Biology
The two full time Biology specialists who teach below the Sixth Form also teach the Sixth Form. A third part-time Biologist teaches Sixth Form only. Currently Biology is one of the most popular 'AS' choices in the Lower Sixth. The Upper Sixth is somewhat smaller.
The Biology specialists who teach the Sixth form are:
Mr. John Burgess MA, BSc (St. Andrews) FLS has been Head of Biology since 1980 and is also Head of Science. His particular enthusiasm is plant science.
Mr, Michael Burke, BSc (Leeds) is a Biology specialist who has been teaching at Durham School for two years.
Mrs. Diane Evans MA (Oxon) has had a long association with both Durham School and Durham University and currently teaches parts of the Lower and Upper Sixth programmes of study.
The AS Course (Year 12)
Biology: AS 3880 A27880 OCR
Unit 2801- Biology Foundation - 1 hour (30%)
Biology Foundation comprising cell structure, cell function, cell division, how enzymes work. how genes control cells and ecosystems and ecology.
Unit 2802 - Human Health and Disease - 1 hour (30%)
Human Health and Disease comprising diseases and health, effect of diet and smoking on health, the immune system and effects of exercise.
Unit 2803 - Transport - ¾ hour (20%)
In mammals (blood and lymph especially) and in plants (special emphasis in xylem and phloem)
Experimental Skills - 1.5 hours (20%)
These are assessed by a practical examination at the end of the ear.
Course Requirements
An ability to write clear, concise English is a distinct advantage and you also have to do a certain amount of drawing. A sound grasp of Chemistry is vital, as is a degree of mathematical competence. Biology is best offered with Chemistry and Mathematics and/or Physics. Some biologists offer Geography which has worked quite well for some people. This first year of the Biology Sixth Form course is significantly different from pre-2000 syllabuses and right from the start there is more emphasis on molecular biology, biochemistry and physiology.
The A 2 Course (Year 13)
Unit 2804 - Central Concepts - 1.5 hours (15%)
This comprises the biochemistry and physiology of respiration and photosynthesis. Also population ecology, evolution, control and co-ordination in animals and plants.
Unit 2805 - Growth of Organisms - 1.5 hours (10%)
This covers the growth of organisms, control of growth and reproduction.
Unit 2806 - Synoptic Paper (“Unifying Concepts”) - 1¼ hours - (10%)
This draws together knowledge, understanding and skills used throughout the two years of the 'A' level course.
Experimental skills - 1.5 hours (10%)
These are assessed by a practical examination at the end of the year.
Qualifications
The courses are aimed primarily at candidates who are likely to apply for a university degree course in medicine, veterinary science or courses where there is a significant biological emphasis. The AS course is a big step forwand after GCSE Biology and you need to be realistic about your aptitude for a science course. lf you cannot manage to achieve at least a 'B' standard in GCSE science and better than 'C' in English Language and Mathematics then you will find it very hard to succeed in AS and A2 Biology. In particular GCSE candidates will be surprised to discover the amount of chemistry and new terminology which has to be mastered in quite a short time.
Career opportunities
Careers for biologists exist in areas other than medicine, veterinary science, dentistry or farming. Biologists find employment in horticulture, pharmacy, biochemistry, microbiology, brewing and distilling. For courses in medicine and veterinary science, however, It is not enough to be good at Biology: you have to be very good at all our science 'A' levels: A* at GCSE would be evidence of this.
Science
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