AS 91156 Demonstrate understanding of life processes at the cellular level. (4 credits – external) AS 91157 Demonstrate understanding of genetic variation and change. (4 credits – external) AS 91158 Investigate a pattern in an ecological community. (4 credits – internal) AS 91159 Demonstrate understanding of gene expression. (4 credits – external) This course demands a high level of effort and attention to detail, where students develop much more confidence in their ability to think logically and express their ideas clearly. Any boys considering doing any biology-based course in preparation for their future career will benefit hugely from the Level 2 Biology course.
AS91603 Demonstrate understanding of the responses of plants and animals to their external environment. (5 credits – external) AS91604 Demonstrate understanding of how an animal maintains a stable internal environment. (3 credits – internal) AS91605 Demonstrate understanding of evolutionary processes leading to speciation. (4 credits – external) AS91606 Demonstrate understanding of trends in human evolution. (4 credits – external) There is a total of 20 credits available in this course. The Level 3 course truly bridges the gap between College and university study as it aims to build on the wider application of the important biological principles studied at Level 1 and Level 2. The classroom becomes much more of a forum for the presentation, discussion and evaluation of interesting and challenging concepts. Each year a significant number of boys opt to take this Level 3 Biology course purely because they are interested in biology, and enjoy learning about the diversity and intricacy of living organisms (including our own origins) rather than because they are considering a career in biology. This is great, as these boys contribute hugely to the atmosphere in the classroom. It is hoped that all boys develop a greater understanding of the rapidly changing world they are living in, and get a chance to discuss the ‘‘meaning of life’’. There is an expectation that boys are able to express themselves clearly in their written answers, and many find that their writing skills, and coherent expression of ideas improve over the year. This is not so say that boys need wonderful literacy skills to take Biology, but like a lot of subjects at this level, it helps.
YEAR 13 Status
Optional
Level 2 Biology preferred
Prerequisites
Five
Periods per week
Description Students study the nature of life at all biological levels. The course covers: • using and communicating knowledge • the human manipulation of DNA in the science of genetic engineering • the evolutionary processes that form new species and the evolution of humans • theseasonal responsesofplantstoday length, complex navigation methods, and reproductive strategies of animals • the homeostatic mechanisms that control the
blood sugar levels, temperature, blood pressure and metabolic rate of mammals
The Level 3 Biology course contains the following achievement standards, which will be assessed: AS91601 Carry out a practical investigation in a biological context, with guidance. (4 credits – internal)
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