United Kingdom · National Curriculum Attainment Targets
Year 13 Biology
This course explores the intricate mechanisms of life from the molecular level to global ecosystems. Students investigate advanced physiological processes, the nuances of genetic inheritance, and the critical role of biotechnology in modern medicine and conservation.
01Energy Transfers In and Between Organisms
An in-depth study of the biochemical pathways of photosynthesis and respiration that power all life on Earth.
Investigate the ultrastructure of chloroplasts and the role of photosynthetic pigments in light absorption.
Explore the processes of photolysis, electron transport, and ATP/NADPH formation in the thylakoid membrane.
Analyze the stages of carbon fixation, reduction, and regeneration in the Calvin cycle.
Investigate how light intensity, CO2 concentration, and temperature affect photosynthetic rates.
Explore the process of chemosynthesis and its role in supporting life in extreme environments.
Examine the initial breakdown of glucose and the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA.
Detail the cyclical oxidation of acetyl CoA and the electron transport chain's role in ATP synthesis.
Investigate the pathways and products of anaerobic respiration in different organisms.
Examine how different substrates (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins) are respired and calculate respiratory quotients.
Construct and analyze food chains and webs, identifying producers, consumers, and decomposers.
Interpret pyramids of number, biomass, and energy to quantify energy transfer in ecosystems.
Define and calculate GPP and NPP, understanding their importance in ecosystem energy budgets.
Quantify the efficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels and its implications for biomass.
02Organisms Respond to Changes
This unit explores how organisms detect and respond to internal and external stimuli, maintaining homeostasis and ensuring survival.
Examine the specialized structure of neurons and the establishment of the resting membrane potential.
Investigate the generation and propagation of action potentials along myelinated and unmyelinated axons.
Explore the process of neurotransmitter release, binding, and removal at the synapse.
Examine the components of a reflex arc and the importance of rapid, involuntary responses.
Analyze the molecular mechanisms of muscle contraction, including the roles of actin, myosin, and ATP.
Investigate the hormonal regulation of blood glucose levels by insulin and glucagon.
Examine the causes, symptoms, and treatments of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Study the structure and function of the kidney in maintaining water potential and removing waste.
Investigate how the body maintains a constant core temperature through physiological adaptations.
Explore the role of auxins, gibberellins, and abscisic acid in plant growth and development.
Examine plant responses to non-directional stimuli and the influence of day length on plant processes.
Investigate the physical and chemical defense mechanisms plants employ for survival.
Explore the distinction between innate and learned behaviors and their adaptive significance.
03Genetics, Populations, and Evolution
This unit delves into the principles of inheritance, population genetics, and the mechanisms driving evolutionary change.
Review monohybrid and dihybrid crosses, dominance, recessiveness, and independent assortment.
Explore inheritance patterns for genes located on sex chromosomes and those with multiple alleles.
Investigate how linked genes are inherited together and how crossing over creates new allele combinations.
Examine complex inheritance patterns where one gene affects the expression of another, or multiple genes contribute to a trait.
Apply the Hardy-Weinberg equation to calculate allele and genotype frequencies in populations.
Investigate the mechanisms of natural selection and how it leads to adaptations in populations.
Examine the impact of random chance (genetic drift) and migration (gene flow) on allele frequencies.
Explore the processes by which new species arise, including allopatric and sympatric speciation.
Investigate various lines of evidence supporting the theory of evolution, including fossils, comparative anatomy, and molecular data.
Investigate the predictable changes in community structure over time in primary and secondary succession.
Examine the importance of biodiversity, threats to its loss, and strategies for conservation.
Explore principles and practices for managing natural resources to meet current and future needs.
Investigate the effects of global climate change on biodiversity, species distribution, and ecosystem function.
04Gene Expression and Regulation
This unit explores the intricate mechanisms by which genes are turned on and off, from chromatin structure to post-translational modifications, and how these processes relate to development, disease, and environmental responses.
Examine how DNA packaging (histone modification, DNA methylation) influences gene accessibility.
Investigate how environmental factors (diet, stress, toxins) can induce epigenetic changes.
Classify different types of gene mutations (point, frameshift) and their potential consequences.
05Recombinant DNA Technology and Gene Editing
This unit explores the principles and applications of modern biotechnology, including DNA manipulation, genetic engineering, and gene therapy.
Understand the function of restriction endonucleases in cutting DNA and DNA ligase in joining fragments.
Explore the use of plasmids and other vectors for transferring foreign DNA into host cells.
Detail the steps of PCR for amplifying specific DNA sequences in vitro.
Understand the principles of separating DNA fragments by size and determining DNA sequence.
Investigate the use of DNA probes and genetic markers for detecting genetic disorders.
Explore different strategies for gene therapy, including in vivo and ex vivo methods.
Understand the mechanism and applications of CRISPR-Cas9 for precise genome editing.
Examine the use of DNA profiling in forensic science, paternity testing, and conservation.
Explore the creation and applications of GMOs in agriculture, medicine, and industry.
Understand how computational tools are used to analyze large biological datasets, including DNA and protein sequences.
Investigate the body's first and second lines of defense, including phagocytosis and inflammation.
Understand the nature of antigens and the structure and function of antibodies.
Explore the role of B-lymphocytes in producing antibodies and immunological memory.
Investigate the roles of T-helper, T-killer, and T-memory cells in cell-mediated immunity.
06The Immune System and Disease Control
This unit provides a comprehensive understanding of the human immune system, its mechanisms of defense against pathogens, and the principles of disease prevention and treatment.
Detail the hybridoma technology used to produce specific monoclonal antibodies.
Explore the diverse applications of monoclonal antibodies in diagnosis and therapy.
Investigate the causes, mechanisms, and examples of autoimmune disorders.
Examine conditions where the immune system is compromised, such as HIV/AIDS.
Understand the immune response to harmless antigens that leads to allergic reactions.