| Term 1 | Cell Structure & Suitability Assessment | |
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| The cells of all living organisms are composed of biological molecules. Proteins, carbohydrates and lipids are three of the key groups of biological macromolecules that are essential for life. A study of the structure of these macromolecules allows a better understanding of their functions in living organisms |
| Assessment: Students will sit a 40 minute test during directed learning sessions. | Key Words and Terms |
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| Term 1 | Biological Molecules Introduction | |
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| The cells of all living organisms are composed of biological molecules. Proteins, carbohydrates and lipids are three of the key groups of biological macromolecules that are essential for life. A study of the structure of these macromolecules allows a better understanding of their functions in living organisms. |
| Assessment: Students will sit a 40 minute test during directed learning sessions. | Key Words and Terms |
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| Term 2 | Biological Membranes & Cell Division | |
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| Membranes are fundamental to the cell theory. The structure of the plasma membrane allows cells to communicate with each other. Cell division is a fundamental process that underpins life on earth. |
| Assessment: Students will sit a 40 minute test during directed learning sessions. | Key Words and Terms |
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| Term 2 | Biomolecules; Nucleic Acids, and Enzymes | |
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| Metabolism in living organisms relies upon enzyme controlled reactions. Knowledge of how enzymes function and the factors that affect enzyme action has improved our understanding of biological processes and increased our use of enzymes in industry. |
| Assessment: Students will sit a 40 minute test during directed learning sessions. | Key Words and Terms |
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| Term 3 | Exchange Surfaces | |
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| As animals become larger and more active, ventilation and gas exchange systems become essential to supply oxygen to, and remove carbon dioxide from, their bodies. Ventilation and gas exchange systems in mammals, bony fish and insects are used as examples of the properties and functions of exchange surfaces in animals. |
| Assessment: Students will sit a 40 minute test during directed learning sessions. | Key Words and Terms |
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| Term 3 | Transport in Animals & Plants | |
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| As animals become larger and more active, transport systems become essential to supply nutrients to, and remove waste from, individual cells. Controlling the supply of nutrients and removal of waste requires the coordinated activity of the heart and circulatory system. As plants become larger and more complex, transport systems become essential to supply nutrients to, and remove waste from, individual cells. The supply of nutrients from the soil relies upon the flow of water through a vascular system, as does the movement of the products of photosynthesis. |
| Assessment: Students will sit a 40 minute test during directed learning sessions. | Key Words and Terms |
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| Term 4 | Classification & Biodiversity | |
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| Evolution has generated a very wide variety of organisms. The fact that all organisms share a common ancestry allows them to be classified. Classification is an attempt to impose a hierarchy on the complex and dynamic variety of life on Earth.
The need to conserve environmental resources in a sustainable fashion is considered, whilst appreciating the potential conflict arising from the needs of an increasing human population. Learners also consider the impacts of human activities on the natural environment and biodiversity. |
| Assessment: Students will sit a 40 minute test during directed learning sessions. | Key Words and Terms |
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| Term 4 | Immunology | |
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| Students gain an understanding of the variety of organisms that are pathogenic and the way in which plants and animals have evolved defences to deal with disease. |
| Assessment: Students will sit a 40 minute test during directed learning sessions. | Key Words and Terms |
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| Term 5 | Biodiversity & Revision | |
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| The need to conserve environmental resources in a sustainable fashion is considered, whilst appreciating the potential conflict arising from the needs of an increasing human population. Learners also consider the impacts of human activities on the natural environment and biodiversity. |
| Assessment: Students will sit a 40 minute test during directed learning sessions. | Key Words and Terms |
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| Term 5 | Classification & Revision | |
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| Evolution has generated a very wide variety of organisms. The fact that all organisms share a common ancestry allows them to be classified. Classification is an attempt to impose a hierarchy on the complex and dynamic variety of life on Earth. |
| Assessment: Students will sit a 40 minute test during directed learning sessions. | Key Words and Terms |
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| Term 6 | Communication & Homeostasis and Excretion | |
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| It is important that organisms, both plants and animals are able to respond to stimuli. This is achieved by communication within the body, which may be chemical and/or electrical. Both systems are covered in detail in this module. Communication is also fundamental to homeostasis with control of temperature, blood sugar and blood water potential being studied as examples. |
| Assessment: Students will sit a 40 minute test during directed learning sessions. | Key Words and Terms |
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| Term 6 | Cellular Control & Patterns of Inheritance | |
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| Mechanisms can lead to the accumulation of different genetic information in populations, potentially leading to new species. Over a prolonged period of time, organisms have changed and some have become extinct. The theory of evolution explains these changes. Humans use artificial selection to produce similar changes in plants and animals. |
| Assessment: Students will sit a 40 minute test during directed learning sessions. | Key Words and Terms |
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