AS Biology consists of 3 UNITS:

UNIT 1 (F211):

Module 1: Cells

Module 2: Exchange and Transport

UNIT 2 (F212):

Module 1: Biological Molecules

Module 2: Food and Health

Module 3: Biodiversity and Evolution

UNIT 3 (F213):

Practical Skills in Biology 1: Students have to carry out a Qualitative, a Quantitative and an Evaluation task.

A2 Biology consistes of 3 UNITS:

UNIT 1 (F214):

Module 1: Communication and Homeostasis

Module 2: Excretion

Module 3: Photosynthesis

Module 4: Respiration

UNIT 2 (F215):

Module 1: Cellular Control

Module 2: Biotechnology and Gene Technologies

Module 3: Ecosystems and Sustainability

Module 4: Responding to the Environment

UNIT 3 (F216):

Practical Skills in Biology 2: Students have to carry out a Qualitative, a Quantitative and an Evaluation task.

In September A2 students attend a Biology Field Studies week in Doreset based on work covered in Unit F212, Module 3 and Unit F215, Module 3.

Applied Science

BTEC First Certificate in Applied Science equivalent to 2 GCSE grades CC-A*A*topics covered

The course is divided into three units with each comprising four main learning objectives:

Unit 3: Chemistry Applications

1  Know how atomic structure relates to the properties of the elements and compounds

2  Understand the factors involved in chemical reactions

3  Know the importance of organic chemistry

4  Understand the importance of the factors involved in the earth and its environment.

Unit 4: Physical Science Applications

1  Understand the importance of energy and energy transfer

2  Understand applications of waves and radiation

3  Understand applications of electricity

4  Understand methods used in astronomy to explore the universe, its galaxies, planets and stars.

Unit 5: Biological Systems

1  Understand the diversity of living organisms and how they are classified

2  Be able to investigate how living things interact with each other and their environments

3  Understand that genes are responsible for inheritance, and variations within species, leading to evolutionary change

4  Understand the factors that may affect human health and the ways human health is controlled.

Assessment process

The assessment is 100% coursework.  Each unit has specific assessment briefing sheets which reflect parts of the overall learning objectives.  In total the course requires completion of 18 assignments.  Each assignment provides the opportunity to achieve Pass, Merit and Distinction grading criteria. Each unit is then awarded a grade and this contributes to the final grade for the Certificate of Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*.