Biology Dept

Welcome to Biology at St Columb's College

.The beginning of the 21st century is an exciting time to study Biology. New techniques and advances in molecular biology and genetics are revolutionizing the way we diagnose, treat, and cure disease, or catch criminals. Our greater understanding of the nature of different organisms and how they interact are enabling us to improve strategies for managing the biodiversity of life on our Planet, or meet our demise. The applications of Biological knowledge will in one way or another affect every person on Earth.

Biology Department Staff:

• Miss B Duddy
• Mr D Grant
• Mrs U Grimley
• Mrs J Kerlin
• Mr A Lagan :   Head of Subject
• Mr D Smyth
• Mr J Mulhern : Technican

At GCSE all students study the CCEA Double Award Science Specification covering the 3 different areas of Science.
From September 2011, Y11 students  will follow the new specifications for the  revised CCEA GCSE Science (Double Award) and the Y12 will continue with the legacy specification……
The new specification will have the following structure: Each of sciences will be examined in two written modules from each of the three sciences will be examined by written papers. These are worth, in Y11 (11% each) and Y12 (12% each)  A practical component will be assessed by Controlled Assessment Tasks in both Y11 & Y12 (25%).  These will come from different subject areas of the course.


The A’level specification is the CCEA A’level Biology
The specification has a modular structure and students are required to study three modules at each level. The modules are listed below and are all compulsory:

AS Level

AS 1: Molecules and Cells
AS 2: Organisms and Biodiversity
AS 3: Assessment of Practical Skills

A2 Level

A2 1: Physiology and Ecosystems   
A2 2: Biochemistry, Genetics &   Evolutionary Trends
A2 3: Assessment of Investigational and Practical Skills
Biology is also studied in the Sixth Form as part of the AQA: Double Award Applied Science course.  Students from St Columb’s College & Thornhill College following this specification will have an opportunity to understand the nature of science by actively experience the science environment. This is achieved through a variety of approaches including work experience, links with local employers, case studies and research.
Some useful biology links:

KS3 and KS4 animations
GCSE revision
A’level animations      
A Biology book online A’level