The Biology courses fulfil the twin aims of developing.
effective exam technique.
efficient revision skills.
Through the study of core topics, we will help you to become aware of ‘the Biology behind the questions’, to develop a clear understanding of what the examiners are asking for, and to cultivate precision in your answering skills. Above all, we aim to make Biology so exciting that you will be eager to tackle the task of final revision for your June exams.
All students attending the course will be provided with a complete set of revision worksheets, containing over a hundred past paper questions, which they can take away with them. We hope that these will serve both as a motivator and as a useful resource during pre-exam revision.
The courses and exam techniques are tailored particularly to AQA and OCR specifications but share some common features with other exam boards. Those following other specifications should contact us for advice before applying.
At the end of each day there may be time, depending on the group requirements, for a short surgery session in which students can seek help on topics other than those listed below or get help with specific course work problems.
The pace of the course is fast because there is a lot to cover and we need to keep you exam focussed. We try, however, to make sure you understand the more complex aspects of the specification so you can remember it in the exam.
AS Core Topics
Molecules Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, food tests, chromatography.
Enzymes Enzyme structure, activation energy, lock and key and induced fit models, effects of pH, temperature, enzyme and substrate concentration and inhibitors.
Cells Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure, microscopes, cell fractionation, the cell membrane and the transport of materials across it.
DNA Nucleic acid structure, the nature of the genetic code, protein synthesis, DNA replication, mitosis and the cell cycle.
Heart and Lungs The heart, the cardiac cycle, blood and the cardiovascular system, gas exchange in humans.
A2 Core Topics
Metabolism The biochemistry of photosynthesis and cell respiration, the role of ATP.
Genetics Meiosis, variation, Monohybrid and dyhibrid inheritance, population genetics, natural selection and evolution.
Nerves & the eye Receptors, the eye, nerves, synapses, the action potential, reflex arcs and the layout of the nervous system.
The Kidney The production of urea, kidney function, osmoregulation.
Synoptic Past paper practice and skill development, how to write essays.
