Biology
AIMS OF SUBJECT:
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To contribute to students' general education through their involvement in the process of scientific investigation and the acquisition of biological knowledge and understanding
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To encourage in students an attitude of scientific enquiry, of curiosity and self-discovery through (i) individual study and personal initiative (ii) team work (iii) class-directed work
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To develop an understanding of biological facts and principles
RATIONALE FOR SUBJECT:
The objectives of the syllabus are:
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Knowledge, Understanding and Skills Students should have a knowledge and understanding of biological facts, terms, principles, concepts, relationships and experimental techniques, including practical laboratory skills. Such skills should include • an ability to carry out practical work, laboratory work and fieldwork activities safely and effectively • an ability to record and interpret biological data.
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Application and Interface with Technology Students should be able to apply, where possible, their knowledge and understanding of biology in environmental, industrial, agricultural, medical, waste management and other technological contexts.
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Science in the Political, Social and Economic Spheres Students should be able to apply, where possible, their knowledge and understanding of biology in personal, social and economic spheres and to make informed evaluations about contemporary biological issues.
SUBJECT TOPICS/ SYLLABUS CONTENT:
UNIT ONE: BIOLOGY - THE STUDY OF LIFE
Sub-unit 1.1: The Scientific Method
Sub-unit 1.2: The Characteristics of Life
Sub-unit 1.3: Nutrition
Sub-unit 1.4: General Principles of Ecology
Sub-unit 1.5: A Study of an Ecosystem
UNIT TWO: THE CELL
Sub-unit 2.1: Cell Structure
Sub-unit 2.2: Cell Metabolism
Sub-unit 2.3: Cell Continuity
Sub-unit 2.4: Cell Diversity
Sub-unit 2.5: Genetics
UNIT THREE: THE ORGANISM
Sub-unit 3.1 Diversity of Organisms
Sub-unit 3.2 Organisation and the Vascular Structures
Sub-unit 3.3 Transport and Nutrition
Sub-unit 3.4 Breathing System and Excretion
Sub-unit 3.5 Responses to Stimuli
Sub-unit 3.6 Reproduction and Growth
ASSESSMENT:
A brief breakdown of the assessment criteria for the LC exam (project %, final exam % etc.)
Also please add the possible levels available - foundation, ordinary, higher, common etc.
The syllabus will be assessed in relation to its learning objectives through a terminal examination paper. This is a 100% written exam and is 3 hours long. All material within the syllabus is examinable. Practical work is an integral part of the study of biology.
POSSIBLE CAREER OPTIONS:
Teaching
Pharmacy
Medicine
Dentistry
Physiotherapy
Sports and exercise science
Biotechnology
Biomedical science
AIMS OF SUBJECT:
- To contribute to students' general education through their involvement in the process of scientific investigation and the acquisition of biological knowledge and understanding
- To encourage in students an attitude of scientific enquiry, of curiosity and self-discovery through (i) individual study and personal initiative (ii) team work (iii) class-directed work
- To develop an understanding of biological facts and principles
RATIONALE FOR SUBJECT:
The objectives of the syllabus are:
- Knowledge, Understanding and Skills Students should have a knowledge and understanding of biological facts, terms, principles, concepts, relationships and experimental techniques, including practical laboratory skills. Such skills should include • an ability to carry out practical work, laboratory work and fieldwork activities safely and effectively • an ability to record and interpret biological data.
- Application and Interface with Technology Students should be able to apply, where possible, their knowledge and understanding of biology in environmental, industrial, agricultural, medical, waste management and other technological contexts.
- Science in the Political, Social and Economic Spheres Students should be able to apply, where possible, their knowledge and understanding of biology in personal, social and economic spheres and to make informed evaluations about contemporary biological issues.
SUBJECT TOPICS/ SYLLABUS CONTENT:
UNIT ONE: BIOLOGY - THE STUDY OF LIFE
Sub-unit 1.1: The Scientific Method
Sub-unit 1.2: The Characteristics of Life
Sub-unit 1.3: Nutrition
Sub-unit 1.4: General Principles of Ecology
Sub-unit 1.5: A Study of an Ecosystem
UNIT TWO: THE CELL
Sub-unit 2.1: Cell Structure
Sub-unit 2.2: Cell Metabolism
Sub-unit 2.3: Cell Continuity
Sub-unit 2.4: Cell Diversity
Sub-unit 2.5: Genetics
UNIT THREE: THE ORGANISM
Sub-unit 3.1 Diversity of Organisms
Sub-unit 3.2 Organisation and the Vascular Structures
Sub-unit 3.3 Transport and Nutrition
Sub-unit 3.4 Breathing System and Excretion
Sub-unit 3.5 Responses to Stimuli
Sub-unit 3.6 Reproduction and Growth
ASSESSMENT:
A brief breakdown of the assessment criteria for the LC exam (project %, final exam % etc.)
Also please add the possible levels available - foundation, ordinary, higher, common etc.
The syllabus will be assessed in relation to its learning objectives through a terminal examination paper. This is a 100% written exam and is 3 hours long. All material within the syllabus is examinable. Practical work is an integral part of the study of biology.
POSSIBLE CAREER OPTIONS:
Teaching
Pharmacy
Medicine
Dentistry
Physiotherapy
Sports and exercise science
Biotechnology
Biomedical science