Biology Foundation Course

What do we cover in the course?

Key syllabus elements

·         Characteristics and Organisation of living organisms

·         Biological molecules, Nutrition, Exchange and Transport

·         Respiration, Excretion and Co-ordination

·         Genetics, Variation and Biotechnology

·         Ecology and Pollution

How is it assessed?

Key assessment elements

Paper 1                                                                                                                                                   45 minutes

A multiple-choice paper consisting of 40 items of the four-choice type.

Paper 2                                       

1 hour 15 minutes

Written paper consisting of 80 marks of short-answer and structured questions.

Coursework

A series of practical tests throughout the course – carried out under supervised conditions in the laboratory. A total of 40 marks will be awarded for the best attempts at the 3 skill areas (qualitative, quantitative and evaluative tasks).

We recommend that students who are beginning this course should have previously studied a lower school science curriculum. Students should also have adequate mathematical skills for the content contained in this syllabus.

In addition, it is desirable that students have:

·         an inquisitive mind with a special interest in the natural world;

·         an enthusiasm for biological studies.