What is it?
The study of living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environment, at the whole organism and cellular level.
Why study this subject at Blackpool Sixth?
Excellent teaching with enrichment opportunities for biomedical and biological sciences, including: support for medical applicants, pond dipping, links with Blackpool Victoria Hospital, and a trip to Blackpool Zoo.
What skills will I develop?
- Practical skills
- Mathematical skills
- Application of knowledge in unfamiliar contexts
- Scientific essay writing
- Research and referencing
- Drawing conclusion from evidence
How will I be taught?
- The student notes provided will be used to focus on helping you to develop your understanding of each topic
- Question packs in class to help you apply this understanding to past paper questions
- You will be taught how to reflect on your responses to past paper questions to enable you to recognise key theories and improve your use of terminology
- You will be given electronic access to class resources such as presentations, mark scheme, activities completed in class
- Formal assessment each week including; hard copies of past paper questions, electronic quizzes via google classroom and the use of Quizlet
How will I be assessed?
100% exam with 3 papers (2 hours each) at the end of year 2. There are 12 required practicals assessed throughout the course which are graded pass/fail.
Teacher expertise
All biology staff are examiners in the subject, each with at least 8 years teaching experience.
Field trips, projects and employability opportunities
There is an opportunity to complete a pond survey to determine pollution levels, and to visit Blackpool Zoo to learn about conservation. Some of our students complete an extended project in the subject. Students can apply to take part in the department’s Science Club and for those who wish to study medicine can apply to take part in Medical Society.
Where does it lead?
Biochemistry, physiology and pharmacology, biological sciences, biomedical science, medicine, environmental science, psychology.
Equipment
No specific equipment is required.
Examination board
AQA.
What will I study?
- Biological molecules
- Cells
- Exchange of substances
- Genetic information and variation
- Energy transfer in and between organisms
- Responses to internal and external environments
- Population genetics and evolution
- Control of gene expression
Specific requirements
- Grade 6 and 5 from GCSE Combined Science (higher tier), or grade 6 in GCSE Biology plus a grade 5 in GCSE Maths.