Cambridge A & AS Level- Biology
Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology builds on the skills acquired at Cambridge IGCSE (or equivalent) level. The syllabus includes the main theoretical concepts which are fundamental to the subject, some current applications of biology, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills. Practical skills are assessed in a timetabled practical examination.
The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of biology ideas in novel contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills which are transferable to any future career path. Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology is ideal for learners who want to study biology or a wide variety of related subjects at university or to follow a career in science.
Aims of the Syllabus
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Provide, through well-designed studies of experimental and practical biological science, a worthwhile educational experience for all learners, whether or not they go on to study science beyond this level. In particular, it should enable them to-
• become confident citizens in a technological world, with an informed interest in scientific matters
• recognise the usefulness, and limitations, of scientific method and its application in other subjects and in everyday life
• be suitably prepared for studies in biological science beyond Cambridge International A Level, in further or higher education, and for professional courses. -
Develop abilities and skills that-
• are relevant to the study and practice of biological science
• are useful in everyday life
• encourage efficient and safe practice
• encourage effective communication using universal scientific conventions. -
develop attitudes relevant to biological science such as-
• a concern for accuracy and precision
• objectivity
• integrity
• a spirit of enquiry
• initiative
• inventiveness.
4 stimulate interest in, and care for, the local and global environment and help learners to understand the need for conservation.
5 promote an awareness that-
• scientific theories and methods have developed, and continue to develop, as a result of groups and individuals working together, and that biological science overcomes national boundaries
• the study and practice of biology are affected and limited by social, economic, technological, ethical and cultural factors
• the applications of biological science may be both helpful and harmful to the individual, the community and the environment.
• The use of information technology is important for communication, as an aid to experiments and as a tool for interpreting experimental and theoretical results.
6 stimulate learners and create a sustained interest in biology so that the study of the subject is enjoyable and satisfying.
Syllabus
AS Level Biology study the following topics-
- Cell structure
- Biological molecules
- Enzymes
- Cell membranes and transport
- The mitotic cell cycle
- Nucleic acids and protein synthesis
- Transport in plants
- Transport in mammals
- Gas exchange and smoking
- Infectious disease
- Immunity
A Level Biology study the AS topics and the following topics-
12. Energy and respiration
13. Photosynthesis
14. Homeostasis
15. Control and co-ordination
16. Inherited change
17. Selection and evolution
18. Biodiversity, classification and conservation
19. Genetic technology
Objectives of Assessment
1. Knowledge with understanding
Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of-
• scientific phenomena, facts, laws, definitions, concepts and theories
• scientific vocabulary, terminology and conventions (including symbols, quantities and units)
• scientific instruments and apparatus used in biology, including techniques of operation and aspects of safety
• scientific quantities and their determination
• scientific and technological applications, with their social, economic and environmental implications.
The subject content defines the factual knowledge that candidates may be required to recall and explain.
2. Handling information and solving problems
Candidates should be able to handle information and solve problems using written, symbolic, graphical and numerical forms of presentation to-
• locate, select, organise and present information from a variety of sources
• translate information from one form to another
• manipulate numerical and other data
• use information to identify patterns, report trends and draw conclusions
• give reasoned explanations for phenomena, patterns and relationships
• make predictions and hypotheses
• apply knowledge, including principles, to new situations
• demonstrate an awareness of the limitations of biological theories and models
• solve problems.
These assessment objectives cannot be precisely specified in the syllabus content because questions testing such skills may be based on information which is unfamiliar to the candidate. In answering such questions, candidates are required to use principles and concepts that are within the syllabus and apply them in a logical, reasoned or deductive manner to a new situation.
3. Experimental skills and investigations
Candidates should be able to-
• plan experiments and investigations
• collect, record and present observations, measurements and estimates
• analyse and interpret data to reach conclusions
• evaluate methods and quality of data and suggest possible improvements.
Assessment
- Candidates for Advanced Subsidiary (AS) certification take Papers 1, 2 and 3 (either Advanced Practical Skills 1 or Advanced Practical Skills 2) in a single examination series.
- Candidates who, having received AS certification, wish to continue their studies to the full Advanced Level qualification may carry their AS marks forward and take Papers 4 and 5 in the examination series in which they require certification.
- Candidates taking the full Advanced Level qualification at the end of the course take all five papers in a single examination series.
- Candidates may only enter for the papers in the combinations indicated above.
- Candidates may not enter for single papers either on the first occasion or for resit purposes.
- All components will be externally assessed.
Components-
1. Paper 1 Multiple Choice
This paper consists of 40 multiple choice questions, all with four options. All
questions will be based on the AS Level syllabus content. Candidates will answer
all questions. Candidates will answer on an answer sheet.
(1 hour)
(40 marks)
AS Level- 31%
A Level- 15.5%
2. Paper 2 AS Level Structured Questions
This paper consists of a variable number of questions, of variable mark value. All
questions will be based on the AS Level syllabus content. Candidates will answer
all questions. Candidates will answer on the question paper.
(1 hour 15 minutes)
(60 marks)
AS Level- 46%
A Level- 23%
3. Paper 3 Advanced Practical Skills
This paper requires candidates to carry out practical work in timed conditions.
This paper will consist of two or three experiments drawn from different areas
of the AS Level syllabus. Candidates will answer all questions. Candidates will
answer on the question paper.
(2 hours)
(40 marks)
AS Level- 23%
A Level- 11.5%
4. Paper 4 A Level Structured Questions
This paper consists of a variable number of structured questions each with a
variable mark value (Section A) and a choice of one free response style question
worth 15 marks (Section B). All questions will be based on the A Level syllabus
but may require knowledge of material first encountered in the AS Level syllabus.
Candidates will answer on the question paper.
(2 hours)
(100 marks)
A Level- 38.5%
5. Paper 5 Planning, Analysis and Evaluation
This paper consists of a variable number of questions of variable mark value
based on the practical skills of planning, analysis and evaluation. Candidates will
answer on the question paper.
(1 hour 15 minutes)
(30 marks)
A Level– 11.5%
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