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Biology

Biology is the science of life, examining the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution and distribution of living things. You will undertake an in depth study of a variety of topics ranging from the physiology of the human body to genetics, the structure and function of the brain to animal and plant ecology.  The A Level course also allows you to explore and better understand issues affecting your environment and addresses topical concerns regarding healthy lifestyles and the prevention and treatment of disease.  The study of biotechnology and genomes involves consideration of bioethical issues and debates and an appreciation of the considerable potential biotechnology holds to improve the quality of human life via, for example, medical and pharmacological advances.

AS Units 1, 2 and 3

Cell Exchange and Transport
What is the basic structure of cells and their organelles?  What potential does stem cell technology have for modern medicine?  How do gas exchange and transport mechanisms work in plants and animals?  How do the lungs function and how does the heart beat?  How are water and minerals delivered to the leaves of plants against gravity?

Molecules, Biodiversity, Food and Health
What is the basic structure of biological molecules such as nucleic acids that make up DNA?  What is meant by a good diet and what is good health?  How does the body defend itself against disease?  What is ecology and how does it affect the biodiversity of organisms?  What is speciation?

Practical and Investigative Skills
This unit teaches and assesses practical and investigative skills related to the topics studied in Units 1 and 2.  You will have the opportunity to carry out qualitative and quantitative practical research projects and experiments.

A2 Units 4, 5 and 6

Communication, Homeostasis and Energy
How do organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environment?  How is diabetes treated?  How does the nervous system work?  How do the kidneys, lungs and liver work to remove waste material from the body?  How do plants photosynthesise to provide energy and oxygen?  How is the energy from plants transformed to produce energy for our own bodies?

Control, Genomes and Environment
How does DNA coding make proteins – the building blocks of life?  Why do some organisms flourish while others become extinct?  What are the practical applications of biotechnology?  How do muscles contract?  How does the human brain enable the learning of skills such as swimming or riding a bicycle?

Practical and Investigative Skills

This Unit allows you to further develop practical and investigative skills related to topics covered in the A2 units and conduct practical research projects and experiments.

How will I be assessed?
The course is assessed by four examination papers comprising short and long answer questions – two in the AS year and two at A2 level.

Do I need to have studied Biology before?
You should have studied Biology at GCSE as part of a Double Award Science or separate Biology course.  Ideally you should have achieved at least a B grade.

Who will teach me?
John Dalton graduated in Biochemistry at London University and has over twenty three years’ teaching experience.  He is a chartered biologist, a Fellow of the Institute of Training and Occupational Learning and a Member of the International Institute for Strategic Studies.  His interests include experimental biology, genetics and evolutionary science and he has an extensive knowledge of natural history, especially the biology of insects.  He is particularly interested in memory skills in relation to the teaching of science and has taught memory and revision skills at leading independent schools.  Mr Dalton previously edited Current Opinion in Gastroenterology and is a published author.  He has lectured in many countries and is a frequent speaker at conferences.

Dr Peter Stanley holds a PhD in Biochemistry from University College London, an MSc in Pharmacology from Kings College and a Bachelors degree from Queen Mary, University of London.  He lectured for several years at UCL and St George’s Medical School before joining the teaching staff of David Game in 1995 and has published widely in academic journals and the scientific press, with many of his articles written specifically for A Level Chemistry and Biology students.  Dr Stanley is a Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Biochemical Society and the Society of Biology, and has conducted extensive research into coronary heart disease and human metabolism.  As a teacher of Biology and Chemistry at David Game, Dr Stanley is keen to help his students draw connections between scientific concepts and to identify patterns between topics and across the scientific curriculum.  He provides tailored tuition to students preparing to sit the BMAT and GAMSAT examinations and frequently conducts mock interviews with students applying for Medicine.  Dr Stanley also acts as an internal examiner for the College’s University Foundation Programme and continues to pursue research in the field of astrobiology.

Which subjects complement Biology?

Biology is a core science subject, which makes it an ideal companion to Chemistry and Physics.  Biology is also highly relevant to Psychology, Geography and Environmental Science.

What careers can Biology lead to?

Biology is a necessary qualification for careers in Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Optometry, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Forensic Science and Osteopathy.