Course Outline

 Unit one: The study of Life

The Scientific Method

The Characteristics of Life

Nutrition

General Principals of Ecology

A study of an Ecosystem

Unit two: The Cell

Cell Structure

Cell Metabolism

Cell Continuity

Cell Diversity

Genetics

Unit three: The Organism

Diversity of Organisms

Organisation and the Vascular Structures

Transport and Nutrition

Breathing System and Excretion

Responses to Stimuli

Reproduction and Growth

Practical or Project Work

There are 22 mandatory practicals over the two year course. 

Assessment

The exam is marked out of 400 marks and has three sections A, B and C. 

Section A 

This contains 6 questions, 5 of which should be answered.  Answers must be written into the spaces provided on the examination paper.  Section A is worth 100 marks (25% of the paper)

Section B

This is based on the mandatory activities on the syllabus.  It contains 3 questions, 2 of which should be answered into the spaces provided on the examination paper.  Section B is worth 60 marks (15% of the total)

Section C

This contains 6 questions, 4 of which should be answered, into a separate answer book.  Section C is worth 240 marks (60% of the total)