Biology

A Level Biology (AQA)

Aims

This specification encourages students to:

•  Develop their interest and enthusiasm for biology, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the biology
•  Develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other
•  Develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods
•  Develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematics and problem-solving skills
•  Understand how society makes decisions and scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society
•  Use theories, models, and ideas to develop scientific explanations
•  Use knowledge and understanding to pose scientific questions, define scientific problems, present scientific arguments, and scientific ideas
•  Use appropriate methodology, including information and communication technology (ICT), to answer scientific questions and solve scientific problems
•  Carry out experimental and investigative activities, including appropriate risk management, in a range of contexts
•   Analyse and interpret data to provide evidence, recognising correlations and causal relationships
•   Know that scientific knowledge and understanding develops over time
•   Communication information and ideas in appropriate ways using appropriate terminology
•   Consider applications and implications of science and evaluate their associated benefits and risks
•   Consider ethical issues in the treatment of humans, other organisms, and the environment
•   Evaluate the role of the scientific community in validating new knowledge and ensuring integrity
•   Evaluate the ways in which society uses science to inform decision making.

 

Content

Year 12

• Biological Molecules
• Cells
• Organisms exchange substances with their environment
• Genetic information, variation, and relationships between organisms.

 

Year 13

• Energy Transfers in between organisms
• Organisms respond to changes to their internal and external environments
• Genetic populations, evolution, and ecosystems
• The control of gene expression

 

Assessment

Paper 1	Paper 2	Paper 3
What’s assessed Any content from topics 1-4 Relevant practical skills	What’s assessed Relevant content from topics 5-8 Relevant practical skills	What’s assessed Any content from topics 1-8 Any practical skills
How it’s assessed Written exam: 2 hours  91 marks in total 35% of A-level	How it’s assessed Written exam: 2 hours  91 marks in total 35% of A-level	How it’s assessed Written exam: 2 hours 78 marks in total 30% of A-level
Questions 76 marks: short and long answer questions 15 marks: extended response questions	Questions 76 marks: short and long answer questions 15 marks: comprehension question	Questions 38 marks: structured questions, including practical technique 15 marks: critical analysis of given experimental data 25 marks: one essay from a choice of two titles