“The teachers provide a good support system with our studies allowing us to achieve our best potential. The College also acts as a great stepping stone to university, with frequent visits and talks to help us make the right choices for the transition into higher education.”
Lisa Irwin

Biology

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Entry Requirements

Normal BSFC entry requirements for an AS programme of study including grade ‘B’ in GCSE science ‘double award’ or Biology GCSE. A grade ‘C’ in Maths is also assumed.

About the Subject

The study of biology, the scientific exploration of the diverse world of living things, has an immediate relevance to our daily lives. It is important for everyone to develop an informed sense of how we may continue to fit into the complex ecology of our planet. Biology is constantly expanding. As well as developing essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of biology and how they relate to each other, you will appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and consider the ethical implications of the application of biological research.

Are you interested in how the incredible variety of organisms on the planet evolved? What are the benefits and risks from transgenic animals? Biological scientists are at the forefront of biomedical, pharmaceutical, agricultural and ecological research. The study of biology will help you to understand the science behind some of the press’s more attention grabbing headlines.

AS Year

Assessment 
Unit
 Name
Type of 
Assessment
Date of 
Exam
Weighting 
in AS
Weighting 
in A2
F211 Cells, Exchange and
Transport
Written exam (1 hr)
 January 30% 15%
F212 Molecules,
Biodiversity, Food
and Health
Written exam (1hr 45 mins)
 June 50% 25%
F213 Practical Skills Three practical
tasks set by OCR
Oct –
May
 20% 10% 

A2 Year

Assessment 
Unit
 Name
Type of 
Assessment
Date of 
Exam
Weighting 
in A2
F214 Communication,
Homeostasis and Energy
Written exam (1 hr)
Jan (2nd year)
 15%
F215 Control, Genomes and
Environment
Written exam (1 hrs 45 mins)
June (2nd year)
 25%
F216 Practical Skills Three practical
tasks set by OCR
Oct – May (2nd year)
 10%

 

General Information

Cells, Exchange and Transport

In this unit you will study cells as the basic units of all living things, how they communicate, divide and become specialised to their function. Transport systems supply living cells with oxygen and nutrients. However, once an organism reaches a critical size it requires specialised exchange surfaces and transport systems.

Molecules, Biodiversity, Food and Health

Areas covered in this unit include the key biological molecules with important roles in living organisms, how these are provided by diet, dietary and infectious disease and their control by the immune system. You will also study evolution and how it has generated a very wide variety of organisms.

Communication, Homeostasis and Energy

Most students are interested in physiology. This unit includes how organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environment using responses that are controlled and coordinated by hormones and the nervous system and the role of the kidney in excretion of waste. You will also study the fundamental processes of photosynthesis and respiration, which are essential for life on earth.

Control, Genomes and Environment

Genes control the way in which cells function. You will study how changes within genes lead to variation and variation provides the raw material for evolution, and how animal behaviour enhances survival. You will also understand how ecosystems work and how to manage them for sustainability and conservation.

Practical Skills

You will prepare for and conduct practical assessments throughout the course. Qualitative, quantitative and evaluative task are assessed and candidates may attempt more than one task from each category, with the best mark from each category being used to make up the overall mark.

What Next?

Many of our students progress to a degree related to Biological Sciences. Studying biology teaches us to make observations, evaluate evidence, and solve problems. Biologists go into careers in research, health care, environmental management, conservation, biotechnology and forensic sciences. Some of our former students are working both locally and in other countries in careers such as dentistry and medicine. Some students use their scientific training to secure jobs in banking, accountancy and education.