Science: AS / A2 Level Biology Exam Board: Oxford and Cambridge Course Outline The Biology course is separated into two distinct areas, AS and A2. The AS is designed to be studied and examined in Year 12 and the A2 studied and examined in Year 13. AS Level This is comprised of three compulsory modules: 1. Biology Foundation This module builds upon prior knowledge of Cells, Cellular division and Ecology and introduces the basic biochemistry of cells. 2. Human Health and Disease In this module there is the opportunity to learn about how diseases occur, are spread and the factors, which affect disease, such as diet, smoking and exercise. In addition, the methods of controlling and combating diseases are discussed, in particular the immune system. 3. Transport and Experimental skills This module is separated into two distinct areas. The first section investigates Plant and animal transport systems. The remaining section comprises an assessment of practical skills, which will be undertaken as a piece of coursework. The subject of this coursework will be based on knowledge gained during the AS course. A2 Level This again compromises three modules. Two of the modules are compulsory and the other is an option module: 1.   Central concepts This module build upon knowledge gained in AS and looks in detail at the biochemistry and metabolic mechanisms of cells. In addition Genetics, Evolution, Population and Ecology are introduced and there is also a section on homeostatic and other control mechanisms in animal and plants. 2.   Mammalian Physiology and Behaviour This module is an optional module and we have chosen to offer the Mammalian Physiology and Behaviour. In this module we will be investigating in more detail Mammalian Nutrition, Support and Locomotion, The Nervous System and Mammalian Behaviour. 3.   Unifying Concepts in Biology and Experimental skills This module consists of two distinct areas. The first contains the synoptic element of the specification, which examines students on their ability to connect and analyse an array of biological information and data that they have studied. The remaining section comprises an assessment of practical skills, which will be undertaken as a piece of coursework. The subject of this coursework will be based on knowledge gained during the AS and A2 course. Examination and Assessment Details: A piece of coursework is submitted during each year of the course. Assessment is by examinations (excluding the experimental skills) which last between one to one and a half hours depending on the module Additional Textbooks are supplied and guidance is given on additional reading material. There is the opportunity to subscribe to “the New Scientist” at a reduced rate. There are usually a number of outings during the year and in 2005 these included going to the Royal Institute to see an excellent lecture on evolution and a field trip to study ecology on the outskirts of London. Useful Websites for Biology: http://www.newscientist.com/ – New Scientist magazine http://www.ase.org.uk/ – Schools Science Review published by The Association for Science Education http://www.iob.org/ – Institute of Biology http://www.saps.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/ – Science and Plants for Schools http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/ – The Wellcome Trust (latest research in biomedical science) http://europa.eu.int/comm/environment/nature/home/htm – EU Nature Conservation http://www.wwf-uk.org/ – World Wide Fund’s education programme www.s-cool.co.uk – Another good revision site Recommended Books For AS Biology: Revise AS Biology (for OCR) Heinemann ISBN 0-435-58300-X - About £6 This is a good, cheap revision book that closely follows the syllabus in a concise manner. Essential AS Biology (for OCR) Nelson Thornes ISBN 0-7487-8511-6 - About £15 This book is more expensive but it contains additional information to the OCR textbook (that we supply) that will prove very useful, especially to those students aiming for the higher grades. For A2 Biology: Revise A2 Biology (for OCR) Heinemann ISBN 0-435-58301-8 - About £6 Essential A2 Biology (for OCR) Nelson Thornes ISBN 0-7487-8518-3 - About £15