A2 Biology comprises three units or modules. The first two units are assessed by examinations. The third component usually involves some method of practical assessment (this is dependent on the Examination Group). Examination Groups use either centre assessed coursework or a practical examination.

Centre-based coursework involves practical skills marked by your teacher.

The marks can be adjusted by moderators appointed by the awarding body. If a practical examination is an option, it is based on identical skills to the centre assessed option.

Some groups also include another part to the third component. This is a short
examination of further content.

Tests are taken at two specific times of the year, January/February and June. It can
be an advantage to you to take a unit test at the earlier optional time because you
can re-sit the test, (only once !) The best mark from the two will be credited and
the lower mark ignored.

If you are disappointed with a module result, you can resit each module once. You will need to be very careful about when you take up a resit opportunity because ou will have only one chance to improve your mark. The higher mark counts.

A unit or module can be retaken once but the complete course can be repeated in the future, should you wish to improve further.

A2 and synoptic assessment
Most students who study A2 have already studied to AS Level. There are three further units or modules to be studied. Some units are optional, so it is the choice of the Centre e.g. ‘Applications of Genetics,’ ‘Environmental Biology,’ or ‘Microbiology and Biotechnology.’

Every A Level specification includes synoptic assessment at the end of A2. Synoptic questions draw on the ideas and concepts of earlier units, bringing them together in holistic contexts. Examiners will test your ability to inter-relate topics through the complete course from AS to A2.

Coursework
Coursework may form part of your work in Biology A2 course, depending on which specification you study. Where students have to undertake coursework it is usually for the assessment of practical skills.

Key skills
Your work in Biology AS and A2 can be used to gain a further award, the Key skills qualification. This helps you to develop important skills that are needed, whatever you do beyond A Level. The Key skills include: Application of number, Communication and Information Technology. There are three levels of award; Biology AS and A2 have opportunities to study one or more of the key skills, e.g.
Communication – an average A2 student may be expected to achieve a Level 3.

A2 Biology is an excellent opportunity to achieve key skills. A coursework investigation can be used to achieve key skill levels. It is worth taking time to submit your coursework in a way which satisfies A2 Biology and key skill criteria. Discussing your experimental design, results and conclusions is beneficial to both you and other students. You must collect a portfolio evidence of each skill to show your level of competence. The awarding body specification will show opportunities of appropriate topics which can also be used to develop key skills. Additionally the QCA publication, Introduction to key skills will be helpful. Other subjects may be used to develop your key skills as well as AS and A2 Biology.

Key skills are in demand by Further Education institutions and by employers.

What skills will I need?

For A2 Biology, you will be tested by assessment objectives: these are the skills and abilities that you should have acquired by studying the course. The assessment objectives shown below.

Knowledge with understanding
• recall of facts, terminology and relationships
• understanding of principles and concepts
• drawing on existing knowledge to show understanding of the responsible use of biological applications in society
• selecting, organising and presenting information clearly and logically

Application of knowledge and understanding, and evaluation
• explaining and interpreting principles and concepts
• interpreting and translating, from one to another, data presented as continuous prose or in tables, diagrams and graphs
• carrying out relevant calculations
• applying knowledge and understanding to familiar and unfamiliar situations
• assessing the validity of biological information, experiments, inferences and statements

You must also present arguments and ideas clearly and logically, using specialist vocabulary where appropriate. Remember to balance your argument!

Experimental and investigative skills
Biology is a practical subject and part of the assessment of A2 Biology will test your practical skills. This may be done during your lessons or may be tested in a more formal practical examination.

You will be tested on four main skills:
• planning • analysing evidence and drawing conclusions
• implementing • evaluating evidence and procedures.

The skills may be assessed in the context of separate practical exercises although more than one skill may be assessed in any one exercise. They may also be assessed all together in the context of a ‘whole investigation’. An investigation may be set by your teacher or you may be able to pursue an investigation of your own choice.

You will receive guidance about how you practical skills will be assessed from your teacher. This Study Guide concentrates on preparing you for the written examinations testing the subject content of A2 Biology.