Human Biology (OCR)
Students who study Human Biology A level will gain insight into much more than just how the body works! Lots of interesting research is taking place in the field of medicine, genetics and biotechnology.The course will introduce many aspects of medical research, including the treatment of disease, Gene genomes and cloning. The career possibilities are wide ranging from Sports and Leisure to Medical Sales, Medical training, Pharmacy and Physiotherapy. Most students go on to study in Higher Education where the choice of degree options gives plenty of scope for employment.
Entry Requirements
Students need at least 5 GCSEs.These should include at least a grade C in both Maths (higher tier) and English and a grade BB in Double Science Higher tier (Foundation tier is not acceptable).
Course Content
AS Unit 1: Molecules, Blood and Gas Exchange 1hr written exam
This unit studies the heart, circulation and lungs. It looks at practical applications such as blood transfusions, blood screening and blood products.
AS Unit 2: Growth, Development and Disease 1hr 45 mins written exam
This unit includes cell division and its practical applications such as use of stem cells detecting and treating cancer, foetal development and monitoring growth and development in children. It uses TB and HIV/AIDS as examples of infectious diseases and coronary heart disease, cancer, asthma and type 2 diabetics as examples of non-infectious diseases.
AS Unit 3: Internally assessed practical skills
A2 Unit 4: Energy, Reproduction and Population 1hr written paper
This unit looks at the biochemistry of Respiration, long term effects of exercise on the body and human impact on the environment. It also provides an understanding of human reproduction, techniques for assisted reproduction and the need to make informed and ethical decisions.
A2 Unit 5: Genetics, Control and Aging 1hr 45 mins exam
This unit considers recent advances in genetics and their applications; the control of the body's internal conditions by the nervous system, hormone system and the kidney; the use of drugs and transplants are linked to these body systems. The effect of ageing on the body is studied.
A2 Unit 6: Extended Investigation in Human Biology 1hr 45 mins exam
Internally assessed investigation.