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.
Energy Transfers In and Between Organisms
An in-depth study of the biochemical pathways of photosynthesis and respiration that power all life on Earth.
Detailed analysis of the light-dependent and light-independent reactions within the chloroplast.
Exploration of glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation in aerobic and anaerobic conditions.
Quantifying the flow of biomass and energy through trophic levels in diverse ecosystems.
Organisms Respond to Changes
Examination of how nervous and hormonal systems coordinate responses to internal and external stimuli.
The study of nerve impulse transmission, synaptic function, and the physiology of skeletal muscle contraction.
The maintenance of a constant internal environment through the control of blood glucose and water potential.
Investigating how plant growth factors like IAA regulate tropisms in response to light and gravity.
Genetics, Populations, and Evolution
Analyzing how genetic variation and selection pressures drive the evolution of populations over time.
Predicting phenotypic ratios through monohybrid, dihybrid, sex-linked, and epistatic inheritance patterns.
Using the Hardy-Weinberg principle to study allele frequencies and the impact of natural selection.
Studying dynamic ecosystems, succession, and the balance between human needs and conservation.
Gene Expression and Regulation
Investigating how the genome is controlled through transcription factors, epigenetics, and RNA interference.
Mechanisms that turn genes on or off, including the role of oestrogen and siRNA.
How environmental factors cause heritable changes in gene function without changing the DNA base sequence.
The relationship between mutations in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes and the development of tumors.
Recombinant DNA Technology
The practical application of molecular biology in creating transgenic organisms and diagnosing disease.
Techniques for isolating, amplifying, and transferring DNA fragments using PCR and vectors.
Using DNA probes to identify heritable conditions and the use of viral vectors for gene therapy.
The use of variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs) in identifying individuals and determining relationships.
The Immune System and Disease Control
A comprehensive look at the body's defenses and the use of monoclonal antibodies in modern medicine.
The specialized roles of B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes in identifying and destroying pathogens.
The principles of active and passive immunity and the societal impact of large-scale vaccination programs.
Production of monoclonal antibodies and their applications in targeted drug delivery and pregnancy testing.