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OCR Gateway Biology (J643)

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About this course
Exam dates
Exam papers

About this course

Unit 1: Biology B – modules B1, B2, B3 (B631)
Unit 2: Biology B – modules B4, B5, B6 (B632)
Unit 3: Biology B – ‘Can Do’ tasks and report on ‘Science in the News’ (B635).
Skills assessment consists of two elements: Can-do tasks & Report on Science in the news.
Unit 4: Biology B Unit 4 – Research Study, Data Task and Practical Skills (B636). Candidates produce a portfolio comprising three elements: Research Study, Data Task and Practical Skills.

Candidates take Units 1 and 2 and either Unit 3 or Unit 4.

Unit 1 and 2 exams can be taken in January and/or June.
Unit 3 and 4 skills assessments are only available in June.

Different tiers can be chosen for different units.

Summary of the Elements of Unit 3 (B635)
Can-Do tasks: These are assessed and recorded throughout the course as the candidate fulfils
them. The marks are recorded on the Candidate Record Card.
Report on Science in the News:. Candidates are required to use stimulus material provided by
OCR and other sources of information to research the way in which scientific data and ideas are
dealt with by the media. The number of reports attempted is at the discretion of the Centre, but the
results of only one may be submitted

Summary of the Elements of Unit 4 (B636)
Research Study: Candidates are required to use stimulus material provided by OCR and other
sources of information to research scientific ideas. The number of reports attempted is at the
discretion of the centre, but the results of only one may be submitted.
Data Task: Candidates are required to analyse and evaluate data and to plan further work (which
will not be carried out). The number of tasks attempted is at the discretion of the centre, but the
results of only one may be submitted.
Practical Skills: The ability carry out practical tasks to safely and skilfully is assessed holistically.

Link to subject specification.

Module contents

Module B5: The Living Body

a In good shape
b The vital pump
c Running Repairs
d Breath of Life
e Waste Disposal
f Life Goes On
g New for Old
h Size matters

Module B6: Beyond the Microscope

a Understanding bacteria
b Harmful micro-organisms
c Micro-organisms – factories for the future?
d Biofuels
e Life in soil
f Microscopic life in water
g Enzymes in Action
h Genetic engineering

Exam dates for 2009/10

Unit 1: January 14 or May 21
Unit 2: January 25 or May 26
Units 3 & 4: available in summer only.

Exam papers

Link to exam papers and other documents

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