1. Why study Biology?
Studying biology gives you the skills and opportunities to advance human knowledge and understanding in today’s world, in order to make a difference to tomorrow’s world.

2. Advanced Level Biology
Edexcel
SNAB
AS & A2

3. The Salters Context Approach AS
Unit 1
Topic 1
Lifestyle, health & risk
Topic 2
Genes & health
Structure and function of the circulatory system including heart and blood vessels
Atherosclerosis formation
Structure and function of carbohydrate & lipids
Effect of diet and exercise on CHD
Cell membrane structure and transport across it
Protein synthesis, structure and enzyme function
DNA structure and replication
Genetic inheritance and treatment
Unit 2
Topic 3
The voice of the genome
Topic 4
Biodiversity and natural resources
Cell ultrastructure and structure and function of cell organelles
Meiosis, gamete formation and fertilisation
Asexual reproduction and mitosis
Gene expression and its interaction with the environment
Species and the environment
Species adaptation
Biodiversity and taxonomy
Plant structure and function
Conservation and endangered species
Unit 3
Issue report – Individual report on a biological issue of your own choice

4. The Salters Context Approach A2
Unit 4
Topic 5
On the wild side
Topic 6
Infection, immunity and forensics
Ecosystems
Consequences of climate change
Natural selection and evolution
Our responsibility towards the environment
Work of forensic pathologists
How time of death is established
Bacteria and viruses
How the body fights infection
Why people are still dying from infectious diseases
Unit 5
Topic 7
Run for your life
Topic 8
Grey matter
Muscle structure and function
Respiration
The effect of exercise on the body
Homeostasis/maintenance of body temp
Medical technogy in sport
How plants respond to environmental change
Mammalian nervous system
Brain and Parkinson’s disease
Human Genome Project
Unit 6
Investigation – Individual investigation

5. Assessment External 2 module written exams 80% AS Coursework –
Issue report
20%
A2 Individual investigation 20%
Internal
Homework
Verbal feedback
Unit tests
Mock exams
Core practical activities

6. Extending the curriculum
Field Trip
AS students experience a day as ecologists, studying succession at Studland Bay Nature Reserve
Bristol zoo trip
A2 students see classification and conservation in context during a specially designed workshop run by the zoo
@ Bristol
AS students spend a day, at the ‘Glaxo’ sponsored workshop, isolating and identifying DNA. This is a great opportunity to use the latest genetic technology

7. Minimum Entry Requirement
B grade in GCSE Science
Triple or additional

8. Careers in Biology Agriculture Food and Drink
Animal husbandry; Farm management; Veterinary science; Agricultural product testing; Agricultural engineering; Agricultural sales and marketing.
Biomedicine
Medicine; Dentistry; Clinical science; Physiological measurement; Pharmaceutical industry; Radiography and radiotherapy.
Communications
Information science; Journalism; Publishing; Broadcasting; Film and video; Museum work; Science promotion.
Education
Teaching and lecturing; Laboratory support; Educational resources; Psychology; Sport and fitness training; Health and safety.
Environment
Ecology; environmental protection; Waste management; Nature conservation; Environmental health; Town and country planning.
Food and Drink
Brewing; Food quality assurance; Food product development; Catering technology; Pest control; Food and drink retailing.
Genetics
Research, Clinical cytogenetics, Molecular cytogenetics, Counselling.
Healthcare
Ambulance service; Nursing; Physiotherapy; Dietetics; Podiatry; Occupational therapy.
Horticulture
Floristry; Commercial growing; Horticulture research; Horticulture retailing; Landscaping and amenity horticulture; Groundsmanship.
Marine Biology
Research; Education; Resource Management.
Natural Resources
Water quality control; Water for recreation; Fish farming; Fisheries inspection and research; Forestry; Countryside for leisure.