SWANSHURST SCHOOL SCIENCE

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AS Biology Welcome Pack

2016
Our new text book
978-0-19-835192-4
A level Biology A for OCR Student book
Authors Fullick, Locke and Bircher
Welcome to Biology!
Congratulations on an excellent choice. Biology is relevant to life in the
21st Century and is a subject that mixes well with other sciences,
maths, humanities and arts subjects.

You will build on what you have learned in GCSE and study in more
depth fascinating topics such as cells, DNA, bio-molecules, transport,
evolution, disease and biodiversity.
The other important part of our OCR course is HSW (how science
works) which includes communicating in a scientific way, carrying out
experiments properly and understanding ethical issues.

In this pack you will receive…

• Overview of the AS year

• Summary of specification, including assessment
• Expectations – essential to your success
• List of some useful websites – you definitely should look at
them!!
• Induction task to be brought to your first Biology lesson in
September.
Year Plan of AS Biology

Module Lessons per External

Time Teachers
taught week Assessment
September -
Module 3 and 4 Minority 2 Exam in June
May

September -
Module 1 and 2 Majority 3 Exam in June
May
PAG Practical
September - Shared by Included in
Skills In Biology Coursework
June your teachers lessons
1
Exams in the
Preparation Shared by
June - July 5 following
for A2 your teachers
June

Link to the specification

http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/171736-specification-accredited-a-level-gce-biology-
a-h420.pdf
 Biology Induction
Year 1 consists of 4 units:

Module 1
evaluation planning implementing
analysis skills, apparatus, techniques
Development of practical skills in biology
Module 2
Cell structure Nucleic acids Enzymes
Biological molecules Membranes, cell division
Foundations in biology
Module 3
Transport in animals
Exchange surfaces Transport in plants
Exchange and transport
Module 4
Biodiversity Classification Evolution
Immune system Disease
Biodiversity, evolution and disease

How you will be assessed – in year 1 will be for most people by 2 internal exams but
they will be the same design as described below :-

Both exams (01 and 02) contain some synoptic assessment. Component (02) contains some extended
response questions – short essays.

Breadth in biology (Component 01) This component assesses content from across all teaching
modules, 1–4. The component is worth 70 marks and is split into two sections and assesses content
from all teaching modules. Learners answer all questions. Section A contains multiple choice
questions. This section of the paper is worth 20 marks. Section B includes short answer question
styles (structured questions, problem solving, calculations, practical). This section of the paper is
worth 50 marks.
Depth in biology (Component 02) This component assesses content from across all teaching
modules, 1–4. Learners answer all questions. This component is worth 70 marks. Question styles
include short answer (structured questions, problem solving, calculations, practical) and extended
response questions.
Expectations in A level Biology – to be monitored in the first 3 weeks

You can expect that your teachers will….

• Plan your lessons to give you the best chance of performing well in your exams and
coursework.

• Set you regular tests, interim assessments and homework questions to monitor the learning
outcomes in this subject. Many of these will be set on kerboodle – see the front page.

• Mark your work regularly and give you feedback about how you can improve

• Be available outside of lesson time to give you help and support

• Talk to your other teachers in this subject to discuss your progress

• Report any concerns to the Head of Science/ Sixth Form and your form tutor

In return we expect that you will….

• Organise your lesson notes and homework into a folder and bring your latest notes to every
lesson

• Hand in completed homeworks/ exam questions on time (before the deadline)

• Attend all lessons, if you are going to be absent for a trip or appointment, inform your
teacher beforehand and get the work so you can keep up (avoid making appointments in
lessons unless you want to be very unpopular).

• Arrive to lessons on time.

• Prepare yourself for regular exam question assessments.

• Spend at least 1 hour per week doing additional research and reading in Biology.

• Participate fully in class discussions and practicals.

• It is recommended that you subscribe/read regularly Biological Science Review magazine.

Copies and further details can be found in centre library.

Recommended websites
You can get masses of information from the internet, but it can take a while to find sites you
like. Here are a few sites to have a look at.
Brilliant info on cells and other topics for first module – I will be using it myself!! It is AQA but
still good! http://www.biologyguide.net/

BiologyMad has quite detailed notes. Good if you have found a topic difficult in class and want
to go over it again or for adding useful information to your class work.
http://www.biologymad.com/master.html?http://www.biologymad.com/ASBiology.htm

Cells Alive. Good interactive diagrams and some pretty pictures of different cells. Good for
understanding relative sizes of living things.
http://www.cellsalive.com/index.htm

S-cool. Good general revision site, does other subjects. It has short revision notes for each
topic with a quick quiz to test your understanding. It has printable notes too. You have to log
on though. Has animations which are good.
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/biology
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Mark Rothery’s Biology Web Site. Comprehensive notes on topics,
quite densely written so not the easiest to read and based on AQA. However, exam style
questions with answers are available for each topic, which is very useful.
http://www.mrothery.co.uk/

AS revision 101 – lots of downloadable and well produced OCR notes by Daniel – good for him, he must
have a lot of free time!! http://asbiology101.wordpress.com/unit-1-2/
There are also sites like student room and get revising which have sets of notes – not all guaranteed to be
accurate though – check them first!
 AS Biology Induction Tasks
1 RESEARCH
What to do
You are required to research into
“the use of microscopy to observe and investigate different types of
cell and cell structure in a range of eukaryotic organisms.”
You need to be able to explain what sort of picture/image is seen
when using the following types of microscopes and their main use(s)
in biology.

1 light microscope
2 transmission electron microscope
3 scanning electron microscope
4 laser scanning confocal microscope

Assessment of research.

This is how your work will be graded :-

For Grade A –
 Detailed information about how all 4 microscopes listed above produce images and an
example image for each showing a structure eg nucleus and what it looks like or an
example of how the microscope can be useful. You can do more microscopes than
those listed as long as you have examples of their use.
 Mention the resolution and magnification for the microscopes studied.
 Use your own words (NO PLAGARISM)
 Your information must be from at least 4 sources – at least 1 book, 1 review
magazine (biological science review), 1 person and websites – and listed in the
bibliography – see below.
 Some precise data and research results e.g. exact genes involved, link between 1 factor
and death rates etc.
 You should mention the importance of this work to science and/or society
 Write in paragraphs for no more than 3 sides with good presentation
 No spelling mistakes
 Correct scientific terminology
 Alphabetical list of all references – people, books, review magazine and detailed website
addresses, write this down as a bibliography at the end of your answer.

How to start your research for a magazine.

Click on library on the school website, then scroll down to phillip allan for hodder
education, and click on this to get the online archive.
Click on search magazine content in the blue rectangle.
You can select biological science review at this point but it will still work if you do all magazines.
Type in your search topic eg microscopy. There’s several interesting articles on different types
of Microsopy.
(The copies from this year will be on the shelf in the library.)

2Exam question – find and print out Jan 12 F211

http://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/79339-question-paper-unit-f211-
cells-exchange-and-transport.pdf
Question 4

3 Produce an illustrated booklet on testing food substances for the main food
types – reducing and non-reducing sugars, starch, proteins and fats. It should
include the method to test, the positive and negative results and possible
foods that would contain this food type. For a grade A, information about how
the test works could be included.
Note of warning - last year’s groups were not very good at writing about testing
for non-reducing sugars e.g. sucrose.

4 Describe with the aid of diagrams and photographs, the external and
internal structure of the mammalian heart. Explain, with the aid of diagrams,
the roles of the valves and pressure changes in the cardiac cycle.

5 Biodiversity study.
Choose 1 endangered animal species and 1 endangered plant species and
answer the following questions about them.
1 Give the exact classification of the chosen species.
2 Describe 1 method used to conserve each species in-situ (eg marine
conservation zone or wildlife reserve)
3 Describe 1 method used to conserve each species ex-situ (eg seed
bank, botanic garden and zoo)
4 Compare the advantages and disadvantages of the 2 approaches.
http://www.bgci.org/ourwork/Ecosystems/
http://www.countrysideinfo.co.uk/biodvy2.htm

ALL this work must be brought to the first lesson in September.

A full bibliography of sources used should be included for all questions
 This pack contains a programme of activities and resources to prepare
you to start A level in Biology in September. It is aimed to be used after
you complete your GCSE throughout the remainder of the Summer
term and over the Summer Holidays to ensure you are ready to start
your course in September.

https://www.distance-education-academy.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/biology-a-level-course.jpg

© Copyright The PiXL Club Ltd, 2016

 Kick back this summer with a good read. The books below are all popular science books
and great for extending your understanding of Biology

The Red Queen

Its all about sex. Or sexual
selection at least. This
book will really help your
understanding of evolution
and particularly the
fascinating role of sex in
evolution. Available at
amazon.co.uk

Junk DNA A Short History of Nearly

Our DNA is so much more Everything
complex than you A whistle-stop tour through many
probably realize, this aspects of history from the Big Bang
book will really deepen to now. This is a really accessible
your understanding of all read that will re-familiarise you with
the work you will do on common concepts and introduce
Genetics. Available at you to some of the more colourful
amazon.co.uk characters from the history of
science! Available at amazon.co.uk

Studying Geography as well?

Hen’s teeth and horses toes
Stephen Jay Gould is a great
Evolution writer and this
book discusses lots of
fascinating stories about
Geology and evolution.
Available at amazon.co.uk

An easy read..
Frankenstein’s cat
Discover how glow in the dark
fish are made and more great
Biotechnology breakthroughs.
Available at amazon.co.uk

© Copyright The PiXL Club Ltd, 2016

 Everyone loves a good story and everyone loves some great science. Here are some of the
picks of the best films based on real life scientists and discoveries. You wont find Jurassic Park
on this list, we’ve looked back over the last 50 years to give you our top 5 films you might not
have seen before. Great watching for a rainy day.

Gorillas in the Mist (1988)

An absolute classic that
retells the true story of
the life and work of Dian
Fossey and her work
studying and protecting
mountain gorillas from
poachers and habitat loss.
A tear jerker.

Inherit The Wind (1960)

Great if you can find it.
Based on a real life trial of
a teacher accused of the Andromeda Strain (1971)
crime of teaching Science fiction by the
Darwinian evolution in great thriller writer
school in America. Does Michael Cricthon (he of
the debate rumble on Jurassic Park fame).
today? Humans begin dying when
an alien microbe arrives
on Earth.

Something the Lord Made

Lorenzo’s Oil (1992) (2004)
Based on a true story. A Professor Snape (the late
young child suffers from great Alan Rickman) in a
an autoimmune disease. very different role. The
The parents research and film tells the story of the
challenge doctors to scientists at the cutting
develop a new cure for his edge of early heart
disease. surgery as well as issues
surrounding racism at the
time.

There are some great TV series and box sets available too, you might want to check out: Blue Planet, Planet
Earth, The Ascent of Man, Catastrophe, Frozen Planet, Life Story, The Hunt and Monsoon.

© Copyright The PiXL Club Ltd, 2016

 If you have 30 minutes to spare, here are some great presentations (and free!) from world
leading scientists and researchers on a variety of topics. They provide some interesting answers
and ask some thought-provoking questions. Use the link or scan the QR code to view:

A New Superweapon in the Fight Against

Cancer
Available at :
http://www.ted.com/talks/paula_hammon
d_a_new_superweapon_in_the_fight_agai
nst_cancer?language=en
Cancer is a very clever, adaptable disease.
To defeat it, says medical researcher and
educator Paula Hammond, we need a new
and powerful mode of attack.

Why Bees are Disappearing

Available at :
http://www.ted.com/talks/marla_spivak_
why_bees_are_disappearing?language=en
Honeybees have thrived for 50 million
years, each colony 40 to 50,000 individuals
coordinated in amazing harmony. So why,
seven years ago, did colonies start dying
en-masse?

Why Doctors Don’t Know About the Drugs

They Prescribe
Available at :
http://www.ted.com/talks/ben_goldacre_
what_doctors_don_t_know_about_the_dr
ugs_they_prescribe?language=en
When a new drug gets tested, the results
of the trials should be published for the
rest of the medical world — except much
of the time, negative or inconclusive
findings go unreported, leaving doctors
and researchers in the dark.
Growing New Organs
Available at :
http://www.ted.com/talks/anthony_atala_
growing_organs_engineering_tissue?langu
age=en
Anthony Atalla's state-of-the-art lab grows
human organs — from muscles to blood
vessels to bladders, and more.

© Copyright The PiXL Club Ltd, 2016

 Research, reading and note making are essential skills for A level Biology study. For the
following task you are going to produce ‘Cornell Notes’ to summarise your reading.

1. Divide your page into 2. Write the name,

three sections like this date and topic at the
top of the page

3. Use the large box 4. Review and

to make notes. Leave identify the key
a space between points in the left hand
separate idea. box
Abbreviate where
possible.

5. Write a summary
of the main ideas in
the bottom space

Images taken from http://coe.jmu.edu/learningtoolbox/cornellnotes.html

© Copyright The PiXL Club Ltd, 2016

 The Big Picture is an excellent publication from the
Wellcome Trust. Along with the magazine, the
company produces posters, videos and other
resources aimed at students studying for GCSEs and
A level.
For each of the following topics, you are going to use
the resources to produce one page of Cornell style
notes.
Use the links of scan the QR code to take you to the
resources.

Topic 1: The Cell

Available at: http://bigpictureeducation.com/cell
The cell is the building block of life. Each of us starts
from a single cell, a zygote, and grows into a complex
organism made of trillions of cells. In this issue, we
explore what we know – and what we don’t yet know
– about the cells that are the basis of us all and how
they reproduce, grow, move, communicate and die.

Topic 2: The Immune System

Available at:
http://bigpictureeducation.com/immune
The immune system is what keeps us healthy in spite
of the many organisms and substances that can do us
harm. In this issue, explore how our bodies are
designed to prevent potentially harmful objects from
getting inside, and what happens when bacteria,
viruses, fungi or other foreign organisms or
substances breach these barriers.

Topic 3: Exercise, Energy and Movement

Available at:
http://bigpictureeducation.com/exercise-energy-
and-movement
All living things move. Whether it’s a plant growing
towards the sun, bacteria swimming away from a
toxin or you walking home, anything alive must move
to survive. For humans though, movement is more
than just survival – we move for fun, to compete and
to be healthy. In this issue we look at the biological
systems that keep us moving and consider some of
the psychological, social and ethical aspects of
exercise and sport.

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 Topic 4: Populations
Available at:
http://bigpictureeducation.com/populations
What’s the first thing that pops into your mind when
you read the word population? Most likely it’s the
ever-increasing human population on earth. You’re a
member of that population, which is the term for all
the members of a single species living together in the
same location. The term population isn’t just used to
describe humans; it includes other animals, plants
and microbes too. In this issue, we learn more about
how populations grow, change and move, and why
understanding them is so important.

Topic 4: Populations
Available at: http://bigpictureeducation.com/health-
and-climate-change
The Earth’s climate is changing. In fact, it has always
been changing. What is different now is the speed of
change and the main cause of change – human
activities. This issue asks: What are the biggest
threats to human health? Who will suffer as the
climate changes? What can be done to minimise
harm? And how do we cope with uncertainty?

© Copyright The PiXL Club Ltd, 2016

 A level Biology will use your knowledge from GCSE and build on this to help you understand new and more demanding
ideas. Complete the following tasks to make sure your knowledge is up to date and you are ready to start studying:

DNA and the Genetic Code

In living organisms nucleic acids (DNA and RNA have important roles and functions related to their properties. The sequence
of bases in the DNA molecule determines the structure of proteins, including enzymes.
The double helix and its four bases store the information that is passed from generation to generation. The sequence of the
base pairs adenine, thymine, cytosine and guanine tell ribosomes in the cytoplasm how to construct amino acids into
polypeptides and produce every characteristic we see. DNA can mutate leading to diseases including cancer and sometimes
anomalies in the genetic code are passed from parents to babies in disease such as cystic fibrosis, or can be developed in
unborn foetuses such as Downs Syndrome.
Read the information on these websites (you could make more Cornell notes if you wish):
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/z36mmp3/revision
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/biology/dna-and-genetic-code

And take a look at these videos:

http://ed.ted.com/lessons/the-twisting-tale-of-dna-judith-hauck
http://ed.ted.com/lessons/where-do-genes-come-from-carl-zimmer

Task:
Produce a wall display to put up in your classroom in September. You might make a poster or do this using PowerPoint or
similar Your display should use images, keywords and simple explanations to:
Define gene, chromosome, DNA and base pair
Describe the structure and function of DNA and RNA
Explain how DNA is copied in the body
Outline some of the problems that occur with DNA replication and what the consequences of this might be.

Evolution
Transfer of genetic information from one generation to the next can ensure continuity of species or lead to variation within
a species and possible formation of new species. Reproductive isolation can lead to accumulation of different genetic
information in populations potentially leading to formation of new species (speciation). Sequencing projects have read the
genomes of organisms ranging from microbes and plants to humans. This allows the sequences of the proteins that derive
from the genetic code to be predicted. Gene technologies allow study and alteration of gene function in order to better
understand organism function and to design new industrial and medical processes.
Read the information on these websites (you could make more Cornell notes if you wish):
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/z237hyc/revision/4
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/biology/evolution

And take a look at these videos:

http://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-to-sequence-the-human-genome-mark-j-kiel
http://ed.ted.com/lessons/the-race-to-sequence-the-human-genome-tien-nguyen

Task:
Produce a one page revision guide for an AS Biology student that recaps the key words and concepts in this topic. Your
revision guide should:
Describe speciation
Explain what a genome is
Give examples of how this information has already been used to develop new treatments and technologies.

© Copyright The PiXL Club Ltd, 2016

 Biodiversity
The variety of life, both past and present, is extensive, but the biochemical basis of life is similar for all living things.
Biodiversity refers to the variety and complexity of life and may be considered at different levels. Biodiversity can be
measured, for example within a habitat or at the genetic level. Classification is a means of organising the variety of life
based on relationships between organisms and is built around the concept of species. Originally classification systems were
based on observable features but more recent approaches draw on a wider range of evidence to clarify relationships
between organisms. Adaptations of organisms to their environments can be behavioural, physiological and anatomical.
Adaptation and selection are major factors in evolution and make a significant contribution to the diversity of living
organisms.

Read the information on these websites (you could make more Cornell notes if you wish):
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/biology/ecological-concepts
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/biology/classification

And take a look at these videos:

http://ed.ted.com/lessons/why-is-biodiversity-so-important-kim-preshoff
http://ed.ted.com/lessons/can-wildlife-adapt-to-climate-change-erin-eastwood

Task:
Write a persuasive letter to an MP, organisation or pressure group promoting conservation to maintain biodiversity.
Your letter should:
Define what is meant by species and classification
Describe how species are classified
Explain one way scientists can collect data about a habitat, giving an example
Explain adaptation and how habitat change may pose a threat to niche species

Exchange and Transport

Organisms need to exchange substances selectively with their environment and this takes place at exchange surfaces.
Factors such as size or metabolic rate affect the requirements of organisms and this gives rise to adaptations such as
specialised exchange surfaces and mass transport systems. Substances are exchanged by passive or active transport across
exchange surfaces. The structure of the plasma membrane enables control of the passage of substances into and out of
cells

Read the information on these websites (you could make more Cornell notes if you wish):
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/biology/gas-exchange
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/biology/nutrition-and-digestion/revise-it/human-digestive-system

And take a look at these videos:

http://ed.ted.com/lessons/insights-into-cell-membranes-via-dish-detergent-ethan-perlstein
http://ed.ted.com/lessons/what-do-the-lungs-do-emma-bryce

Task:
Create a poster or display to go in your classroom in September. Your poster should either: compare exchange surfaces
in mammals and fish or compare exchange surfaces in the lungs and the intestines. You could use a Venn diagram to do
this. Your poster should:
Describe diffusion, osmosis and active transport
Explain why oxygen and glucose need to be absorbed and waste products removed
Compare and contrast your chosen focus.

© Copyright The PiXL Club Ltd, 2016

 Cells
The cell is a unifying concept in biology, you will come across it many times during your two years of A level study.
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells can be distinguished on the basis of their structure and ultrastructure. In complex
multicellular organisms cells are organised into tissues, tissues into organs and organs into systems. During the cell cycle
genetic information is copied and passed to daughter cells. Daughter cells formed during mitosis have identical copies of
genes while cells formed during meiosis are not genetically identical

Read the information on these websites (you could make more Cornell notes if you wish):
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/biology/cells-and-organelles
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/zvjycdm/revision

And take a look at these videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcTuQpuJyD8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0k-enzoeOM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCLmR9-YY7o

Task:
Produce a one page revision guide to share with your class in September summarising one of the following topics: Cells
and Cell Ultrastructure, Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes, or Mitosis and Meiosis.
Whichever topic you choose, your revision guide should include:
Key words and definitions
Clearly labelled diagrams
Short explanations of key ideas or processes.

Biological Molecules
Biological molecules are often polymers and are based on a small number of chemical elements. In living organisms
carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, inorganic ions and water all have important roles and functions related to their properties.
DNA determines the structure of proteins, including enzymes. Enzymes catalyse the reactions that determine structures
and functions from cellular to whole-organism level. Enzymes are proteins with a mechanism of action and other
properties determined by their tertiary structure. ATP provides the immediate source of energy for biological processes.

Read the information on these websites (you could make more Cornell notes if you wish):
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/biology/biological-molecules-and-enzymes
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/zb739j6/revision

And take a look at these videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8WJ2KENlK0
http://ed.ted.com/lessons/activation-energy-kickstarting-chemical-reactions-vance-kite

Task:
Krabbe disease occurs when a person doesn’t have a certain enzyme in their body. The disease effects the nervous
system. Write a letter to a GP or a sufferer to explain what an enzyme is.
Your poster should:
Describe the structure of an enzyme
Explain what enzymes do inside the body

© Copyright The PiXL Club Ltd, 2016

 Ecosystems
Ecosystems range in size from the very large to the very small. Biomass transfers through ecosystems and the efficiency of
transfer through different trophic levels can be measured. Microorganisms play a key role in recycling chemical elements.
Ecosystems are dynamic systems, usually moving from colonisation to climax communities in a process known as
succession. The dynamic equilibrium of populations is affected by a range of factors. Humans are part of the ecological
balance and their activities affect it both directly and indirectly. Effective management of the conflict between human
needs and conservation help to maintain sustainability of resources.

Read the information on these websites (you could make more Cornell notes if you wish):
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/z7vqtfr/revision
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/biology/ecological-concepts

And take a look at these videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZKIHe2LDP8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8dkWQVFAoA

Task:
Produce a newspaper or magazine article about one ecosystem (e.g. the arctic, the Sahara, the rainforest, or something
closer to home like your local woodland, nature reserve or shore line).
Your article should include:
Key words and definitions
Pictures or diagrams of your chosen ecosystem.
A description of the changes that have occurred in this ecosystem
An explanation of the threats and future changes that may further alter this ecosystem.

Control Systems
Homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant internal environment. Negative feedback helps maintain an optimal internal
state in the context of a dynamic equilibrium. Positive feedback also occurs. Stimuli, both internal and external, are
detected leading to responses. The genome is regulated by a number of factors. Coordination may be chemical or
electrical in nature

Read the information on these websites (you could make more Cornell notes if you wish):
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/biology/homeostasis
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/topics/z8kxpv4

And take a look at these videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4PPZCLnVkA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4PPZCLnVkA

Task:
Produce a poster to display in your classroom in September summarising one of the following topics: Temperature
Control, Water and the Kidneys, Glucose, or The Liver.
Whichever topic you choose, your poster or display should include:
Key words and definitions
Clearly labelled diagrams
Short explanations of key ideas or processes.

© Copyright The PiXL Club Ltd, 2016

 Energy for Biological Processes
In cellular respiration, glycolysis takes place in the cytoplasm and the remaining steps in the mitochondria. ATP synthesis is
associated with the electron transfer chain in the membranes of mitochondria and chloroplasts in photosynthesis energy is
transferred to ATP in the light- dependent stage and the ATP is utilised during synthesis in the light-independent stage.

Read the information on these websites (you could make more Cornell notes if you wish):
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/z7vqtfr/revision
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/biology/ecological-concepts

And take a look at these videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZKIHe2LDP8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8dkWQVFAoA

Task:
Produce a newspaper or magazine article about one ecosystem (e.g. The Arctic, the Sahara, ta rainforest or something
closer to home like your local woodland, nature reserve or shore line).
Your article should include:
Key words and definitions
Pictures or diagrams of your chosen ecosystem.
A description of the changes that have occurred in this ecosystem
An explanation of the threats and future changes that may further alter this ecosystem.

Scientific and Investigative Skills

As part of your A level you will complete a practical assessment. This will require you to carry out a series of practical
activities as well as planning how to do them, analysing the results and evaluating the methods. This will require you to: use
appropriate apparatus to record a range of quantitative measurements (to include mass, time, volume, temperature, length
and pH), use appropriate instrumentation to record quantitative measurements, such as a colorimeter or photometer, use
laboratory glassware apparatus for a variety of experimental techniques to include serial dilutions, use of light microscope
at high power and low power, including use of a graticule, produce scientific drawing from observation with annotations, use
qualitative reagents to identify biological molecules, separate biological compounds using thin layer/paper chromatography
or electrophoresis, safely and ethically use organisms, use microbiological aseptic techniques, including the use of agar
plates and broth, safely use instruments for dissection of an animal organ, or plant organ, use sampling techniques in
fieldwork.

Task:
Produce a glossary for the following key words:
accuracy, anomaly, calibration, causal link, chance, confounding variable, control experiment, control group, control variable,
correlation, dependent variable, errors, evidence, fair test, hypothesis, independent, null hypothesis, precision, probability,
protocol, random distribution, random error, raw data, reliability, systematic error, true value, validity, zero error,

© Copyright The PiXL Club Ltd, 2016

 If you are on holiday in the UK, or on a staycation at home, why not plan a day trip to one of these :

Glasgow Science Dundee Science

Centre - Glasgow Centre - Dundee

The Lakeland Wildlife Scottish Seabird centre –

Oasis - Milnthorpe North Berwick

Life – Newcastle-
W5 - Belfast upon-Tyne

Cambridge Science
Anglesey Sea Zoo - Centre - Cambridge
Anglesey

Think-tank - Herriman
Birmingham Museum and
Gardens -
National Museum - London
Cardiff

The Eden Project - Centre of the Cell -

Cornwall London
Bristol Science Royal Botanic
Centre - Bristol Gardens – Kew -
Edinburgh
The Living Rainforest
- Newbury
Oxford University National Marine
Museum of Natural Aquarium - Plymouth
History - Oxford
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 If you are on holiday in the UK, or on a staycation at home, why not plan a day trip to one of these :

Remember there are also lots of zoos, wildlife and safari parks across the country, here are some you may not
have heard of or considered:
Colchester Zoo, Cotswold Wildlife Park, Banham Zoo (Norfolk), Tropical Birdland (Leicestershire), Yorkshire
Wildlife Park, Peak Wildlife Park, International Centre for Birds of Prey (York), Blackpool Zoo, Beale Park (Reading)

There are also hundreds of nature reserves (some of which are free) located all over the country including:
RSPB sites at Lochwinnoch, Saltholme, Fairburn Ings, Old Moor, Conwy, Minsmere, Rainham Marshes, Pulborough
Brooks, Radipole Lake, Newport Wetlands.
Wildlife Trust Reserves and others at Rutland Water, Pensthorpe, Insh Marshes, Attenborough Centre, Inversnaid,
Skomer, Loch Garten, Donna Nook, Chapmans Well, Woodwalton Fen, London Wetland Centre, Martin Down and
Woolston Eyes Reserve.

Many organisations also have opportunities for people to volunteer over the summer months, this might include
working in a shop/café/visitor centre, helping with site maintenance or taking part in biological surveys. Not only
is this great experience, it looks great on a job or UCAS application.

For opportunities keep an eye out in your local press, on social media, or look at the websites of organisations like
the RSPB, Wildlife Trust, National Trust or Wildlife & Wetland Trust.

There are also probably lots of smaller organisations near you who would also appreciate any support you can
give!

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 Science on Social Media
Science communication is essential in the modern world and all the big scientific companies,
researchers and institutions have their own social media accounts. Here are some of our top tips to
keep up to date with developing news or interesting stories:

Follow on Twitter:
Commander Chris Hadfield – former resident aboard the International Space Station @cmdrhadfield

Tiktaalik roseae – a 375 million year old fossil fish with its own Twitter account!
@tiktaalikroseae

NASA’s Voyager 2 – a satellite launched nearly 40 years ago that is now travelling beyond our Solar
System
@NSFVoyager2

Neil dGrasse Tyson – Director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York

@neiltyson

Sci Curious – feed from writer and Bethany Brookshire tweeting about good, bad and weird
neuroscience
@scicurious

The SETI Institute – The Search for Extra Terrestrial Intelligence, be the first to know what they find!
@setiinstitute

Carl Zimmer – Science writer Carl blogs about the life sciences
@carlzimmer

Phil Plait – tweets about astronomy and bad science

@badastronomer

Virginia Hughes – science journalist and blogger for National Geographic, keep up to date with
neuroscience, genetics and behaviour
@virginiahughes

Maryn McKenna – science journalist who writes about antibiotic resistance

@marynmck

Find on Facebook:
Nature - the profile page for nature.com for news, features, research and events from Nature
Publishing Group

Marin Conservation Institute – publishes the latest science to identify important marine ecosystems
around the world.

National Geographic - since 1888, National Geographic has travelled the Earth, sharing its amazing
stories in pictures and words.

Science News Magazine - Science covers important and emerging research in all fields of science.

BBC Science News - The latest BBC Science and Environment News: breaking news, analysis and
debate on science and nature around the world.

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 Science websites

These websites all offer an amazing collection of resources that you should use again and again
through out your course.

Probably the best website on At GCSE you learnt how genetic

In the summer you will most
Biology…. diseases are inherited. In this virtual fly
likely start to learn about
Learn Genetics from Utah lab you get to breed fruit flies to
Biodiversity and Evolution.
University has so much that is investigate how different features are
Many Zoos have great
pitched at an appropriate passed on.
websites, especially London
level for you and has lots of http://sciencecourseware.org/vcise/dro
Zoo. Read about some of the
interactive resources to sophila/
case studies on conservation,
explore, everything from why
such as the Giant Pangolin,
some people can taste bitter
the only mammal with scales.
berries to how we clone mice
https://www.zsl.org/conserva
or make glow in the dark jelly
tion
fish.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu
/

DNA from the beginning is full Ok, so not a website, but a video you
of interactive animations that definitely want to watch. One of the
tell the story of DNA from its first topics you will learn about is the
discovery through to amazing structure of the cell. This BBC
advanced year 13 concepts. film shows the fascinating workings of
One to book mark! a cell… a touch more detailed than the
http://www.dnaftb.org/ “fried egg” model you might have
seen.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xz
h0kb_the-hidden-life-of-the-
cell_shortfilms
If this link expires – google “BBC
hidden life of the cell”

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 Science: Things to do!
Day 4 of the holidays and boredom has set in?
There are loads of citizen science projects you can take
part in either from the comfort of your bedroom, out
and about, or when on holiday. Wikipedia does a
comprehensive list of all the current projects taking
place. Google ‘citizen science project’

Want to stand above the rest when it comes to UCAS? Now is the time to
act.
MOOCs are online courses run by nearly all Universities. They are short FREE
courses that you take part in. They are usually quite specialist, but aimed at
the public, not the genius!
There are lots of websites that help you find a course, such as edX and Future Completing a MOOC will look
learn.
great on your Personal
You can take part in any course, but there are usually start and finish dates.
statement and they are dead
They mostly involve taking part in web chats, watching videos and
interactives.
easy to take part in!

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 The following 40 minute test is designed to test your recall, analysis and evaluative skills and knowledge.
Remember to use your exam technique: look at the command words and the number of marks each question is worth.
A suggested mark scheme is provided for you to check your answers.

1. a) What are the four base pairs found in DNA?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
(2)

b) What does DNA code for?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
(1)

c) Which organelle in a cell carries out this function?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
(1)

2. a) What theory did Charles Darwin propose?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
(1)

b) Why did many people not believe Darwin at the time?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
(1)

c) Describe how fossils are formed.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
(3)

d) The fossil record shows us that there have been some species that have formed and some that have
become extinct.
i) What is meant by the term ‘species’?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
(2)

ii) Describe how a new species may arise:

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………(3)

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 3. Ecologists regularly study habitats to measure the species present and the effect of any changes.
One team of ecologists investigated the habitat shown in the picture below:

Image taken from http://www.macaulay.ac.uk/soilquality/Dune%20Succession.pdf

a) Define the following keywords:

i) Population

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

ii) Community

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(2)

b) Give an example of one biotic factor and one abiotic factor that would be present in this habitat

Biotic: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Abiotic: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(2)
c) Describe how the ecologists would go about measuring the species present between the coast and the
inland.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(6)

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 4. Every living organism is made of cells.

Image taken from http://prestigebux.com/worksheet/label-an-animal-cell-worksheet

a) Label the following parts of the animal cell:

2 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

5 ……..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

8 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
(3)
b) Describe how is the structure of the cell membrane related to its function?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(3)

5. A medical research team investigated how quickly the body deals with glucose after a meal. They studied
the blood glucose concentration of people who exercised versus those who did not.
Here are their results:

Hours after eating

Image taken from https://memoirsofanamnesic.wordpress.com/category/blood-glucose/

a) What organ in the body regulates blood glucose concentration?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(1)

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 b) Explain how the stages that would bring about a return to normal blood glucose concentrations.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(4)

c) Name one variable the researchers will have controlled.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(1)

d) The researchers made the following conclusion:

“Blood glucose returns to normal values for all people after 4 hours”
To what extent do you agree with this conclusion.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(3)

6. Scientists need to be able to interpret data in graphs to decide if there are trends in the results.
For each graph bellow, describe the trend.

…………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………(4)
Images taken from: http://www.everythingmaths.co.za/science/lifesciences/grade-10/05-support-and-transport-systems-in-
plants/images/56aff2f9b6c5b041688f745ca928990c.png
http://www.bbc.co.uk/staticarchive/afa3f2b16b4d58d077943c96929c9a4020fea83a.gif
http://www.rpi.edu/dept/chem-eng/Biotech-Environ/Projects00/temph/enzyme.html
http://www.myearthwatchexperience.com/Essential%20Ecology.htm
© Copyright The PiXL Club Ltd, 2016
 Suggested Mark Scheme:

Question Answer Marks

1 a Adenine-Thymine 1
Cytosine-Guanine 1
b Protein/enzymes 1

c Ribosomes 1

2 a Evolution (by natural selection) 1

b Not enough evidence 1

c (Plant/animal dies) and is quickly buried in sediment 1

Not all conditions for decay are present 1
Hard parts of the body are replaced by minerals 1
d i Organisms that can reproduce to produce viable offspring/offspring 1
that can also reproduce (fertile)
ii 3 from
Geographical isolation/named example 1
Mutation of genes 1
Natural Selection/selective advantage 1
Species can no longer interbreed (not produce fertile offspring) 1
3 a i A group of organisms, all of the same species, and all of whom live 1
together in a particular habitat.
ii The total of all populations living together in a particular habitat. 1

b Biotic – one from:

Predators, prey, plant, microbes 1
Abiotic – one from:
Availability of water, temperature, mineral concentration, reference 1
to climate/weather
c Measure out a transect 1
Using a tape measure 1
Use a quadrat 1
At regular (named) intervals 1
Identify species present 1
Using a key/guide 1
4 A 2 Nucleolus 1
5 Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum 1
8 Golgi body 1

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 Question Answer Marks

4 b Any 3 from the following structure and function must be given.

Lipid bilayer - has a hydrophobic inside and hydrophilic outside, 1
allowing for selective permeability
Proteins - allow for specific substances to come or some molecules to 1
pass through,
Cholesterol - allows for fluidity of the membrane, 1
Glycoproteins - for cell identification they serve as markers 1
5 a Pancreas 1

b 3 from
Pancreas detects change 1
Insulin secreted 1
By alpha cells 1
Respiration increased 1
Uptake of glucose increased 1
Liver increases storage of glucose as glycogen 1
c Any one from:
Amount of chocolate, time taken to eat, other food/drink consumed, 1
age, gender, weight, fitness level/metabolic rate, health/pre existing
conditions, use of medicines/drugs
d Any three from
Data suggests that blood glucose returns to normal 1
Doesn’t show how much exercise has been done 1
Doesn’t say age/gender/other named variable 1
May only be true for chocolate/only one type of food investigated 1
6 Top left: transpiration increases when wind speed increases/there is a 1
positive correlation
Top right: rate increases with pH until the optimum is reached, after 1
the optimum, rate decreases
Bottom left: Increasing light initially increases the rate of 1
photosynthesis, but after a while remains constant
Bottom right: Population increases slowly at first and then increases at 1
a greater rate/increases exponentially

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