Examination Board   Oxford and Cambridge (OCR) 

Syllabus AS   HO21 A2   H421

Assessment Modules for AS 

Module l  Cells, Exchange and Transport    1 hour examination, 30% of the marks

Module 2 Bio molecules, Biodiversity, Food and Health 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of the marks

Module 3 Practical Skills Tasks (completed in class, 20% of the marks)
(This is practical assessments and an ISA. It includes a Quantitative Practical test, a Qualitative Practical test and an Evaluative test).

Assessment Modules for A2 

Module 4 Communication, Homeostasis and Energy
  (1 hour examination, 30% of the marks)

Module 5 Control, Genomes and the Environment
  (1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of the marks)

Module 6 Practical Skills Tasks (completed in class, 20% of the marks)
(This is practical assessments and an ISA. It includes a Quantitative Practical test, a Qualitative Practical test and an Evaluative test).

Skills needed for successful Biologists

There is less emphasis on recall in this syllabus, and more on understanding and application.   You will do well in this subject if you have developed an ability to look at facts and data, then make a conclusion and give an opinion of your own.   Much of the work is related to how science works in everyday life.
Good English and mathematical skills are also needed for this subject, at GCSE C or above.   An ability to write in correct, logical English for the longer questions is vital. 
Also, good analytical and problem-solving skills are important for biologists.   Good practical skills, together with ability to research independently are required to do well in the assessment units.

Career Pathways
• Higher education and degree courses in Biology, Environmental Biology, Medicine, Pharmacy, Optometry, Dentistry, Teaching and Nursing.
• Higher Nationals in Applied Biology and related sciences such as Sports Science Studies, Beauty Therapy, Horticulture, Agriculture and Animal Management.
• Employment within the areas of Pharmacy, Hospitals, Biotechnology laboratories.
• Further careers in Banking, the Stock Exchange, and anywhere where a GCE is needed at higher levels.