Unit 1

CELL BIOLOGY

Cells are the smallest unit of life, but that doesn’t mean they are simple. This course explores the structures of different cells and how those structures enable them to perform specialised functions. Learners will also discover some important cellular processes, including cell division, differentiation, and transport. It also provides an excellent foundation for anyone who wants to understand the key principles of cell biology and how they apply in the real world.

Unit 2

LEVELS OF ORGANISATION AND DIGESTION

Our bodies are incredibly complex. This unit will describe how single cells can organise themselves to form different tissues and organs. This information will then be used to understand the different levels of biological organisation in animals and plants. Further depth will then be covered learning about the process of digestion in humans, including which organs are involved and how these organs are adapted to perform their functions.

Unit 3

CONTROL AND COORDINATION

Many say that achieving happiness in life is all about finding the right balance; this is true for living organisms. In this unit, homeostasis, the control system that keeps our bodies functioning optimally will be described. Furthermore, the nervous system, the structure of the eye, and how they function will be shown. Just like humans, plants produce hormones too. This unit will also cover the control and coordination in plants.

Unit 4

EXCHANGE AND TRANSPORT IN ANIMALS

There are different systems in the bodies of animals that allow them to exchange and transport substances. This unit will cover the organisation and the purpose of the circulatory system, including the structure and function of red blood cells. The structure of the human respiratory system will be explained and how the process works using gas exchange in humans as a model. Aerobic and anaerobic respiration will also be described.

Unit 5

PLANT STRUCTURES & FUNCTION’S

This unit will provide information about the internal structure of plants, including the different types of tissues present in the roots, leaves, and stems. The processes of photosynthesis and transpiration will also be explored, and the factors that affect their rates of reaction. Finally, translocation, the important process of food transport throughout plants will be explained.

Unit 6

REPRODUCTION AND CONTRACEPTION

Like all animals, the human body reproduces and gives birth to babies. This is possible because of the reproductive system. In this unit, the structure and function of the male and female reproductive systems are described, as well as puberty, the menstrual cycle, and the stages involved in pregnancy development.  Various contraceptive methods currently available to prevent pregnancy will also be analysed. Finally, infertility will be defined, and the methods used to overcome this issue, including in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). Just like humans, plants produce hormones too. This unit will cover the control and coordination in plants as well.

Unit 7

DISEASE, IMMUNITY AND TREATMENT

Although tiny, pathogens can cause a variety of diseases in both animals and plants. In this unit, pathogens will be described, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists. We will also explore how the human body defends itself by looking at mechanical defences, the immune system, and active and passive immunity. Monoclonal antibody production will also be explained, and how these antibodies are used. Antibiotics, pain relief, and the stages involved in drug discovery will be discussed. Finally, examples of some diseases in plants will be seen, and how to identify them.

Unit 8

GENETICS

Have you ever wondered why you inherit some traits, but not others, from your parents? In this unit, we will learn the basics of genetics, including the differences between DNA, RNA, genes, and chromosomes. We will also look at protein synthesis at a cellular level, and how this is linked to our genetic code. The topics of monohybrid inheritance, monohybrid cross, co-dominance, polygenetic inheritance, sex-linked characteristics, and sex determination in humans will be discussed. Finally, we will explain what embryo screening is, and what it is used for.

Unit 9

VARIATION, EVOLUTION AND GENETIC ENGINEERING

Have you ever noticed the evolution in your appearance over time? Similarly, lots of changes are seen in our entire species over several generations. This process is evolution and is based on the concept of natural selection. In this unit, the topics of variation and evolution will be taught. The unit then moves on to selective breeding and genetic engineering with examples of how these techniques are currently used. Finally, how organisms are classified will be explained, along with the concept of evolutionary trees.

Unit 10

ECOLOGY

To protect our planet from the effects of climate change, we need to understand how organisms interact with their environment. This unit describes how ecosystems are organised, the importance of biodiversity, and how energy is transferred through ecosystems. Finally, the central aspects of how human activities impact ecosystems, and ways of maintaining both biodiversity and food security will be assessed.