AS and A2 Biology

The OCR and AQA specifications are offered at AS and A2.

The following modules and units are covered:

OCR Specification

Module 1

  • Development of Practical skills in Biology

Module 2:

Foundations in Biology

  • – Cell Biology
  • – Biological membranes
  • – Biological molecules
  • – Cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation
  • – Nucleotides and Nucleic acids
  • – Enzymes

Module 4:

Biodiversity, Evolution and Disease

  • – Communicable diseases, disease prevention and the immune system
  • – Biodiversity
  • – Classification and Evolution

Module 3:

Communication, Homeostasis and Energy

  • – Exchange surfaces
  • – Transport in Animals
  • – Transport in Plants

Module 5:

Communication, Homeostasis and Energy

  • – Communication and Homeostasis
  • – Excretion, Respiration
  • – Neuronal communication
  • – Hormonal communication
  • – Plant and Animal responses
  • – Photosynthesis

Module 6:

Genetics, Evolution and Ecosystems

  • – Cellular control
  • – Patterns of inheritance
  • – Manipulating genomes
  • – Cloning and Biotechnology
  • – Ecosystems
  • – Populations and Sustainability

AQA Specification

Module 1

  1. – Biological Molecules
  2. – More Biological Molecules

Module 5

  1. – Photosynthesis and Respiration
  2. – Energy Transfer and Nutrient Cycles

Module 2

  1. – Cell Structure and Division
  2. – Cell Membranes
  3. – Cells and the Immune System

Module 6

  1. – Stimuli and responses
  2. – Nervous Coordination
  3. – Homeostasis

Module 3

  1. -Exchange and Transport Systems
  2. -More Exchange and Transport Systems

Module 7

  1. Genetics
  2. Populations and Evolution
  3. Populations in Ecosystems

Module 4

  1. -DNA, RNA and Protein Synthesis
  2. -Diversity, Classification and Variation

Module 8

  1. – Mutations and gene Expression
  2. – Genome Projects
  3. – Gene Technologies

Key stage 3 Science

Content Overview

A High-quality science education provides the foundations for understanding the world through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics. Science has changed our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity. All pupils should be taught essential aspects of knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science.

Through building up a body of fundamental knowledge and concepts, pupils should be encouraged to recognize the power of rational explanation and develop a sense of excitement and curiosity about natural phenomena. They should be encouraged to understand how science can be used to explain what is occurring, predict how things will behave and analyse causes.

The national curriculum for science aims to ensure that all pupils:

  • Develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics.
  • Develop an understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different science inquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them.
  • Are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

The following content is covered:

Biology

1. Structure and Function of Living Organisms
  • 1. Cells and Organisation
  • 2. Nutrition and Digestion
  • 3. The Skeletal and Muscular Systems
  • 4. Gas Exchange System
2. Ecosystems
  • 1. Interdependence
  • 2. Plant Reproduction
  • 3. Respiration
  • 4. Photosynthesis
3. Genes
  • 1. Variations
  • 2. Human Reproduction
  • 3. Evolution
  • 4. Inheritance

Chemistry

1. Matter
  • 1. Particle Model
  • 2. Atoms, Elements and Compounds
  • 3. The Periodic Table
  • 4. Separating Mixtures
2. Reactions
  • 1. Metals and Non- metals
  • 2. Acids and Alkalis
  • 3. Chemical Energy
  • 4. Types of Reactions
3. The Earth and Atmosphere
  • 1. The Earth’s Structure
  • 2. Rock Types and the Rock Cycle
  • 3. The Atmosphere and Climate
  • 4. Recycling and the Carbon Cycle

Physics

1. Forces and Motion
  • 1. Speed
  • 2. Gravity
  • 3. Contact Forces
  • 4. Pressure
2. Electricity and Magnetism
  • 1. Current Electricity
  • 2. Static Electricity
  • 3. Magnetism
  • 4. Electromagnets
3. Energy & Waves
  • 1. Energy Costs, Energy Transfers
  • 2. Work, Heating and Cooling
  • 3. Sound, Wave Effects
  • 4. Light, Wave Properties
3. Space Physics

Key stage 4 Science

The following content is covered:

Biology

  1. Cell Biology
  2. Organisation
  3. Infections and Response
  4. Bioenergetics
  5. Homeostasis and Response
  6. Inheritance, Variation and Evolution
  7. Ecology

Chemistry

  1. Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table
  2. Bonding, Structure and Properties of matter
  3. Quantitative Chemistry
  4. Chemical Changes
  5. Energy Changes
  6. Rate and Extent of Chemical Change
  7. Organic Chemistry
  8. Chemical Analysis
  9. Chemistry of the Atmosphere
  10. Using Resources

Physics

  1. Energy
  2. Electricity
  3. Particle Model of Matter
  4. Atomic Structure
  5. Waves
  6. Magnetism and Electromagnetism
  7. Space Physics