AS biology

Taught Online with live classes

Specification: AQA 7401 / 7402

Description

The AQA A Level Biology syllabus is designed to enable pupils to explain and understand the biological world around them. This highly valued qualification will evidence both students' understanding of key theoretical principles and practical skills.

The AQA A Level Biology syllabus enables students to progress on to study further at university.

Assessment

Teacher assessments are continuous during LIVE TAUGHT lessons, marking of coursework and assignments and summative tests.

Homework

Homework will be given at the end of each week, usually in the form of problems to solve, researching key concepts.

Reporting

Parents have 24 /7 access to all of their children's coursework.

Additionally the school holds 3 parent consultations per year - one each term.

COURSE OUTLINE

The course will follow the current AQA specifications.

The course will be based on the textbooks recommended for the AQA A Levels.

Topics Covered

Candidates for AQA AS Level Biology study the following topics:

1 Cell structure

2 Biological molecules

3 Enzymes

4 Cell membranes and transport

5 The mitotic cell cycle

6 Nucleic acids and protein synthesis

7 Transport in plants

8 Transport in mammals

9 Gas exchange and smoking

10 Infectious disease

11 Immunity

Candidates for AQA A Level Biology study the AS topics and the following topics:

12 Energy and respiration

13 Photosynthesis

14 Homeostasis

15 Control and co-ordination

16 Inherited change

17 Selection and evolution

18 Biodiversity, classification and conservation

19 Genetic technology

These topics will be taught in Years 12 and 13 to prepare students for their AQA A Level examinations.

Examinations

AQA science A Levels do not require a science practical endorsement examination to pass (all grades A*-G are achievable without a practical examination). However, students are advised to check with their intended university whether a science practical endorsement is required. If so science practical endorsement examinations can be taken later, even after students have passed and left the A Level course. Please note that AQA examinations are for UK students only. International students should prepare for CIE examinations which will require a practical endorsement examination.

Examination Papers

Our lessons prepare students for June Series examinations only.

AS Level

Paper 1: topics 1 to 4, including relevant practical skills, written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, 75 marks, 50% of AS

Paper 2: topics 1 to 4, including relevant practical skills, written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, 75 marks, 50% of AS

A Level

Paper 1: topics 1 to 4, including relevant practical skills, written exam: 2 hours, 91 marks, 35% of A Level

Paper 2: topics 5 to 8, including relevant practical skills, written exam: 2 hours, 91 marks, 35% of A Level

Paper 3: topics 1 to 8, including relevant practical skills, written exam: 2 hours, 78 marks, 30% of A Level

Examination Centres

It is the student's responsibility to arrange their examinations - our teachers will provide all the support required. Most students will sit their examination papers at a local school or college. Some students sit their examinations at private examination centres (Google these or ask and we can provide a list) or the British Council. Some students study our courses and sit examinations for other A Level science examinations (CIE Cambridge, Edexcel, OCR etc.) as most examination boards and A Level specifications are very similar. Students who wish to do this should practice the past papers for other examination boards in preparation. Our teachers are very experienced across all examination boards and can help with this.

General points

Assessment, apart from the final A Level exams, will be carried out continuously throughout lessons, via homework or short tests.

Science is usually taught as a hands-on practical subject.

Items that would be useful to have would be safety goggles, an apron, and a tray on which to carry out practicals (e.g. large baking tray). Additional materials will be announced a week before required in the lesson along with a permission slip (to be signed by the parents). If a student cannot get access to materials required for practicals or does not wish to carry out a practical, they should not worry as the practical will also be demonstrated by the teacher.

The number of practicals will be relatively restricted owing to the nature of the course (online versus conventional), but we will try to include as many practicals as possible using safe household materials. Students will also be encouraged to think scientifically in an everyday context, making them aware of the science around them and how it can help in solving problems.

Disclaimer:

"The conducting of experiments is potentially dangerous and must be supervised by an adult. Online school of Uganda and its teachers do not demand that pupils conduct experiments. Parents and pupils must take the decision to conduct experiments / dangerous activities and must therefore accept responsibility for any outcomes. Online school of Uganda does not accept responsibility for experiments or any other dangerous activity conducted at the homes of its pupils or in any other place."