Term 1: Module 2 - Cell structure
Biology is the study of living organisms. Every living organism is made up of one or more cells, therefore understanding the structure and function of the cell is a fundamental concept in the study of biology. Since Robert Hooke coined the phrase ‘cells’ in 1665, careful
observation using microscopes has revealed details of cell structure and ultrastructure and provided evidence to support hypotheses regarding the roles of cells and their organelles.
Practical activities are embedded within the learning outcomes of the course to encourage practical activities in the classroom which contribute to the achievement of the Practical Endorsement. The PAGs assessed in this unit are PAG1 Microscopy After completing this unit, students will sit a 20 minute test covering 2.1.1 Cell structure (AO1, AO2, AO3).
Monosaccharide
A simple sugar, the most basic carbohydrate. They have the general formula CnH2nOn.
Cellulose
A polysaccharide which offers structural support.
Ester bond
A chemical bond between glycerol and a fatty acid.
Polypeptide
A molecule which consists of more than two amino acids.
Cofactor
A substance which is required by an enzyme in order to make it work.
Nucleic Acid
DNA and RNA are nucleic acids which both carry information.
Semi-conservative replication
A theory describing DNA replication which results in two new strands, each with an original and a new strand.
Eukaryotic cell
A type of cell containing membrane-bound organelles and a 'true' nucleus.
Prokaryotic cell
A cell which lacks a membrane-bound, or true, nucleus.
Phospholipid bilayer
Making up the cell membrane, the phospholipid bilayer consists of two outward facing phospholipids (phosphate group with an associated fatty acid).
Develop the individual:
Students work together collaboratively thus developing social skills such as team work and decision making.
Create a supportive community:
Working with others to achieve a task.
Term 1: Module 2 - Nucleotides and Nucleic acids
Nucleic acids are essential to heredity in living organisms. Understanding the structure of nucleotides and nucleic acids allows an understanding of their roles in the storage and use of genetic information and cell metabolism.
Practical activities are embedded within the learning outcomes of the course to encourage practical activities in the classroom which contribute to the achievement of the Practical Endorsement. The PAGs assessed in this unit are PAG9 Qualitative testing and PAG10 Investigation using data logger or computer modelling. After completing this unit, students will sit a 20 minute test covering 2.1.3 Nucleic acids (AO1, AO2, AO3).
Transpiration
The movement of water through a plant from the roots due to evaporation from aerial parts, such as leaves, stems and flowers.
Translocation
The movement of sugars and other substances such as amino acids, around a plant. Movement is both up and down the plant.
Endopeptidases
A type of enzyme which breaks bonds within a protein.
Micelles
Tiny structures formed when a lipid is broken down; monoglycerides and fatty acids stick with bile salts to form micelles.
Electrocardiograph
A machine that records the electrical activity of the heart. The trace produced is called an electrocardiogram, or ECG.
Syphgmomanometer
A device used to measure blood pressure. Systolic and diastolic readings are obtained.
Xylem
Plant tissue which transports water and mineral ions in solution.
Phloem
Plant tissue which transports solute like sugars, around the plant.
Develop the individual:
Students work together to achieve tasks. They also gain an understanding of organisms and how they work.
Create a supportive community:
Appreciation of differences between organisms.
Term 1: Module 2 - Biological molecules
The cells of all living organisms are composed of
biological molecules. Proteins, carbohydrates and
lipids are three of the key groups of biological
macromolecules that are essential for life. A study of
the structure of these macromolecules allows a better
understanding of their functions in living organisms.
Practical activities are embedded within the learning outcomes of the course to encourage practical activities in the classroom which contribute to the achievement of the Practical Endorsement. The PAGs assessed in this unit are; PAG5 Colorimeter, PAG6 Chromatography or electrophoresis, PAG9 Qualitative Testing and PAG10 Investigation using a data logger or computer modelling. After completing this unit, students will sit a 20 minute test covering 2.1.2 Biological Molecules (AO1, AO2, AO3).
Develop the individual:
Students work together collaboratively thus developing social skills such as team work and decision making.
Create a supportive community:
Working with others to achieve a task.
Term 3: Module 3 - Transport in animals
As animals become larger and more active, transport systems become essential to supply nutrients to, and remove waste from, individual cells. Controlling the supply of nutrients and removal of waste requires the coordinated activity of the heart and circulatory system.
Practical activities are embedded within the learning outcomes of the course to encourage practical activities in the classroom which contribute to the achievement of the Practical Endorsement. The PAG assessed in this unit is PAG2 Dissection. After completing this unit, students will sit a 20 minute test covering 3.1.2 Transport in animlas (AO1, AO2, AO3).
Develop the individual:
Students work together collaboratively thus developing social skills such as team work and decision making.
Create a supportive community:
Working with others to achieve a task.
Term 2: Module 2 - Cell division
During the cell cycle, genetic information is copied and passed to daughter cells. Microscopes can be used to view the different stages of the cycle.
In multicellular organisms, stem cells are modified to produce many different types of specialised cell. Understanding how stem cells can be modified has huge potential in medicine. To understand how a whole organism functions, it is essential to appreciate the importance of cooperation between cells, tissues, organs and organ systems.
Practical activities are embedded within the learning outcomes of the course to encourage practical activities in the classroom which contribute to the achievement of the Practical Endorsement. The PAG assessed in this unit is PAG1 Microscopy After completing this unit, students will sit a 20 minute test covering 2.1.6 Cell division (AO1, AO2, AO3).
Develop the individual:
Students work together collaboratively thus developing social skills such as team work and decision making.
Create a supportive community:
Working with others to achieve a task.
Term 2: Module 2 - Biological membranes
Membranes are fundamental to the cell theory. The structure of the plasma membrane allows cells to communicate with each other. Understanding this ability to communicate is important as scientists
increasingly make use of membrane-bound receptors as sites for the action of medicinal drugs.
Understanding how different substances enter cells is also crucial to the development of mechanisms for the administration of drugs.
Practical activities are embedded within the learning outcomes of the course to encourage practical activities in the classroom which contribute to the achievement of the Practical Endorsement. The PAGs assessed in this unit are PAG5 Colorimeter and PAG8 Transport in and out of cells. After completing this unit, students will sit a 20 minute test covering 2.1.5 Biological membranes (AO1, AO2, AO3).
Develop the individual:
Students work together collaboratively thus developing social skills such as team work and decision making.
Create a supportive community:
Working with others to achieve a task.
Term 2: Module 2 - Enzymes
Metabolism in living organisms relies upon enzyme controlled reactions. Knowledge of how enzymes
function and the factors that affect enzyme action has
improved our understanding of biological processes
and increased our use of enzymes in industry.
Practical activities are embedded within the learning outcomes of the course to encourage practical activities in the classroom which contribute to the achievement of the Practical Endorsement. The PAG assessed in this unit is PAG4 Rates of enzyme controlled
reactions. After completing this unit, students will sit a 20 minute test covering 2.1.4 Enzymes (AO1, AO2, AO3).
Develop the individual:
Students work together collaboratively thus developing social skills such as team work and decision making.
Create a supportive community:
Working with others to achieve a task.
Term 3: Module 3 - Transport in plants
As plants become larger and more complex, transport
systems become essential to supply nutrients to, and
remove waste from, individual cells.
The supply of nutrients from the soil relies upon the
flow of water through a vascular system, as does the
movement of the products of photosynthesis
Practical activities are embedded within the learning outcomes of the course to encourage practical activities in the classroom which contribute to the achievement of the Practical Endorsement. The PAGs assessed in this unit are; PAG1 Microscopy, PAG2 Dissection, PAG5 Potometer and PAG11 Investigation into the measurement of plant or animal responses. After completing this unit, students will sit a 20 minute test covering 3.1.3 Transport in plants (AO1, AO2, AO3).
Develop the individual:
Students work together collaboratively thus developing social skills such as team work and decision making.
Create a supportive community:
Working with others to achieve a task.
Term 3: Module 3 - Exchange surfaces
As animals become larger and more active, ventilation and gas exchange systems become essential to supply oxygen to, and remove carbon dioxide from, their bodies.
Ventilation and gas exchange systems in mammals, bony fish and insects are used as examples of the properties and functions of exchange surfaces in animals.
Practical activities are embedded within the learning outcomes of the course to encourage practical activities in the classroom which contribute to the achievement of the Practical Endorsement. The PAGs assessed in this unit are PAG1 Microscopy, PAG2 Dissection and PAG10 Investigation using a data logger or computer modelling. After completing this unit, students will sit a 20 minute test covering 3.1.1 Exchange surfaces (AO1, AO2, AO3).
Develop the individual:
Students work together collaboratively thus developing social skills such as team work and decision making.
Create a supportive community:
Working with others to achieve a task.
Term 4: Module 4 - Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the variety and complexity of life. It is an important indicator in the study of habitats. Maintaining biodiversity is important for many reasons. Actions to maintain biodiversity must be taken at local, national and global levels.
Practical activities are embedded within the learning outcomes of the course to encourage practical activities in the classroom which contribute to the achievement of the Practical Endorsement. The PAG assessed in this unit is PAG3 Sampling techniques. After completing this unit, students will sit a 20 minute test covering 4.1.2 Biodiversity (AO1, AO2, AO3).
Develop the individual:
Students work together collaboratively thus developing social skills such as team work and decision making.
Create a supportive community:
Working with others to achieve a task.
Term 4: Module 4 - Communicable diseases
Organisms are surrounded by pathogens and have evolved defences against them. Medical intervention can be used to support these natural defences. The mammalian immune system is introduced.
Practical activities are embedded within the learning outcomes of the course to encourage practical activities in the classroom which contribute to the achievement of the Practical Endorsement. The PAG assessed in this unit is PAG1 Microscopy After completing this unit, students will sit a 20 minute test covering 4.1.1 Communicable diseases (AO1, AO2, AO3).
Develop the individual:
Students work together collaboratively thus developing social skills such as team work and decision making.
Create a supportive community:
Working with others to achieve a task.
Term 5: Module 4 - Classification and evolution
Evolution has generated a very wide variety of organisms. The fact that all organisms share a common ancestry allows them to be classified. Classification is an attempt to impose a hierarchy on the complex and dynamic variety of life on Earth. Classification systems have changed and will continue to change as our knowledge of the biology of organisms develops.
Practical activities are embedded within the learning outcomes of the course to encourage practical activities in the classroom which contribute to the achievement of the Practical Endorsement. There are no formal PAG activities associated with this unit. After completing this unit, students will sit a 20 minute test covering 4.2.2 Classification and evolution. (AO1, AO2, AO3)
Develop the individual:
Students work together collaboratively thus developing social skills such as team work and decision making.
Create a supportive community:
Working with others to achieve a task.
Terms 1-6: Module 1 - Development of skills in practical Biology
The development of practical skills is a fundamental and integral aspect of the study of any scientific subject. These skills not only enhance learners’ understanding of the subject but also serve as a suitable preparation for the demands of studying biology at a higher level.
Practical activities are embedded within the learning outcomes of the course to encourage practical activities in the classroom which contribute to the achievement of the Practical Endorsement. Students will sit a 40 minute test during directed learning sessions.
Hypothesis
A proposed explanation based on limited evidence which is used as a starting point for further investigation.
Independent variable
A variable or factor that does not depend on another. It is the variable that is changed in a scientific experiment.
Dependent Variable
The variable or factor which is affected by another variable. It is the 'measured' variable within an experiment.
Random error
Errors caused by unknown and unpredictable changes in a measurement, either due to measuring instruments or environmental factors.
Precise / precision
Precision refers to how close measurements of the same item are to each other. Precision is independent of accuracy.
Accuracy
How close a measurement is to the true or accepted value.
Anomaly / anomolous
A result which appears different to other measurements or does not fit the expected trend.
Critical value
Values that define regions where the test statistic unlikely to lie.
Quantitative
Pertaining to numerical data
Qualitative data
Pertaining to non-numerical data.
Develop the individual:
Development of social skills such as team work and collaborative learning.
Create a supportive community:
Developing a collaborative approach to tasks.