Biology

Examination Board: AQA (Website)

Why study Biology?

Biology is a relevant, exciting and challenging subject at Welbeck College. It is an interesting and enjoyable course for all students and not just for Medics and Dentists. The skills developed throughout the course are applicable to all areas of life, not only in the Biology laboratory and will no doubt support you in your future career. Traditionally Biology has strong links with all the Sciences especially Chemistry and is extremely useful for those future Welbexians intending to study AS/A2 Sport and Physical education. In 2006 Biology at Welbeck received an award from the Good Schools Guide for examination results.

At AS the course concentrates on the physiology of the mammalian digestive and gas exchange systems and the basic principles, such as transport across membranes and the role of enzymes which are applicable to all biological systems. Dissections are a major feature of this part of the course. Along side of this, the diseases that can affect these systems and how lifestyle can reduce the risk of contracting such diseases are also studied. An every day issue for any health conscious Welbexian; who is making the right life style choices. The course also concentrates on the study of genetic diversity, observing the differences and similarities between and within species. This involves the comparison of organism on a biochemical basis as well as their cellular organisation.

At A2 the emphasis is on the interaction of living organisms and how their activities affect the ecological balance both directly and indirectly. This involves a practical approach, developing the skills required in the collecting, collating and the statistical analysis of data. These skills can be transferred to any subject area and would be useful for any research or design engineer of the future. Fieldwork is an integral part of this course and residential trips take place in the Christmas term. Also studied is how organisms control their internal environment in response to changes in the internal and external environment and the various control mechanisms that are used. Many forms of modern technology have been modelled on living organisms, so the study of how control mechanisms in living organism actually function and the use of feedback systems are concepts that can be applied successfully to any engineering control system. The present major advances in Biology are also covered, studying the manipulation of the genetic code for agricultural, industrial and medical purposes; which could result in the resolution of some of the major social and economic issues facing the World today.

Trips

• Biology Field Trip (November 2010)