Examination Board : Edexcel
Link to Specification : http://www.edexcel.com/migrationdocuments/GCE%20New%20GCE/spec-gce-biology.pdf
Units Taken : See Below

The syllabus is divided into four units. Units 1, 2 comprise the A/S syllabus and are studied in one year. Students wishing to obtain the A2 Level qualification study two additional units during year 13.
Unit 1: Heart disease, the circulatory system, diet and exercise, the lungs, the role of enzymes, genetics and the social and ethical issues raised by genetic screening and gene therapy.
Unit 2: Genetics and the environment, cell division, sexual reproduction, biodiversity, natural selection, evolution, plants and their structure, sustainability of ecosystems.
Unit 3: Global warming and climate change, ecology, photosynthesis, speciation, immunology and forensic science.
Unit 4: Muscle contraction, respiration and homeostasis, exercise, the brain, disease and drugs.

In biology you will develop practical skills by planning experiments, collecting data, analysing experimental results and making conclusions. You will also learn how scientific models are developed, the applications and implications of science, the benefits and risks that science brings and the ways in which society uses science to make decisions.
Coursework will involve learning about how science works in the outside world will involve a trip to London Zoo. A2 candidates will be trained in fieldwork skills and carry out an extended piece of coursework at Epping Forest field centre.

Entry Requirements (all A2 subjects carry a minimum requirement of a D-grade AS level)

The school offer for entry is 5 GCSEs at B Grade and above with English Language or Literature and Mathematics at A* - C grade.

AS Biology (year 12)
Five GCSEs grades A* - B
Grade B in science GCSE and Grade B in additional science GCSE
Grade B in GCSE single science Biology (you also need to have studied Chemistry and Physics to GCSE level)
Grade C in English and Mathematics.
A2 Biology (year 13)
At least a grade D in AS Biology

Entry Suggestions

What do I need to know, or be able to do, before taking this course?

The qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and practical skills that you gained in GCSE Science and GCSE Additional Science or GCSE Biology. You should also have at least a C grade in GCSE Mathematics, as numerical and mathematical skills are important in biology. You will also need to be able to communicate effectively, be able to plan and carry out research and think critically about problems. Above all you need to be motivated and interested in the subject.

If you are made an offer and meet the required grade, you will be expected to complete the following before your first lesson in September:


Review or find out about the following GCSE topics:
1. The circulatory system including the blood, heart and blood vessels.
2. The structure of DNA and how DNA codes for proteins.
3. Genetics, the work of Gregor Mendel and the monohybrid cross.

Resources needed for this course (Books, Field-trips etc)

Edexcel AS Biology Students' book (ISBN 978-1-4058-9632-0), this is priced at £20

For AS : London Zoo trip which should be free as we are part of Westminster LEA
For A2 : Epping forest field trip is about £85