Biology
Exam Board: Eduqas (part of WJEC)
Course name: A Level Biology
General Information
Saving threatened species, studying microbes, growing organic plants for food, curing diseases, the 21st Century offers many challenges to a biologist. Which ones are you interested in?
New knowledge in areas such as genetics, molecular biology, the environment and marine science have effects on human society and the environment all over the planet. The world moves quickly, in order to move with it and participate fully people need to be “in the know”.
Studying biology gives you the skills and opportunities to advance human knowledge and understanding in today’s world, in order to make a difference to tomorrow’s world in places as diverse as laboratories, the ocean, zoos, classrooms and industry.
Course Outline
Component 1: Energy for Life
Includes subjects such as:
The importance of ATP, Respiration, Photosynthesis, Microbiology, Populations, ecosystems and the human impact on the environment.
33% of qualification.
Component 2: Continuity of Life
Includes subjects such as:
Evolutionary relationships, cell division, sexual reproduction in plants and humans, inheritance, variation and applications of reproduction and genetics.
33% of qualification.
Component 3: Requirements for Life
Includes subjects such as:
Adaptions for gas exchange, transport, nutrition, the nervous system, homeostasis and the kidney.
Plus a choice of one option from these three:
Immunology and Disease
Human Musculoskeletal Anatomy
Neurobiology and Behaviour
33% of qualification.
Throughout these three strands core concepts will also be examined. These include the following topics:
- Biological compounds
- Cell structure and organisation
- Cell membrane and transport
- Enzymes
- Nucleic acids and their functions.
Practical work will be assessed throughout the two year course. At the end of which depending on your performance you will either receive an A level in Biology with or without the practical endorsement.
Careers and Higher Education Opportunities
This year two very talent biologist went to the University of Birmingham to study Medicine and to Aston University to study dentistry respectively.
Recent students have taken degrees in Biomedical Science, Natural Science, Pharmacy and Psychology.
Where can you get more information?
Extra-curricular enrichment opportunities
Regular support sessions will be available at lunchtimes, after school and break times throughout the course to help students with homework, projects and exam preparation.
There is also opportunity for students to help pitch science to our younger students though their involvement in the KS3 science club that runs during a lunchtime slot.
What past students have said about studying Biology at Moseley:
“It was an absolute pleasure having you as my bio teacher for 2 consecutive years. I certainly enjoyed your lessons and I surely learnt a lot, and I hope my appreciations will show up on results day.
I am planning on coming back after exams to help out some of the year 12’s who are potentially applying to Medicine.
Once again, it was an honour”
Chemistry
Exam Board: AQA
Course name: Chemistry
General Information
The teaching and learning programme within the course is driven by the investigation of motivating contemporary chemistry contexts.
You will study aspects of chemistry that are often in the media and affect your life. You will develop the knowledge and understanding to explain many different aspects of contemporary chemistry including:
- climate change
- green chemistry
- pharmaceuticals
- chemistry research
The study of chemistry develops analytical problem solving skills that are in great demand from the world’s best regarded universities and employers. This specification emphasises the fundamental chemistry concepts needed for progression into higher education and employment.
Course Outline
Year 12 AS Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry and relevant practical skills
- Inorganic Chemistry and relevant practical skills
- Organic Chemistry and relevant practical skills
Year 13 A2 Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry and relevant practical skills
- Inorganic Chemistry and relevant practical skills
- Organic Chemistry and relevant practical skills
- The course is now linear and all exams for A-Level are taken at the end of the two years, there will be an opportunity for certification those pupils who only want to complete AS at the end of the first year.
Careers and Higher Education Opportunities
Recent students have taken degrees in Chemical engineering, Chemistry and Pharmacy.
Where can you get more information?
Extra-curricular enrichment opportunities
Regular support sessions will be available at lunchtimes, after school and break times throughout the course to help students with homework, projects and exam preparation.
Physics
Exam Board: OCR
Course name: OCR Physics A
General Information
We all have a need to make sense of the world in which we live, and it is the urge to meet this need that leads us to question every aspect of our lives from the moment we are born into this world. Those of us that develop an interest in Physics quickly begin to question –
‘When and how did the universe begin?’
What is dark energy/dark matter?
‘What is happening inside the atom?’
‘What will be the fate of our universe?’
As well as probing the most fundamental mysteries in nature, Physics forms the scientific basis for most present and future technologies. Modern life is dominated by technological developments based on discoveries in Physics, from ultra-fast computers, nanotechnology, to renewable energy technologies.
Course Outline
Year 12
Practical Endorsement
Module 1 of the specification content relates to the practical skills learners are expected to gain via practical activities embedded throughout the course. These skills are assessed throughout the examinations and also through the practical endorsement. Students will carry out a minimum of 6 practical activities over the course of the year covering a core list of apparatus and skills usage. These will be teacher assessed and are designed to develop students’ practical skills ability to a suitable level of competency. The six practical areas considered during this year will be:
- Investigating motion
- Investigating properties of materials
- Investigating electrical properties
- Investigating electrical circuits
- Investigating waves
- Investigating quantum effects
Careers and Higher Education Opportunities
A-level Physics is an important qualification for many careers. Some A-level Physicists will go on to study Physics and associated courses at university level – this may lead to a career in research and development at university or in industry. Others choose to study Physics because they feel it will provide them with the necessary skills for a career in engineering, finance, meteorology and electronics to name a few.
Where can you get more information/support?
www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/as-a-level-gce-physics-a-h156-h556-from-2015/
www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/as-and-a-level/physics-a-2450
Regular support sessions will be available at lunchtimes, after school and break times throughout the course to help students with homework and exam preparation.
BTEC Level 3 Applied Science
Exam Board: Edexcel
Course name: BTEC National Extended Certificate in Applied Science
General Information
The new BTEC Nationals in Applied Science combine up-to-date industry knowledge with the right balance of the practical, research and behavioural skills you need to succeed in higher education and in their careers.
Course Outline
TOTAL: 4 UNITS
3 MANDATORY UNITS
- Principles and Applications of Science I (90 GLH) Written exam – Set and marked by Pearson
- Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques (90 GLH) – Set and marked internally
- Science Investigation Skills (120 GLH) – Set and marked by Pearson
The fourth optional unit (60 GLH), assessed internally, could cover:
- Physiology of Human Body Systems
- Human Regulation and Reproduction
- Biological Molecules and Metabolic Pathways
- Genetics and Genetic Engineering
- Diseases and Infections
- Applications of Inorganic Chemistry
- Applications of Organic Chemistry
- Electrical Circuits and their Application
- Astronomy and Space Science
The course will also help develop your employability skills including:
- cognitive and problem-solving skills: use critical thinking, approach non-routine problems applying expert and creative solutions, use systems and technology
- intrapersonal skills: communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, self-presentation
- interpersonal skills: self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development.
Careers and Higher Education Opportunities
The new BTEC Nationals in Applied Science use a combination of assessment styles to give you confidence. You can apply your knowledge to succeed in the workplace – and have the study skills to continue learning on higher education courses and throughout their career. The range of vocational assessments – both practical and written – mean you can showcase your learning and achievements to best effect when you take your next step, whether that’s supporting applications to higher education courses or potential employers.