biological molecules:
The building blocks of life, carbohydrates, lipids,
proteins, enzyme action and DNA
Topic 2
• Cells:
Organelles, cell surface membrane, bacteria and
fungi, microscopy, mitosis, cell transport, cells in the
immune system
Topic 3
• Organisms exchange substances with their
environment:
Adaptations, gas exchange, digestion and
absorption, blood and mass transport, xylem,
phloem and mass transport.
Topic 4
• Genetic information, variation and relationships
between organisms:
DNA, genes, chromosomes, protein synthesis,
meiosis and mutations, biodiversity and species
taxonomy.
Practical Endorsement
• Replacing old style coursework
• 6 assessed practical investigations per year (a
lot more practice investigations)
• Assessed on ability to master practical skills
such as using correct equipment, assessing
risks, developing methods, adjusting
techniques to ensure reliable data is collected
and report writing.
• Pass or Fail at the end of year 13.
FieldTrip
Trip
Field
• During year 12 ‘activities week’ (final week of
the year).
• Ecology, statistics and taxonomy.
• Supports the A2 course.
Sometimes we are lucky enough
to have glorious sunshine….
But most years you need your mac!
A2 Content
• Topic 5: Energy transfers in and between
organisms (food webs and ecosystems)
• Topic 6: Organisms respond to changes in
their internal and external environments
(homeostasis)
• Topic 7: Genetics, populations, evolution and
ecosystems
• Topic 8: The control of gene expression
Commitment
GCE Biology
What skills are needed?
•
•
•
•
Mathematical analysis skills (higher grade GCSE standard to begin)
Essay writing skills
Practical investigation skills
Application skills to solve problems and investigate questions
Expectations and workload
•
•
•
•
3 internal formal assessments completed per academic year
2 homework assignments completed per week
High level of independent reading to support classroom learning
An intrinsic interest in biological sciences
Courses and Careers
•
•
•
•
•
•
Medicine, Nursing
Veterinary Science
Physiotherapy, Sports Science
Environmental Management & Conservation
Forensics
Biotechnology, Microbiology