Course Content
The Course consists of seven sections:-

The Biosphere
ecosystems; how ecosystems work; influence of man

The World of Plants
variety; growth & reproduction; making food

Animal Survival
food, feeding and digestion; reproduction; water and waste: responding to the environment

Investigating Cells
cell structure; mitotic cell division; diffusion and osmosis: enzymes; aerobic respiration

The Body in Action
movement; need for energy, breathing & circulation; coordination; levels of fitness

Inheritance
variation; genetics; society and genetics

Biotechnology
microbes; profit from waste; genetic engineering

The course gives pupils the opportunity to understand themselves and the natural world in which they live. An emphasis is placed on the pupil investigating topics using various practical activities. Dissections are optional.

Folio and Project work:
none

Course Assessment
Practical abilities are assessed internally.
Pupils are assessed on:-
• 10 technique skills
• Ability to design, carry out and write up a minimum of 2 investigations.

The practical abilities grade accounts for one fifth of the final grade.

External assessment is at two levels, Credit and General. Each level assesses Knowledge and Understanding and Problem Solving abilities. There is an examination paper for each level, which lasts 1.5 hours.