Biology

The subject

Studying Biology at Collingham will develop the student’s analytical intelligence and research skills, while giving him or her an understanding of some of the most compelling scientific issues of the day.

"We used to think our future was in the stars. Now we know it’s in our genes". (James Watson). Biology, especially Biotechnology, is at the forefront of an intellectual revolution, which, with computing and quantum mechanics, is revolutionising the way we view the world. Biology develops the scientific disciplines of research and analytical thought. It appeals to both Science and Arts students and can be successfully combined with other sciences, a modern language or even English Literature. Biology is an excellent A level for a range of possible university courses and future careers from Medicine to Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Optometry, Forensic Science, Biology, Psychology, Robotics, Chronobiology, Biotechnology, Gene Therapy, Dentistry, Veterinary Science and many others. It is equally relevant to courses like Law, Philosophy, Banking and Business, where the skills of precise analytical thought are essential.

The course

The syllabus set by the Edexcel Board covers many stimulating topics.

The AS syllabus, in addition to basic work on cells, the blood system, genetics and reproduction, covers new work on hypertension, coronary heart disease, blood cholesterol and stem cell research, as well as looking at how pharmaceutical companies test drugs before making them available to the public. A2 work in the second year moves on to photosynthesis, evolution, global warming, immunity and genetic engineering. It then covers some completely new work on forensics including determining time of death with forensic entomology… all fascinating for those students who like to watch CSI. The syllabus then explores work on muscles and training, including medical technology (This includes topics like keyhole surgery and prostheses) and the ethics of performance-enhancing drugs. The syllabus finishes with absorbing work on techniques of medical diagnosis, the nervous system and brain, and even work on brain chemicals and Parkinson’s disease.

Overall this is a syllabus rich in cutting edge ideas as well as the basic Biology and should prove to be engaging and inspiring.

Exam structure:

AS

Unit 1: written paper: 1 hour 15 minutes.

40% of AS marks.

Unit 2: written paper: 1 hour 15 minutes.

40% of AS marks.

Unit 3: Coursework.

20% of AS marks. A written report on a visit to a site of Biological interest or a written report on research into a Biological topic.

A2

Unit 4: written paper: 1 hour 30 minutes.

40% of A2 marks.

Unit 5: written paper: 1 hour 30 minutes.

40% of A2 marks.

Unit 6: Coursework: 20% of A2 marks.

A longer written report on a practical project.

A CD-ROM of specialist notes on the whole syllabus written by the Head of Department is available for those students who wish to have it. These teaching notes work through the material in the order in which it is presented in the new syllabus to provide maximum help to students.

We subscribe to New Scientist, Scientific, American and Biological Sciences Review, the latter being aimed specifically at A level students.