WJEC Biology for A2: Student Bk

Assessment The contents of the WJEC AS and A Level Biology course are shown in the table below: Component Topic AS /A2 Year 1 Unit 1 – Basic biochemistry and cell organisation Chemical elements are joined together to form biological compounds Cell structure and organisation Cell membranes and transport Enzymes Nucleic acids Cell division Unit 2 – Biodiversity and physiology of body systems Evolutionary history Gas exchange Transport Nutrition A2 Year 2 Unit 3 – Energy, homeostasis and the environment Importance of ATP Photosynthesis Respiration Microbiology Population size and ecosystems Human impact on the environment Homeostasis and the kidney Nervous system Unit 4 – Variation, inheritance and Options Sexual reproduction in humans Sexual reproduction in plants Inheritance Variation and evolution Application of reproduction and genetics Option A – Immunology and disease Option B – Human musculoskeletal anatomy Option C – Neurobiology and behaviour Assessment objectives Examinations test not only your subject knowledge, but also skills associated with how you use that knowledge. These skills are described in Assessment Objectives, and examination questions are written to reflect them, with marks in the proportions shown: Unit % of total marks Unit weightings AO1 AO2 AO3 AS 1 20 17.5 22.5 10 2 20 17.5 22.5 10 A2 3 25 6.7 10.8 7.5 4 25 6.7 10.8 7.5 5 10 2.6 5.4 2.0 A Level total 100 30 45 24 You must meet these Assessment Objectives in the context of the subject content, which is given in detail in the specification. Assessment objective AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures. Assessment objective AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures: ▪ in a theoretical context ▪ in a practical context ▪ when handling qualitative data ▪ when handling quantitative data. Assessment objective AO3 Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence to: ▪ make judgements and reach conclusions ▪ develop and refine practical design and procedures. Mathematical skills assessed will contribute 10% of the marks, at a minimum. Practical skills assessed will contribute 15% of the marks, at a minimum. Examination questions will present information in novel situations. You are not expected to be familiar with these new scenarios, but you will be tested on how well you apply your own knowledge to them. It is essential to select and communicate information and ideas concisely and accurately, using appropriate scientific terminology. This skill will be tested within all three assessment objectives. WJEC A2 Biology 6