BIOLOGY AT FETTES AT FETTES AT FETTES ... - Fettes College

A A LEVEL
LEVEL
AS and A Level Biology follows the OCR syllabus. Three modules are required for an
AS and six for an A2 Level qualification and all courses are taught with a high level of
practical work incorporated into the schemes of work.
AS Biology H0201 consists of three modules:
1. Cells, Exchange & Transport - cytology, breathing & transport in plants.
2. Molecules, Biodiversity, Food & Health - biochemistry, food & production, health
& disease, biodiversity & Evolution & classification.
3. Practical Skills in Biology - this consists of three practical assessments by can be
taken up to three times each and the best mark carried forward.
A2 Biology consists of the following Units:
1. Communication, Homeostasis and Energy. This consists
of respiration, photosynthesis, populations, nervous system and homeostasis.
2. Control, Genomes and Environment. This consists of theoretical genetic crosses,
genetic engineering, human genetics, biotechnology and ecology.
3. Practical Skills in Biology 2. This consists of internally assessed practical
coursework.
IB Biology can be taken at both Standard and Higher Level. Higher level candidates
complete a compulsory 60 hours of practical work as part of their coursework and
Standard level 40 hours.
The syllabus is very extensive and option topics include Neurobiology and behavior,
Evolution and Exercise and Disease.
IB
FIELD FIELD WORK
WORK
As well as the ecological field work carried out in the grounds of Fettes, all Third Form
pupils attend a 'field week' in Abernethy at the end of the summer term. Both the
Biology and Geography Department carry out field work during this week. Here pupils
have the opportunity to study aquatic ecosystems and observe both current and former
native wildlife at the Highland Wildlife Park. It is not all hard work and pupils have the
option of practicing their outdoor skills in rock climbing, canoeing and other exciting
activities. At the end of the week, pupils write a report on a topic studies during the
field week for which there is a substantial prize for the top three.
All A Level and IB Biologists get a chance to attend a Marine Biology field course at the
end of the Lower Sixth. This is held at the University Marine Biology Station, Millport,