Wk

Lesson 1

Lesson 2

Teaching resources

Assessment

Homework

1

Biological Molecules:
• The structure of basic biological molecules; water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins (primary, secondary, tertiary, quarternary structures)

Biological Molecules:
• The structure of basic biological molecules; nucleic acids (DNA replication, transcription, translation).
• Practical; isolation of DNA from cells

Lectures, teacher notes and text book. Use of molecule models to construct molecules
Hands-on practical isolating DNA using readily available reagents

Self assessed short answer questions

Self directed investigation into how the quantity of DNA may vary from species to species, and whether different human cells can contain different quantities of DNA.
Questions from core text

2

Biological Molecules:
• Tests for biological molecules; Biuret test, emulsion test, Benedict’s test.
• Practical; analysis of food

Exchange and Transport:
• The structure of the cell surface membrane; fluid mosaic model, transport proteins, signalling proteins, cholesterol.
• The movement of molecules in and out of the cell; diffusion, facilitated diffusion, active transport (direct and indirect), osmosis.
• The exchange of gases; CO2, O2.

Lectures, teacher notes and text book. Hands-on practical analysing content of food
Construction of model of a plasma membrane

Construction of model of a plasma membrane

Collection of food labels. Preparation of research into labelled food contents for different pre-packaged food items ready for class-based discussion on whether pre-packaged food is responsible for increase in obesity levels.

3

Cells:
• The structure of cells; plasma membrane, organelles, cytoskeleton.
• Isolation of cell organelles and identification of their role within the cell; nucleus, nucleolus, RER, SER, Gogi body, vesicles, mitochondria, lysosome, cytoplasm, cytoskeleton.

Cells:
• The difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
• The specialisation of cells; gene regulation via DNA binding proteins, organs

Lectures, teacher notes and text book.
Matching of organelle images to name and function - worksheet
Drawing and labelling of a prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell

Self assessed short answer questions

Cell analogy project - formally assessed - contributes to overall grade.

4

Enzymes:
• The structure of enzymes; globular polypeptide(s), co-factors.
• Theories of enzyme action; active site, lock and key, induced fit.
• Factors which affect the rate of enzyme catalysed reaction; substrate conc, enzyme conc, temp, pH.
• Application of enzymes for medical purposes.

Enzymes:
• Using enzymes, how to plan and implement an investigation to change independent variables, how to measure dependant variables, how to present results in tables and graphs, how to use appropriate statistic tests to analyse results, how to draw conclusions and how to evaluate practical work in the lab.
• Enzyme catalysis of biochemical reactions; catalase.
• Practical; catalase

Lectures, teacher notes and text book.
In silico computer-based practical for rates of reaction
Wet practical - factors affecting rate of catalase activity

Write-up and construction of graph for catalase practical

Self directed research into how enzymes can be used for medical purposes. Preparation of A4 poster to display to rest of class

5

Half term

Half term

Finalisation of cell analogy assignment ready for submission

6

The Digestive System:
• The structure of the human digestive system; mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine (duodenum, ileum), large intestine, rectum.
• Digestion of food by enzymes; carbohydrases (salivary/pancreatic amylase, maltase, sucrase, lactase), lipase (stomach, pancreatic), proteases (endoproteases, exoproteases, pepsin, trypsin), absorption.

The Respiratory System:
• The structure of the human respiratory system; trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli, lungs.
• The difference between breathing, gas exchange and respiration.
• The breathing mechanism; internal/external intercostals muscles, ribs, pleural membranes, pleural space, pleural fluid, diaphragm, pressure changes.

Lectures, teacher notes and text book.
Observation of effect of proteases on steak and milk during course of lesson.
Construction of lung model using balloons, and rib mechanism model

Self assessed short answer questions
Labelling of digestive system diagram
Labelling of respiratory system diagram

Self directed research into how environment would affect breathing e.g. altitude, temperature, air pollution

7

The Respiratory System:
• Gas exchange in the lungs with emphasis on Fick’s law; diffusion.
• The ventilation cycle.

Blood and the Circulatory System:
• The structure and function of arteries, veins and capillaries.
• The structure and function of blood, plasma and blood cells.

Lectures, teacher notes and text book.
Student feedback to class on how environment affects gas exchange in lungs

Labelling of structure of blood vessels
Labelling of blood cell components

Questions from core text

8

Blood and the Circulatory System:
• The structure and function of the heart; atria, ventricles, bicuspid/tricuspid valves, aorta, vena cava, pulmonary artery, pulmonary vein, semilunar valves.
• The cardiac cycle; diastole, systole, SAN, AVN, Bundle of His, Purkinje fibres, myogenic muscle.
• Practical: Dissection of sheep heart and lungs

Cell cycle:
• Interphase; G1, S-Phase, G2.
• Chromosome condensation; chromatin, histones, chromatids.
• Mitosis; formation of identical cells, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, Cytokinesis; centrioles, spindle fibres, centromeres, cloning.

Lectures, teacher notes and text book.
Wet practical - dissection of sheep heart and lungs
Interactive "sock mitosis" class based workshop
Observation of microscope slides of mitotic cells

Labelling of heart and description of cardiac cycle
Identification of stages of mitosis from images

Self directed research into what would happen if the SAN, and then the AVN failed to work properly; effects on electrical conductivity, rate of heartbeat and cardiac output

9

Cell cycle:
• Meiosis; formation of gametes, chiasmata, independent assortment of chromatids, random fusion of gametes.
• Inheritence; phenotype/genotype, monohybrid/dihybrid cross, dominant/recessive alleles, genetic trees.
• "Lab lemming" meiosis simulation

Cell cycle:
• Case study exercise
• Examples of genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and phenyl ketonuria.
• How to provide genetic counselling on the basis of a family pedigree.

Lectures, teacher notes and text book.
Interactive "sock meiosis" class based workshop
"lab lemming" meoisis simulation workshop

Completion of case study

Investigation of genetic inheritance in some famous families e.g. Queen Victoria and Haemophilia

10

Mock test

Revision

Mock paper
Interactive quiz-style questions with instant feedback

Mock paper answers

Revision. Essay topics.

Wk

Lesson 1

Lesson 2

Teaching resources

Assessment

Homework

1

The Reproductive System:
• The structure and function of different parts of the male reproductive system.
• The microscopic structure of the testis.
• The process of spermatogenesis.
• The structure and function of different parts of the female reproductive system.
• The microscopic structure of the ovary.
• The process of oogenesis.
• Hormonal control of the female reproductive cycle.

The Reproductive System:
• Fertilisation, implantation and pregnancy.
• The structure and function of the placenta.
• Hormonal changes during and after pregnancy.
• Maternal changes in pregnancy
• Birth and hormonal control of birth.
• Lactation and hormonal control of lactation.
• Contraception.

Lectures, teacher notes and text book.
Use of video demonstrating foetal development and birth process

Labelling of reproductive systems (male and female)

Investigation of how hormonal contraception works

2

Growth and Development:
• Mitochondrial structure and function, respiration, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, Krebs cycle
• Wet practical; how temperature affects rate of pea respiration
• Anaerobic respiration pathways

Growth and Development:
• Stages of human growth and development.
• Growth rates.
• Puberty.
• Hormonal control of growth and development.
• Ageing.

Lectures, teacher notes and text book.
Wet practical; rate of respiration in peas

Labelling of mitochondrion.
Short answer questions

Write-up of respiration practical; construction of graphs and determination of rates of respiration from lines of best fit; will form part of formal assessment.

3

Homeostasis:
• The concept of homeostasis.
• The control of blood glucose level.
• The control of body temperature.
• The control of water balance.
• Diseases associated with disruption of homeostasis.

The Nervous System:
• The structure of the central nervous system.
• The structure of the neurone.

Lectures, teacher notes and text book.
Teacher-demonstration in real time of effect of glucose-rich meal on blood glucose levels; use of blood glucose monitor

Labelling of central nervous system and neurone structure

Essay on the two main types of diabetes mellitus; causes and treatments

4

The Nervous System:
• Transmission of impulses through the nervous system.
• Conduction of a nerve impulse along a single neurone.
• Transmission of a nerve impulse through a synapse.

The Nervous System:
• The spinal cord and spinal reflexes.
• The autonomic nervous system.
• Receptors in the body.

Lectures, teacher notes and text book.
Use of animations to highlight how nerve impulses are conducted.
Practical investigating distribution of skin sensory nerve endings
Demonstration of spinal reflexes

Construction of plasticine model demonstrating nerve conduction

Questions from core text

5

Half term

Half term

Finalisation of respiration practical ready for submission

6

The Nervous System:
• The structure of skeletal muscles.
• The mechanism of contraction of skeletal muscles.

The Eye:
• The structure and function of different parts of the human eye.
• The iris/pupil reflex to control of the amount of light entering the eye.
• The accommodation of the eye to near vision and distant vision.
• The structure of the retina and the response of rod cells and cone cells to light.
• Theories of evolution of the eye.
• Pathologies of the eye.

Lectures, teacher notes and text book.
Dissection of chicken legs
Dissection of sheep eyes

Correct order of stages of muscle contraction.
Labelling of eye diagram

Questions from core text

7

The Ear:
• The structure and function of different parts of the human ear.
• Theories of evolution of the ear.
• Pathologies of the ear.

Genetics, evolution and disease:
• Variation and classification of living organisms as an introduction to biodiversity.
• The principles of inheritance, with a link to biodiversity.
• Evolution, adaptation and competition with a link to biodiversity.

Lectures, teacher notes and text book.
"Same species or different" interactive classification quiz

Labelling of ear diagram.
Construction of Punnett Squares to assess inheritance

Self directed questioning as to whether some species are still evolving at the present time (illustrated by Darwin's Finches).

8

Genetics, evolution and disease:
• The use of gene technology to produce insulin and human growth hormone.
• The use of gene technology to produce genetically modified animals and plants.
• The use of gene technology in gene therapy.
• How to share in an ethical debate around the different applications of genetic technology.
• Introduction of the Human Genome Project.

Ethics debate

Lectures, teacher notes and text book.
Ethics debate

Ethics debate

Questions from core text

9

Case studies

Revision

Case studies

Preparation of sample essays and completion of case studies

Completion of case studies

10

Mock exam

Revision

Mock paper
Interactive quiz-style questions with instant feedback

Mock paper answers

Questions from core text

Wk

Lesson 1

Lesson 2

Teaching resources

Assessment

Homework

1

Health and Lifestyle and Disease:
• Individual’s health and lifestyle – BMI, impact of socioeconomic status.
• Different ways to define health and disease – definitions of health, disease and sickness; location of disease – local, disseminated, systemic.

Communicable Diseases:
• Debate as to whether adults of future will have greater health problems
• History of discovery of microbial pathogens
• Koch's postulates

Lectures, teacher notes and text book.
Visit to external exhibition of public health and disease

Construction of flow diagram illustrating how a disease can be classified as infectious rather than non-infectious

"Supersize Me; Children are becoming lazier and fatter, and will have greater health problems when they are adults". Research into whether students agree with this statement or not ready for class-based discussion

2

Communicable Diseases:
• Communicable diseases linked to different pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and parasites.
• The structure of different bacteria – cell shape, cell wall type (peptidoglycan), antibiotic resistance.
• The steps by which different bacteria cause infection – incubation and latency periods, cell invasion via adhesion molecules, virulence factors e.g. toxins.

Communicable Diseases:
• Factors affecting the growth of bacteria - effects of nutrients, light, pH, temperature, oxygen etc. on microbial growth.
• The growth pattern of bacteria – binary fission, lag phase, log phase, stationery phase, death phase.

Lectures, teacher notes and text book.
Hands-on practical illustrating presence of bacteria on skin using agar plates
Interactive demonstration of transmission of microbes.
In-silco computer-based practical on factors that affect growth of cells

Construction of diagram illustrating three ways in which bacteria can become resistant to antimicrobials

Essay "Is it safe to brush: Do bacteria from my mouth grow on my toothbrush overnight?"

3

Communicable Diseases:

• Bacteraemia, septicaemia and meningitis.
• Different diseases caused by bacterial infection; such as salmonellosis, meningitis and TB.
•

Communicable Diseases:

• The structure of a virus – nucleic acid (DNA, RNA), capsid, envelope, reverse transcriptase.
• The steps by which a virus causes infection – attachment, penetration, uncoating, replication, modification, release.
• The Human Immunodefficiency Virus (HIV) infection and AIDS.

Lectures, teacher notes and text book.
Case studies

Completion of case studies

Self directed research into how some viruses can cause cell mutations and cancer

4

Communicable Diseases:
• Non-specific responses of the body to infection: inflammatory response and phagocytosis.
• Specific responses of the body to infection: humoral immunity (B cells) and cell mediated immunity (T cells).
• Immunity and cancer

Communicable Diseases - Practical exercise:
• The difference between a total cell count and viable cell count – all cells vs living cells.
• Serial dilution – estimate of a population.
• Antibiotic resistance
• Wet practical; Identification of bacteria based on morphology and biochemistry

Lectures, teacher notes and text book.
Case studies

Construction of flow diagram illustrating cells of immune system and how they interact

Write-up microbiology practical; will form part of formal assessment

5

Half term

Half term

Preparation of microbiology practical write-up ready for submission

6

Non-Communicable Diseases:
• Non-communicable diseases and life style.
• Diabetes, deficiencies

Non-Communicable Diseases:
• Heart diseases, lung diseases, brain disorders.

Lectures, teacher notes and text book.
Interactive student-centred visual and sensory practical; how brain interpretation of senses can be incorrect

Short answer questions

Short answer questions based around diet and negative or positive effects on health

7

Non-Communicable Diseases:
• Tumours: benign and malignant, carcinogens, proliferation, metastasis, classification of cancers, causes of cancer, treatments.

Communicable Diseases:
• Different diseases caused by parasites such as: malaria (protozoan), tinea (fungus), candida (yeast).
• Different diseases caused by multicellular parasites such as: worms, scabies, headlice.

Lectures, teacher notes and text book.
Case studies

Completion of case studies

Essay "Can we ever rid the world of malaria?"

8

Immunisations and Vaccinations:
• The difference between passive immunity and active immunity (vaccinations) – primary immune response, secondary immune response, B cells, T cells.

immunisations and Vaccinations:
• History of immunisation; Edward Jenner, smallpox and cowpox
• The use of dead pathogens, live attenuated pathogens, chemically modified toxins, extracted antigens or genetically modified antigens to provide active immunity.
• Debate as to whether all children should be vaccinated

Lectures, teacher notes and text book.
Interactive student-centred debate

Construction of table illustrating different vaccination methods and the effectiveness of each type

Guided research into pros and cons of vaccinating children based on teacher-supplied abridged journal articles

9

Case studies

Case studies

Completion of case studies; application of theoretical knowledge

Completion of case studies

Completion of model exam questions

10

Mock exam

Revision

Query-based revision
Informal, interactive "quiz style" question and answer sessions

Mock exam

Questions preparing for exam

Michael Kent

Advanced Biology

OUP

Glenn Toole

New Understanding Biology

Nelson Thornes

Gareth Williams

Advanced Biology

Nelson Thornes

Linguistic

Improvement in written communication

Technological

Improvement in ICT skills through homework assignments, material presentation and practical write-ups

Human & Social

Increasing awareness of the impact humans make on the environment, and upon each other

Spiritual, Moral & Cultural

Increased awareness of spiritual and moral issues surrounding advances in biology, such as the use of animals in research and of embryonic stem cells

Scientific

Through increased knowledge of human biology and development in practical skills