Project Description
Overview
Studying GCSE Biology provides the foundations for understanding the material world. Scientific understanding is changing our lives and is vital to the world’s future prosperity, and all learners should be taught essential aspects of the knowledge, methods, processes and uses of science. Biology is a useful stepping-stone towards a variety of careers including medicine, veterinary science, physiotherapy or other biological disciplines. However, many study biology because they enjoy the subject and then pursue careers in other areas. Biology is about being curious and imaginative. It involves practical work including use of the microscope, microbiology and working with enzymes.
Biology is an extremely popular Science subject at GCSE level. It is an important source of knowledge and training for those whose Science schooling will end at this level and additionally, it is a firm basis for students wishing to continue with a scientific career.
They should be helped to appreciate how the complex and diverse phenomena of the natural world can be described in terms of a small number of key ideas relating to the sciences which are both inter-linked, and are of universal application.
These key ideas include:
- the use of conceptual models and theories to make sense of the observed diversity of natural phenomena
- the assumption that every effect has one or more cause
- that change is driven by differences between different objects and systems when they interact
- that many such interactions occur over a distance without direct contact
- that science progresses through a cycle of hypothesis, practical experimentation, observation, theory development and review
- that quantitative analysis is a central element both of many theories and of scientific methods of inquiry.
Curriculum
Unit 1 CELLS, ORGAN SYSTEMS and ECOSYSTEMS
Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes 45% of qualification
This unit includes the following topics:
- 1.1 Cells and movement across membranes
- 1.2 Respiration and the respiratory system in humans
- 1.3 Digestion and the digestive system in humans
- 1.4 Circulatory system in humans
- 1.5 Plants and photosynthesis
- 1.6 Ecosystems, nutrient cycles and human impact on the environment
Unit 2 VARIATION, HOMEOSTASIS and MICRO-ORGANISMS
Written examination: 1 hour 45 minutes 45% of qualification
This unit includes the following topics:
- 2.1 Classification and biodiversity
- 2.2 Cell division and stem cells
- 2.3 DNA and inheritance
- 2.4 Variation and evolution
- 2.5 Response and regulation
- 2.6 Kidneys and homeostasis
- 2.7 Micro-organisms and their applications
- 2.8 Disease, defence and treatment
Unit 3 PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT
10% of qualification
Each task comprises two sections:
Section A – Obtaining results (6 marks)
Learners will be permitted to work in groups of no more than three, to obtain results from a given experimental method. This will be carried out under a limited level of control i.e. learners may work with others to obtain results but they must provide their own responses to the questions set. Teacher assistance should not normally be required, but may be given if equipment failure occurs. Section A will be completed in one session of 60 minutes duration.
Section B – Analysing and evaluating results (24 marks)
Learners will be assessed on their ability to analyse and evaluate the data obtained in section A. They will require access to their section A assessment in order to complete this. Section B will be carried out under a high level of control i.e. learners must work individually. This section is to be completed with no teacher feedback or assistance allowed and under formal supervision. Section B will be completed in one session of 60 minutes duration
Assessment
This is a unitised qualification which allows for an element of staged assessment
There are two tiers of entry available for this qualification: Higher Tier (Grades A* – D)
Foundation Tier (Grades C – G). Unit 3 (practical assessment) is untiered.
In most cases, we would expect candidates to be assessed within the same tier. Exceptionally, it may be appropriate to enter some candidates for a combination of higher and foundation tier units.
Unit 1: Cells, Organ Systems and Ecosystems (Higher Tier) – 3400UA
Unit 2: Variation, Homeostasis and Micro-organisms (Higher Tier) – 3400UB
Unit 3: Practical Assessment – 3400U3
Access Arrangements
Access Arrangements allow candidates/learners with special educational needs, disabilities or temporary injuries to access the assessment without changing the demands of the assessment.
For example, readers, scribes and Braille question papers. In this way, Awarding Bodies will comply with the duty of the Equality Act 2010 to make ‘reasonable adjustments’.
We can arrange access arrangements and assess you with our special assessor. The deadline for application to the exam board is the February of the year the learner sits exams.
To find out more about exam access arrangements click here
Study Options
You can choose from the following study options:
- Online classes only
- Blended learning – Classes at the campus and online
- Distance learning course
FAQs
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