6BI01 Introduction and Water!

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The 6BI01 unit, like all other main units, it worth 120 UMS points. The raw score, like all other main units, is 80 marks. Units 3(B) and 6(B) are worth 60 UMS. Unit 3B's raw score is 40 and 6B's is 50.

In AS, 6BI01 is worth 40% of the total grade earned! In the full A Level, this unit is worth 20%. So, it it clear that this unit is heavily weighted in the AS year so you should try you best to perform well. This is a fairly simple and straightforward unit. If you learn the concepts and familiarise yourself with previous questions and how they are answered you should earn yourself a nice, solid A. I scored 101/120 in this unit, but I had the potential to score 120/120. I underestimated the time factor and omitted lots of raw marks because time ran out. I knew the answers to to the questions I left out! I sat this unit in June 2009 and the time for this paper was 1 hour 15 minutes. The examiners realised that we were pressed for time so they increase the time for this paper to 1 hour 30 minutes. The raw marks remain unchanged.

How Science Works

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The specifications for the new Edexcel science subjects state that How Science Works (HSW) is a newly introduced section of the GCE Science criteria, that builds on from the Key Stage 4 Programme of Study for science. The concept of HSW isn't quite new however, it's just that HSW now plays a major role in testing students' scientific knowledge.

I have found quite a nifty definition of what HSW means from this article. Here is the meaning:

So what does "how science works" actually mean? In addition to teaching the "facts" of science, teachers are now required to teach students things like "there are some questions that science cannot currently answer, and some that science cannot address", and that scientific and technological developments have their "benefits, drawbacks and risks".

Course structure for Edexcel Biology and Chemistry - Part One

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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.

The beginning...

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Hi! Welcome to my blog.

I have just finished my two-year Advanced Level course and I have decided to make a blog to help others who will be doing A Levels. I have a passion for science and most of the help I intend to give will be based on science subjects (specifically Biology and Chemistry). I do not like Mathematics or Physics and so I do not feel confident in giving advice in these fields. I'm no expert either. I am going to start university this fall and I really hope that I have a wonderful time there!

All my subjects were taken through the Edexcel examining body and so most of the content I post here will reflect that. I am in no way affiliated with Edexcel. I do not own anything that is of the 'Edexcel name'. I am simply a 'tutor' who intends to share information on two specifications created by said exam board.

There are many resources on the internet for A Level subjects. I particular find The Student Room to be very helpful. As time progresses, I will post links to more useful websites. The A Level section of 'TSR' will be of most interest to you if you wish to primarily utilise the website for academic reasons. I do suggest that you create an account there as you will gain access to a plethora of resources! You will find many helpful notes and recent past papers and markschemes there. I will keep you posted with what's relevant to your Biology and Chemistry specifications.