Science Department

Human Biology @Key Stage 5

Exam board: OCR

Why study Human Biology?

This course is for you if you wish to continue a study of Biology beyond Double Science Award GCSE but would like to specialise in the study of those aspects of biology that relate particularly to humans.

The course adopts an approach based on situations in the‘real world’, for example, biomedical and caring professions, health, alternative medicine, conservation and social issues, current issues, ethnics and sports and leisure studies.

What will you study?

The course is divided into topics, each covering different key concepts in Human Biology. Applications of Human Biology are covered throughout the specification.

AS Units

Unit 1: Molecules, Blood and Gas Exchange.
Unit 2: Growth, Development and Disease.
Unit 3: Practical skills in Human Biology.

A2 Units

Unit 4: Energy, Reproduction and Populations.
Unit 5: Genetics, Control and Ageing.
Unit 6: Practical Skills in Human Biology 2.

Method of assessment
There are two exams in Year 12 and a further two in Year 13. In Year 12 there is also an internally assessed practical skills assessment, which contributes 20%of the AS grade. In Year 13 there is an extended investigation in Human Biology worth 10% of the final A level grade.

Future prospects
The content relating to a wide range of ‘real world’ contexts makes the specification of great interest and complements and supports the study of Environmental Science, Psychology, Health and Childcare, Social Studies and Sports Science.