Biology

Key Contact:  Lee Moore lm@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk
Syllabus Information:  OCR A Level Biology A
Entry Requirements: Grade 6 in GCSE Biology/Combined Science, grade 5 in Maths and a grade 5 in English Language

Course Content

OCR’s A Level in Biology A specification aims to encourage learners to:

• 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 method
• develop competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem solving skills
• develop their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject
• understand how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society (as exemplified in ‘How Science Works’ (HSW)).

Year 12

• Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills in Biology
• Module 2 – Foundations in Biology
• Module 3 – Exchange and Transport
• Module 4 – Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease

Year 13

• Module 1 – Development of Practical Skills in Biology
• Module 5 – Communication, Homeostasis and Energy
• Module 6 – Genetics, Evolution and Ecosystems
• Review of modules 2, 3 and 4
• Revision and Exam Technique

Assessment

Students will complete a minimum of 12 assessment tasks in Year 12 and 13. These will contain exam questions from past papers. These assessments will include:

Year 12

• Cell Structure – Microscopy
• Cell Structure – Ultrastructure
• Biological Molecules – Inorganic and Tests
• Biological Molecules – Organic
• Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids
• Genetic Code and Protein Synthesis
• Enzymes
• Plasma Membranes
• Transport Across Membranes
• Cell Cycle and Divisions
• Organisation and Stem Cells
• Exchange Surfaces
• Animal Transport Systems
• Cardiac Cycle and Dissociation
• Plant Transport Systems and Adaptations
• Transpiration and Translocation
• Communicable Diseases, Prevention and Immunity
• Biodiversity
• Maintaining Biodiversity
• Classification
• Variation and Evolution

Year 13

• Communication and Homeostasis
• Excretion – Liver
• Excretion – Kidney
• Neuronal communication
• Hormonal Communication – General
• Hormonal communication – Blood Glucose
• Plant Responses
• Animal Responses
• Photosynthesis – Biochemistry
• Photosynthesis – Structures and Factors
• Respiration – Biochemistry
• Respiration – Structures and Factors
• Cellular Control
• Patterns of Inheritance – Inheritance
• Patterns of Inheritance – Evolution
• Manipulating Genomes – Genomics
• Manipulating Genomes – Gene Technologies
• Cloning and Biotechnology – Biotechnology
• Cloning and Biotechnology – Cloning
• Ecosystems
• Populations and Sustainability

Homework

‘We as a team are totally committed to your success. We expect the same commitment from you.’  The Biology Department

We expect full attendance at all lessons and homework to be handed in by the given deadlines. If you are finding some work difficult, we would expect you to seek assistance at the first opportunity, not wait until a lesson or when the deadline has passed. We expect you to complete background reading on a lesson-by-lesson basis using the course texts. You should consolidate your notes using an appropriate method to suit your learning style (examples include: A6 consolidation cards, flow diagrams, bullet pointed sequenced lists, mind/concept maps) using the textbook and additional resources identified by your teacher. If you are struggling to consolidate your knowledge and understanding, then your teacher will help you with this skill. As a part of your independent study, you will complete a homework booklet containing past exam questions for each topic studied.

Useful information, links and resources

OCR A Level Biology A (H420) Specification