A LEVEL
BIOLOGY
Exam board: EDEXCEL
Syllabuses: 8BIO1/9BIO1
Units to be studied:
AS Level
Unit 1
Lifestyle, Transport, Genes and Health
• 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
• 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.
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Unit 3
Practical Biology and Research Skills
Students write a report of between 1500 and 2000
words. This will be either a record of a visit to a
site of biological interest or a report of research
into a biological topic.
Year 2 Advanced Level
Unit 4
The Natural Environment and Species
Survival
• 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
• 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.
Subject specific requirements:
AS
6 GCSES including B in Additional Science and a
C in Maths.
A2
D at AS Biology + GCSE requirements for AS.
Subject description
Biology is a popular subject. Through the course
students develop an understanding of the natural
world and develop important study and research
skills. An enquiring mind is essential for success
in this subject and the course will enhance
your ability to analyse and evaluate scientific
methodology. Well-developed English skills are
desirable.
Where will the study of Biology A Level
take me?
The study of A level Biology leads to many fields
of study including -Medicine, Biology, Teaching,
Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Environmental health,
Nursing, forensics, Physiotherapy, podiatry etc.
What other A Levels fit with Biology?
Subjects that complement Biology:
Chemistry, Psychology, Maths, Physics, English.
Unit 6
Practical Biology and Investigative Skills
Students will complete a written report of an
experimental investigation, that they have
devised and carried out.
Entry requirements for AS/A Level courses
A range of between five and six GCSEs with B
grades in appropriate subjects.
“I’m at a great college and feel
fully prepared for university”
Stefano Ajayi Nwaotule A Level Biology student –
came from overseas
www.barnetsouthgate.ac.uk | [email protected] | 020 8266 4000
Text ‘ALEVEL’ to 88020 | Follow us on:
May 2012