Biology / Biology (Human)

98 Pages·2002·0.47 MB·English

Version 1.1
General Certificate of Education
Biology / Biology (Human)
Specification A
This specification should be read in conjunction with:
Specimen and Past Papers and Mark Schemes
Examiners’ Reports
Teachers’ Guide
AQA ADVANCED SUBSIDIARY GCE BIOLOGY 5411
AQA ADVANCED GCE BIOLOGY 6411
AQA ADVANCED SUBSIDIARY GCE BIOLOGY (HUMAN) 5413
AQA ADVANCED GCE BIOLOGY (HUMAN) 6413
This specification will not be re-issued anually but will remain in force until further notice.
Details of any amendments to the document will be notified to centres both in print and on
the Website (www.aqa.org.uk). The version on the Website will be updated and become
the definitive version of the specification.
In the Spring Term before the start of the course, details of any year-specific information,
such as set texts, theme/topics, will be notified to centres in print and on the Website.
Black sidelines indicate a significant change or addition made to the specification published for 2003
.
Further copies of this specification booklet are available from:
Aldon House, 39, Heald Grove, Rusholme, Manchester, M14 4NA
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
or download from the AQA Website: www.aqa.org.uk
© Assessment and Qualifications Alliance 2002
COPYRIGHT
AQA retains the copyright on all its publications, including the specimen units and mark
schemes/teachers’ guides. However, the registered centres for AQA are permitted to copy material
from this specification booklet for their own internal use, with the following exception: AQA cannot
give permission to centres to photocopy any material that is acknowledged to a third party even for
internal use within the centre.
Set and published by the Assessment and Qualifications Alliance.
Printed in Great Britain by Page Brothers, Mile Cross Lane, Norwich, Norfolk, NR6 6SA
The Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales 3644723 and a
registered Charity 1073334
Registered address Addleshaw Booth & Co., Sovereign House, PO Box 8, Sovereign Street, Leeds LS1 1HQ
The AQA was formed by the merger of the Associated Examining Board (AEB)/Southern Examining Group (SEG) and the Northern
Examinations and Assessment Board (NEAB).
Kathleen Tattersall, Director General.
Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced, 2004 onwards - Biology/Biology (Human) A
Contents
Background Information
1 Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level
Specifications 5
2 Specification at a Glance 6
3 Availability of Assessment Units and Entry Details 7
Scheme of Assessment
4 Introduction 9
5 Aims 10
6 Assessment Objectives 10
7 Scheme of Assessment – Advanced Subsidiary 12
8 Scheme of Assessment – Advanced Level (AS+A2) 14
Subject Content
9 Summary of Subject Content 17
10 AS Module 1 - Molecules, Cells and Systems
(Biology and Human Biology) 20
11 AS Module 2 - Making Use of Biology
(Biology only) 26
12 AS Module 3 - Pathogens and Disease
(Human Biology only) 31
13 AS Module 4 - Centre-Assessed Coursework
(Biology and Human Biology) 37
14 A2 Module 5 - Inheritance, Evolution, Ecosystems
(Biology and Human Biology) 38
(cid:1)(cid:2)(cid:3)
3
Biology/Biology (Human) A - Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced, 2004 onwards
15 A2 Module 6 - Physiology and the Environment
(Biology only) 45
16 A2 Module 7 - The Human Life-Span
(Human Biology only) 53
17 A2 Module 8 /9 - Centre-Assessed Coursework and Synoptic
Paper (Biology and Human Biology) 61
Key Skills and Other Issues
18 Key Skills - Teaching, Developing and Providing
Opportunities for Generating Evidence 62
19 Spiritual, Moral, Ethical, Social, Cultural
and Other Issues 66
Centre-Assessed Components
20 AS - Module 4 – Requirements and Guidance
for Assessment 69
21 A2 - Module 8b/9b – Requirements and Guidance
for Assessment 77
22 Supervision and Authentication 83
23 Standardisation 84
24 Administrative Procedures 85
25 Moderation 87
Awarding and Reporting
26 Grading, Shelf-Life and Re-Sits 88
Appendices
A Grade Descriptions 89
B Coursework Record Forms 92
C Overlaps with other Qualifications 97
(cid:1)(cid:2)(cid:3)
4
Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced, 2004 onwards - Biology/Biology (Human) A
Background Information
1 Advanced Subsidiary and
Advanced Level Specifications
1.1 Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Advanced Subsidiary courses were introduced from September 2000
for award of the first qualification in August 2001. They may be used
in one of two ways:
•
as a final qualification, allowing candidates to broaden their studies
and to defer decisions about specialism;
•
as the first half (50%) of an Advanced Level qualification, which
must be completed before an Advanced Level award can be made.
Advanced Subsidiary is designed to provide an appropriate
assessment of knowledge, understanding and skills expected of
candidates who have completed the first half of a full Advanced Level
qualification. The level of demand of the AS examination is that
expected of candidates half-way through a full A Level course of
study.
1.2 Advanced Level (AS+A2) The Advanced Level examination is in two parts:
•
Advanced Subsidiary (AS) – 50% of the total award;
•
a second examination, called A2 – 50% of the total award.
Most Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level courses will be
modular. The AS will comprise three teaching and learning modules
and the A2 will comprise a further three teaching and learning
modules. Each teaching and learning module will normally be
assessed through an associated assessment unit. The specification
gives details of the relationship between the modules and assessment
units.
With the two-part design of Advanced Level courses, centres may
devise an assessment schedule to meet their own and candidates’
needs. For example:
•
assessment units may be taken at stages throughout the course, at
the end of each year or at the end of the total course;
•
AS may be completed at the end of one year and A2 in January or
June;
•
AS and A2 may be completed at the end of the same year.
Details of the availability of the assessment units for each
specification are provided in Section 3.
(cid:1)(cid:2)(cid:3)
5
Biology/Biology (Human) A - Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced, 2004 onwards
2 Specification at a Glance
Biology/Human Biology
AS Examination
Unit 1 (Biology/Human Biology)
1½ hours 35% of the total AS marks
17.5% of the total A Level marks
EITHER OR
Unit 2 (Biology only) Unit 3 (Human Biology only)
1½ hours 35% AS 1½ hours 35% AS
17.5% A Level 17.5% A Level
Advanced Unit 4 (Biology/Human Biology)
Subsidiary Award
5411 (Biology) Centre-assessed Coursework 30% of the total AS marks
15% of the total A Level marks
5413 (Human Biology)
+
A2 Examination
Unit 5 (Biology/Human Biology)
1½ hours 15% of the total A Level marks
EITHER OR
Unit 6 (Biology only) Unit 7 (Human Biology only)
(Terminal) (Terminal)
1½ hours 15% A Level 1½ hours 15% A Level
(inc. 5% synoptic) (inc. 5% synoptic)
Unit 8(a) (Biology only) Unit 9(a) (Human Biology only)
(Terminal) (Terminal)
1¾ hours 10% A Level 1¾ hours 10% A Level
Advanced Award
(all synoptic) (all synoptic)
6411 (Biology) Unit 8(b)/9(b) (Biology/Human Biology)
(Terminal)
Centre-assessed Coursework 10% of the total A Level marks
6413 (Human Biology)
(5% synoptic)
AS Award Advanced Level Award
Biology Papers 1, 2, 4 (5411) Papers 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8(a) and 8(b) (5411) + (6411)
Human Biology Papers 1, 3, 4 (5413) Papers 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9(a) and 9(b) (5413) + (6413)
(cid:1)(cid:2)(cid:3)
6
Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced, 2004 onwards - Biology/Biology (Human) A
3 Availability of Assessment Units
and Entry Details
3.1 Availability of Assessment Examinations based on this specification are available as follows:
Units
Availability of Availability of
Units Qualification
AS A2 AS A Level
January all all
(cid:1) (cid:1)
June all all (cid:1) (cid:1)
3.2 Sequencing of Units A Level Biology consists of Units 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 8a and 8b.
A Level Human Biology consists of Units 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 9a and 9b.
It is recommended that the units are taken in numerical order. Units
6 and 8a and 8b include the synoptic assessment of the whole A Level
course, testing candidates’ understanding of connections between
different elements of Biology. Similarly, Units 7 and 9a and 9b are the
synoptic assessment for the A Level Human Biology.
3.3 Entry Codes Normal entry requirements apply, but the following information
should be noted. The following unit entry codes should be used:
AS A2
Unit 1 - BYA1 Unit 5 - BYA5
Unit 2/3 - BYA2 or BYA3 Unit 6/7 - BYA6 or BYA7
Unit 4 - BYA4 Unit 8 – BYA8
consisting of BYA8/1 (8a)
and BYA89/2 (8b)
Unit 9 – BYA9
consisting of BYA9/1 (9a)
and BYA89/2 (9b)
The Subject Code for entry to the AS only award is:
5411 for Biology or
5413 for Biology (Human).
The Subject Code for entry to the Advanced Level is made up of the
AS code plus the A2 code, i.e.
5411 plus 6411 for Biology
5413 plus 6413 for Biology (Human).
(cid:1)(cid:2)(cid:3)
7
Biology/Biology (Human) A - Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced, 2004 onwards
3.4 Prohibited Combinations Candidates entering for this examination are prohibited from entering
for any other GCE Biology or Human Biology specification in the
same series. This does not preclude candidates taking AS and A2
units in the same specification with AQA in the same examination
series.
Every specification is assigned to a national classification code
indicating the subject area to which it belongs.
Centres should be aware that candidates who enter for more than one
GCE qualification with the same classification code, will have only
one grade (the highest) counted for the purpose of the School and
College Performance Tables.
The classification code for this specification is 1010 for Biology and
1030 for Biology (Human).
3.5 Private Candidates This specification is not available to private candidates unless an
AS/A2 award has already been made within 12 months. In which
case the results for the coursework components, AS Unit 4 and/or
A2 Unit 8b/9b may be carried forward, if the rest of the qualification
is being retaken.
Private candidates should write to AQA for a copy of “Supplementary
Guidance for Private Candidates”.
3.6 Special Consideration Special consideration may be requested for candidates whose work
has been affected by illness or other exceptional circumstances. The
appropriate form and all relevant information should be forwarded to
the AQA office which deals with such matters for the centre
concerned. Special arrangements may be provided for candidates
with special needs.
Details are available from AQA. Centres should ask for a copy of
“Regulations and Guidance relating to Candidates with Particular
Requirements”.
3.7 Language of All assessment Units in this subject are provided in English only.
Examinations
(cid:1)(cid:2)(cid:3)
8
Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced, 2004 onwards - Biology/Biology (Human) A
Scheme of Assessment
4 Introduction
This GCE Biology/Biology (Human) specification complies with:
•
the Subject Criteria for Biology;
•
the GCSE, GCE and VCE Code of Practice 2000/2001;
•
the GCE Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level Qualification-
Specific Criteria;
•
the Arrangements for the Statutory Regulation of External
Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland; Common
Criteria.
AQA has developed two specifications in Biology which offer
distinctive approaches to the teaching and assessment of the subject
and provide continuity for centres which followed the previous
syllabuses offered by AEB and NEAB.
This specification, Specification A, was modelled on the AEB syllabus
and offers a Biology or Human Biology route through the AS and A
Level as shown in the ‘Specification at a Glance’ in Section 2.
Specification B was developed from the NEAB Biology syllabus and
offers optional modules (one of three) in A2 providing greater depth
in specialist areas.
Prior level of attainment and This specification has been designed to be accessible to a wide range
recommended prior learning of candidates in both full and part-time education. Both
Specifications A and B build on the knowledge, understanding and
skills set out in the National Curriculum Key Stage 4 Programme of
Study for GCSE Double Science.
Rationale The specification provides an opportunity to gain a sound
understanding of biology through the study of fundamental biological
principles whilst exploring modern applications of Biology/Human
Biology.
The specification provides an appropriate foundation for further
study of Biology/Human Biology or related subjects in higher
education. In addition it provides a worthwhile course for candidates
of various ages and from diverse backgrounds in terms of general
education and lifelong learning.
(cid:1)(cid:2)(cid:3)
9
Biology/Biology (Human) A - Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced, 2004 onwards
5 Aims
This AS and A Level specification encourages candidates to:
a. develop essential knowledge and understanding of concepts of
biology, and the skills needed for the use of these in new and
changing situations;
b. develop an understanding of scientific methods;
c. be aware of advances in technology, including information
technology, relevant to biology;
d. recognise the value and responsible use of biology in society;
e. sustain and develop their enjoyment of, and interest in, biology.
In addition, the A Level specification encourages candidates to:
f. show knowledge and understanding of facts, principles and concepts
from different areas of biology and to make and use connections
between them.
6 Assessment Objectives
Assessment objectives (AOs) 1, 2 and 3 are the same for AS and
A Level. AO4 applies only to the A2 part of the A Level course.
The scheme of assessment will assess candidates’ ability to:
At AS and A Level
6.1 Knowledge with a. recognise, recall and show understanding of specific biological facts,
Understanding (AO1) terminology, principles, concepts and practical techniques;
b. draw on existing knowledge to show understanding of the ethical,
social, economic, environmental and technological implications and
applications of biology;
c. select, organise and present relevant information clearly and logically,
using appropriate specialist vocabulary.
6.2 Application of knowledge a. describe, explain and interpret phenomena and effects in terms of
and understanding, analysis, biological principles and concepts, presenting arguments and ideas
synthesis and evaluation clearly and logically, using specialist vocabulary where appropriate;
(A02)
b. interpret, and translate from one form into another, data presented as
continuous prose, or in tables, diagrams, drawings and graphs;
c. apply biological principles and concepts in solving problems in
unfamiliar situations including those which relate to the ethical, social,
economic and technological implications and applications of biology;
d. assess the validity of biological information, experiments, inferences
and statements.
(cid:1)(cid:2)(cid:3)
10