The following pages outline the major elements of the course and when you can expect each to be covered. Assessment

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1 A level biology The course we offer at Robert Smyth Academy is OCR Biology A which a two year linear course. Details of the course can be found at Students have six lessons per week, usually with two teachers. Ms J Tansey jtansey@rsacademy.co.uk Mrs A King aking@rsacademy.co.uk Mrs D Parr dparr@rsacademy.co.uk Mrs S Wickins swickins@rsacademy.co.uk The following pages outline the major elements of the course and when you can expect each to be covered. Content Overview Assessment Overview Content is split into six teaching modules Module 1 Development of practical skills in biology Module 2 Foundations in biology Module 3 Exchange and transport Module 4 Biodiversity, evolution and disease Module 5 Communication, homeostasis and energy Module 6 Genetics, evolution and ecosystems Assessment Component 01 assesses content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5. Component 02 assesses content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6. Component 03 assesses content from all modules (1 to 6). Practical Endorsement in biology (04) Biological processes (01) 100 marks 2 hour 15 minutes written paper 37% of total A level Biological diversity (02) 100 marks 2 hour 15 minutes written paper 37% of total A level Unified biology (03) 70 marks 1 hour 30 minutes written paper 26% of total A level Practical endorsement (non exam assessment) Reported separately All components include synoptic assessment.

2 Equipment Students will need a ring binder, dividers and paper or equivalent to organise their work. Using notebooks is not recommended as handouts etc are difficult to insert. It is important that they keep up to date with their notes, and that they are neat, organised and reviewed regularly. Supporting students at home Students have a homework booklet and is set weekly. It consists of past exam questions and activities that are designed to support the development of a range of skills and knowledge required in biology. This work will usually be marked and by staff with detailed feedback given. Some homework is peer using exam board mark schemes assessed. In addition there will be end of topic tests and half termly tests, all designed to give students further exposure to exam questions. Students who fail to complete homework on a regular basis should expect to have contact made home, their performance in homework will also be fed back via the half termly CAGS. If students are performing below their target grade then intervention work can be set to support those students and study periods allocated. Extension work will be set as and when appropriate. Each student has a google mail account and in biology we use this for setting homework, giving out reminders or links to useful sites. Students are encouraged to use this to ask questions or to arrange to access extra support if needed. There is a lunch time drop in session that students are encouraged to attend if they need help with any aspect of the course. This session is held in room SC07. Module overviews Module 1: Practical skills in biology The development of practical skills is a fundamental and integral aspect of the study of any scientific subject. These skills not only enhance learners understanding of the subject but also serve as a suitable preparation for the demands of studying biology at a higher level. There are 12 practical activity groups (PAGs) which are covered and assessed where appropriate throughout the course.

3 Module 2: Foundations in biology All living organisms have similarities in cellular structure, biochemistry and function. An understanding of these similarities is fundamental to the study of the subject. This module gives learners the opportunity to use microscopy to study the cell structure of a variety of organisms. Biologically important molecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, water and nucleic acids are studied with respect to their structure and function. The structure and mode of action of enzymes in catalysing biochemical reactions is studied. Membranes form barriers within, and at the surface of, cells. This module also considers the way in which the structure of membranes relates to the different methods by which molecules enter and leave cells and organelles. The division and subsequent specialisation of cells is studied, together with the potential for the therapeutic use of stem cells. Module 3: Exchange and transport In this module, learners study the structure and function of gas exchange and transport systems in a range of animals and in terrestrial plants. The significance of surface area to volume ratio in determining the need for ventilation, gas exchange and transport systems in multicellular organisms is emphasised. The examples of terrestrial green plants and a range of animal phyla are used to illustrate the principle. Module 4: Biodiversity, evolution and disease In this module the learners study the biodiversity of organisms; how they are classified and the ways in which biodiversity can be measured. It serves as an introduction to ecology, emphasising practical techniques and an appreciation of the need to maintain biodiversity. The learners also gain an understanding of the variety of organisms that are pathogenic and the way in which plants and animals have evolved defences to deal with disease. The impact of the evolution of pathogens on the treatment of disease is also considered. The relationships between organisms are studied, considering variation, evolution and phylogeny. Module 5: Communication, homeostasis and energy It is important that organisms, both plants and animals are able to respond to stimuli. This is achieved by communication within the body, which may be chemical and/or electrical. Both systems are covered in detail in this module. Communication is also fundamental to homeostasis with control of temperature, blood sugar and blood water potential being studied as examples. In this module, the biochemical pathways of photosynthesis and respiration are considered, with an emphasis on the formation and use of ATP as the source of energy for biochemical processes and synthesis of biological molecules. Module 6: Genetics, evolution and ecosystems This module covers the role of genes in regulating and controlling cell function and development. Heredity and the mechanisms of evolution and speciation are also covered. Some of the practical techniques used to manipulate DNA, such as sequencing and amplification are considered and their therapeutic medical use. The use of microorganisms in biotechnology is also covered. Both of these have associated ethical considerations and it

4 is important that learners develop a balanced understanding of such issues. Learners gain an appreciation of the role of microorganisms in recycling materials within the environment and maintaining balance within ecosystems. The need to conserve environmental resources in a sustainable fashion is considered, whilst appreciating the potential conflict arising from the needs of an increasing human population. Learners also consider the impacts of human activities on the natural environment and biodiversity. Resources Textbooks are not provided but there are textbooks that are specifically written for the course. Publisher Year 1 Year 2 Pearson OCR AS/A Level Biology OCR A Level Biology A 2015: 2015: Student Book Student book 2 ISBN-10: X ISBN-13: ISBN-10: ISBN-13: CGP New A-Level Biology for OCR A: Year 1 & AS Student Book ISBN-10: X ISBN-13: New A-Level Biology for OCR A: Year 2 Student Book ISBN-10: ISBN-13: Oxford OUP (these are available digitally via kerboodle) A Level Biology A for OCR Year 1 and AS Student Book ISBN-10: ISBN-13: A Level Biology for OCR Year 2 Student Book ISBN-10: ISBN-13: There are other books available and as long as they cover the new specification (teaching from 2015) they will be appropriate.

5 Resources which can be used at home. All students will have access to Kerboodle resources and this includes access to a digital version of the third textbook above. Work will occasionally be set from this source, so students should keep a note of their username and password. As this is new course revision guides are gradually becoming available students should choose one that they find most useful to their own particular style of revision. The school website also has links to past papers which are particularly useful when preparing for exams. We also have a biology website where we try to add links to articles of interest or videos that help with the understanding of various topics We also offer students the opportunity to subscribe to Biological Sciences Review. This is a magazine published 4 times in the academic year and currently costs 15 per year. It contains articles written specifically for AS and A2 biology students

6 Outline programme of study Term Teacher 1 Teacher 2 Year 1 Autumn Module 2 : Cells, microscopy, cell division, biological molecules Year 1 Spring Year 1 Summer Year 2 Autumn Year 2 Spring Year 2 Summer Module 2: Biological molecules (nucleic acids) Module 3: Animal transport Module 4 : Classification, some biodiversity Module 5: Photosynthesis Module 5: Respiration Module 6: Cellular control Module 6 : Cellular control, Patterns of inheritance, Manipulating genomes Module 2 : Membranes and enzymes (PAG Module 3: Exchange surfaces, transport in plants Module 4: Diseases and some biodiversity Module 5 : Homeostasis, excretion Module 5: Nervous and hormonal communication, animal and plant responses Module 6: Cloning and biotechnology, ecosystems, populations and sustainability