Biology

Year 12 (3 Units):

• 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
• cell structure and ultrastructure of eukaryot 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 write a report of between 1500 and 2000 words of research into a biological topic

Year 13 (3 Units):

• 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 and immunology
• ATP, glycolysis, anaerobic/aerobic respiration
• 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

Students will complete a written report of an experimental investigation, which they have devised and carried out.

Unit 1 (Lifestyle, Transport, Genes and Health):

This unit is assessed by means of a written examination paper, which lasts 1 hour 15 minutes and will include:

• objective questions
• structured questions
• short-answer questions

15% (80 Marks)

Unit 2 (Development, Plants and the Environment):

This unit is assessed by means of a written examination paper, which lasts 1 hour 15 minutes and will include:

• objective questions
• structured questions
• short-answer questions

25% (80 Marks)

Unit 3 (Practical Biology and Research Skills)

Students will submit a written report of between 1500 and 2000 words which will be marked by the teacher.

During the course of teaching Units 1 and 2 teachers will observe students carrying out practical work and will be required to submit a verification of practical skills record.

10% (40 Marks)

Unit 4 (The Natural Environment and Species Survival):

This unit is assessed by means of a written examination paper, which lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and will include:

• practical - related questions
• structured questions
• short-answer questions

15% (90 Marks)

Unit 5 (Energy, Exercise and Coordination):

This unit is assessed by means of a written examination paper, which lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and will include:

• objective questions
• structured questions
• short-answer questions

25% (90 Marks)

Unit 6 (Practical Biology and Investigative Skills):

Students will complete an individual investigation. This is a written report of an experimental investigation, which they have devised and carried out and includes synoptic assessment. This piece of work will be marked by the teacher.

10% (45 Marks)