Biology

Biology in Year 10 and 11:

Core Biology is studied in Year 10 and covers how humans are co-ordinated both through the nervous system and hormones. Students on this course also study the effects of diet, drugs and disease on the body. Evidence of evolution is looked at alongside competition between animals and plants. Genetics is studied and the effects that humans have on the planet finishes off this GCSE course.

Biology students sailing aboard Southampton universities research trawler 

Additional Biology is followed by students in year 11 and includes cellular biology, photosynthesis and energy flows. Enzyme action, keeping conditions constant inside human bodies and genetics round off this GCSE course.

Triple Biology. Students who opt to follow this course will study all those aspects within the Core and Additional Units. They follow this up with studying further units in greater detail and applying their knowledge.

This triple component has overlaps with the first year of A-level Biology and is an important option for anyone considering studying Biology in the sixth form.

Biology AS / A – level

"If you swat a mosquito, does the blood come from the mosquito, is it yours or is it from someone else?"

Students on this course could easily answer this. They would also be able to explain a whole host of phenomena that we encounter on an everyday basis.

AS Biology Studied in year 12. Students study disease and variety in living organism.

Assessment: Through two formal exams and an ISA.

A2 Biology studied in year 13. Takes students through Populations and the environment, where they investigate organisms distribution. How they get and use energy, how habitats change. Genetics is studied including inheritance and DNA structure. Muscle and nerve structure and function are investigated. This component includes studying live Locusts.  

Assessment: Through two formal exams and an ISA.