Sir John Deane's Course Prospectus 2018 1 Sir John Deane's_Courses | Page 20

Biology
Course Breakdown
Course Summary
• Exam board is AQA
Paper Content Marks Duration Weighting
Paper 1 Any content from topics 1-4, including relevant
practical and maths skills 91 2 hours 35%
Paper 2 Any content from topics 5-8, including relevant
practical and maths skills 91 2 hours 35%
Paper 3 Any content from topics 1-8, including relevant
practical and maths skills plus an essay 78 2 hours 30%
Summary of A level Content Topic 7: Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
Topic 1: Biological molecules Genetic inheritance; Evolution and natural selection;
Ecosystems and ecology.
Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins; Enzymes; DNA and
RNA; ATP, water, inorganic ions
Topic 2: Cells
Cell structure; Cell division; Transport across cell
membranes; The immune system
Topic 3: Organisms exchange substances with their
environment
Gas exchange; Digestion and absorption; The heart and
blood transport in animals; Water and glucose transport
in plants.
Topic 8: The control of gene expression
Control of gene expression; Using genome projects;
Gene technologies and genetic engineering
Students will also complete 12 required practicals over
the two years including: Investigation into the effect of
a named variable on the rate of an enzyme-controlled
reaction; Production of a dilution series of a solute to
produce a calibration curve with which to identify the
water potential of plant tissue; Dissection of animal or
plant gas exchange or mass transport system.
Topic 4: Genetic information, variation and relationships
between organisms
DNA, genes and chromosomes; Protein synthesis;
Genetic diversity by mutation or meiosis Classification
and taxonomy.
Topic 5: Energy transfer in and between organisms
Photosynthesis; Respiration; Energy and ecosystems;
Nutrient cycles
Topic 6: Organisms respond to changes in their internal
and external environments
Control of Heart Rate; The nervous system and receptors;
Muscles; Control of body temperature, blood glucose
and blood water.
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