If you're from the UK and you are taking Edexcel Biology and Chemistry at the Advanced Level, you will have to take four written examinations. If you're an international student, you will have to take two additional exams which serve as the written alternative to practicals/coursework.
EDEXCEL BIOLOGY
The official specification can be downloaded here.
The international extension to this specification is here.
The specification code for AS Biology is: 8BI01
The specification code for A2 Biology is: 9BI01
You will have to take a total of six units in the entire course. Units 1, 2, 4 and 5 include the actual content which you must learn. Units 3, 3B, 6 and 6B examine practical aspects to the course. I will focus more on Units 3B and 6B since these are the written alternatives to coursework and they often test content taken directly from the specification. The codes for Unit 3 and 6 are: 6BI03 & 6BI06. The codes for 3B and 6B are: 6BI07 & 6BI08.
Each of the 'main' units is divided into two topics.
Unit 1: Lifestyle, Transport, Genes and Health, 6BI01
-Topic 1: Lifestyle, health and risk
This topic begins with a consideration of the structure and functions of a number of molecules, including water, carbohydrates and triglycerides. The structure and function of the cardiovascular system is also included as an introduction to the ways in which diet and lifestyle factors may affect the heart and circulatory system. Ideas about correlation, causation and the concept of risks to health are covered.
-Topic 2: Genes and health
This topic begins with a consideration of the structure and functions of the cell membrane and gas exchange surfaces. The structure and properties of proteins, enzyme and nucleic acids lead to the genetic code and protein synthesis. Principles of inheritance, gene therapy and genetic screening are included, giving opportunities for discussion of the social and ethical issues surrounding genetic screening for genetic conditions.
Unit 2: Development, Plants and the Environment, 6BI02
-Topic 3: The voice of the genome
This topic begins with an overview of cell structure and considers how cell ultrastructure is related to function. Cell division and cell aggregation to form tissues and organs are also included. The topic then considers meiosis, the formation of gametes, fertilisation, stem cells, gene expression and cell differentiation. The role of the genotype and effect of the environment on phenotype is also stressed.
-Topic 4: Biodiversity and natural resources
This topic begins with a comparison of the structure of a typical plant cell with that of an animal cell, and the structure and roles of cellulose and starch. The relationship between plant tissues, xylem and sclerenchyma, is also included. The topic continues with a consideration of the importance of plant products to humans, species diversity, and how diversity arises through natural selection and evolutionary change. The role of zoos in the conservation of endangered species is also described.
Unit 4: The Natural Environment and Species Survival, 6BI04
-Topic 5: On the wild side
This topic builds an appreciation that photosynthesis is the primary process that underpins the majority of ecosystems, and provides students with an understanding of how ecosystems work. The topic continues by looking at whether climate change will lead to extinction of species or evolution by natural selection, and looks at the evidence for global warming and its effects on plants and animals. By the end of the topic students should appreciate how scientific understanding can make us aware of our responsibilities as stewards of the environment.
-Topic 6: Infection, immunity and forensics
This topic starts by looking at how forensic pathologists use a wide variety of analytical techniques to determine the identity of a person or other animal, and to establish the time and cause of death of an organism, including humans. It then considers how bacteria and viruses use a variety of routes into their hosts and how hosts have evolved barriers and internal mechanisms to combat infections. These protections are not always successful and many people in the world still die from infectious diseases. This topic also investigates the evolutionary battles that take place between invading pathogens and their hosts.
Unit 5: Energy, Exercise and Coordination, 6BI05
-Topic 7: Run for your life
This topic begins with a study of muscle structure and function, and the ways in which energy is provided by means of aerobic and anaerobic respiration. The responses of the heart and respiratory system to exercise are included, with the concept of homeostasis and its importance in both the regulation of body temperature and at the molecular level with a reference to gene switching. The topic ends by considering the effects of both too much and too little exercise on the body, how medical technology is used in relation to sports, and the ethical positions with respect to the use of performance-enhancing substances by athletes.
-Topic 8: Grey matter
This topic begins by considering how plants detect and respondto changes in their environment. This is followed by details of the structure and function of the mammalian nervous system, including imaging techniques to investigate the brain. This is developed into an enquiry into how imbalances in brain chemicals may result in conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and its treatment with drugs. The topic requires students to discuss the ethics of the Human Genome Project and to consider the risks and benefits associated with the use of genetically modified organisms.
In each of these unit tests, you will be presented with objective questions (choosing answers from given options), structured questions and short answer questions. Short answer questions require you to write a phrase or a word. Structure questions will require you to carefully think about your answer and arrange your ideas in a logical manner. Questions denoted with an asterisk (*) will test your quality of written communication (QWC). Your answers to QWC questions must use correct grammar and appropriate language. You must avoid spelling key terms incorrectly. It is usually best to write your QWC answers in prose format but I do think that answers in bullet or point form can score full marks provided that you fulfill the stated QWC requirements and you include relevant points.
In my next post, I will outline the Chemistry specification.
If you have any questions or doubts and you need advice you are always welcome to contact me :)
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