EASTER REVISION COURSEGUIDE

A Level Biology

Aims           

1. To revise all major concepts in the core syllabuses of the major UK examining boards
2. To build confidence in the understanding of the fundamental theoretical concepts
3.  To apply the theory learnt to solving problems
4.  To utilise and practise exam techniques and proper revision methods

Course Design           

The course is designed around the core syllabus of all the major UK examination boards and emphasises the following: key facts, definitions, equations; methods for calculations and statistics; key techniques for revision, in particular; how to revise mechanisms like photosynthesis and cell respiration.

Daily Programme           

Each session starts with a short test on the previousday’s work (day 1 excluded). This is followed by a synopsis of the major topics to be revised that session. Emphasis is placed on the areas that most students have problems with and all members of the groups are asked to pinpoint the areas that they find difficult.

The major theoretical concepts are then revised using a wide selection of past paper questions.  These are also used to learn the skills of exam technique.  Students are encouraged to ask questions and to take notes where appropriate. At the end of the session students are given a manageable amount of homework intended to consolidate the theory covered.

The final session each day is skills based, and focusses on synoptic material and an end of course revision text.Students can be given individual help and advice on tricky topics such as statistics and essay writing. Suggestions will then be given to the group as a whole and to individuals on how best to continue their revision programme leading after Ashbourne.

Schedule of Work

AS-level

Molecules           

Water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids

Enzymes           

Kinetics, applications

Cytology           

Prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells, transport across cell membranes, aggregations of cells

DNA replication           

DNA replication, transcription, translation

Cell cycle           

Chromosome structure, mitosis

Transport            

Gas exchange in protozoa, in flowering plants and  in humans, digestion and absorption,transport in mammals and flowering plants,

Reproduction

Meiosis, reproduction in plants and humans

Ecosystems            

Environmental adaptation

Nutrient cycles            

Carbon, nitrogen and water cycles

Energy Sources and human Influence on the environment

A2-level

Respiration           

Metabolic pathways, cellular respiration, aerobic respiration,             anaerobic respiration

Regulation of internal environment           

Mammalian kidney, regulation of blood glucose

Nervous System           

Chemical co-ordination in animals, nervous co-ordination in animals, the central nervous system

Photosynthesis            

Leaf structure, light dependent and light independent reactions.

Plant growth            

Control of growth in plants

Biodiversity            

Classification, distribution of plants and animals, ecological succession, populations, conservation.

Genetics and evolution            

Variation, genes and alleles, sources of new inherited variation, environmental change and evolution, gene technology