Sciences
BackScience has three main disciplines: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Studying Science helps us understand the natural and physical world around us through experimentation and observation.
Biology
Year 12 Biology | Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
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Key Topic: |
Cell Structure Biological Molecules Transport across Cell membranes |
Cell Recognition and the Immune System Organisms Exchange Substances with their Environment |
Genetic Information, Variation and Relationships between Organisms |
New Knowledge: |
Methods of studying cells Detailed structure of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells and viruses Monomers and polymers Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins (including enzymes), water and nucleic acids The cell cycle and mitosis in detail The structure of cell membranes and transport across them in detail |
Defence mechanism of the human body Phagocytosis and the action of T and B lymphocytes Vaccination HIV Gas exchange in fish, insects, plants and humans Enzymes involved in digestion Mammalian heart and transport of substances Transport of water and organic molecules in plants |
DNA, genes and protein synthesis Genetic diversity Biodiversity |
Previous Knowledge Required: |
Use of a simple microscope Basic structure of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells Calculating magnification The main biological molecules of life Outline of the cell cycle and mitosis Definitions of diffusion, osmosis and active transport |
Outline of phagocytosis and the defence mechanisms of the human body Outline of vaccination Basic role of enzymes in digestion Function of the lungs, heart and haemoglobin Arteries, capillaries and veins |
DNA as the genetic material (separates will cover the structure of DNA and an outline of protein synthesis) Definition of a species, the binomial system and 5 kingdom classification The importance of sterilisation to kill unwanted microorganisms The importance of random sampling when collecting quantitative data |
New Skills: |
Use of a colorimeter Understanding the processes of cell fractionation, homogenation and ultracentrifugation Drawing molecules Calculation of the mitotic index Preparation of a dilution series to produce a calibration curve Present data in appropriate ways Graphical analysis of experimental results Identify variables that must be controlled |
Dissection techniques and biological drawings Consider ethical issues when carrying out experiments Economic, social and ethical issues of vaccination programmes Use of a potometer to obtain quantitative measurements Present data in appropriate ways Graphical analysis of experimental results Identify variables that must be controlled Commenting on experimental design and suggesting improvements |
Use of aseptic techniques Measuring species distribution using fieldwork sampling techniques Calculating the index of diversity Evaluating results and drawing conclusions Identifying variables and suitable controls |
Links to the School Curriculum: |
Maths – how to measure change in the rate of a reaction using a tangent to a curve, presenting data, calculations and graph drawing skills. Chemistry – practical skills, ions, bonding, monomers and polymers. Physics – practical skills, conservation of energy, latent heat of vaporisation and specific heat capacity. |
PE – heart, lungs, blood vessels, cardiac output and pulmonary ventilation calculations Food technology – digestion Chemistry – practical skills Physics – practical skills Maths – calculating surface area to volume ratio, changing the subject in pulmonary ventilation and cardiac output equations, using appropriate units in calculations and interpreting bar charts |
Geography – field work techniques, biodiversity and diversity within a community, index of diversity. The balance between conservation and farming. Maths- understanding and calculating the mean, mode and standard deviation. Simple probability, the use of appropriate numbers of significant figures, using percentages and using the logarithmic function on a calculator |
Independent Activities: |
Biological Sciences Review New Scientist Science Museum London Natural History Museum London Kew Gardens London Birmingham Botanical Gardens |
Biological Sciences Review New Scientist Science Museum London Natural History Museum London Kew Gardens London Birmingham Botanical Gardens |
Biological Sciences Review New Scientist Science Museum London Natural History Museum London Kew Gardens London Birmingham Botanical Gardens Local Nature Reserves |
Web Links: | https://www.freesciencelessons.co.uk/a-level-revision-videos/a-level-biology/https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/biology-revision/a-level-aqa/https://www.cellsalive.com/cells/cell_model_js.htm | https://www.samples-for-schools.co.uk/lung-dissection-lesson/https://www.samples-for-schools.co.uk/heart-dissection-lesson/https://www.samples-for-schools.co.uk/fish-head-dissection-lesson/https://www.freesciencelessons.co.uk/a-level-revision-videos/a-level-biology/https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/biology-revision/a-level-aqa/https://www.cellsalive.com/cells/cell_model_js.htm | https://www.freesciencelessons.co.uk/a-level-revision-videos/a-level-biology/https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/biology-revision/a-level-aqa/https://www.cellsalive.com/cells/cell_model_js.htm |
Year 13 Biology | Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
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Key Topic: |
Photosynthesis Respiration Energy and Ecosystems Response to Stimuli |
Nervous coordination and Muscles Homeostasis Inherited Change |
Populations and Evolution Populations in Ecosystems The Control of Gene Expression |
New Knowledge: |
Detailed biochemical pathways that occur in photosynthesis and respiration (aerobic and anaerobic) Ultrastructure of the chloroplast and mitochondrion GPP, NPP and respiratory losses, efficiency of energy transfers and productivity of farming practices The Nitrogen Cycle The Phosphorous Cycle Environmental issues concerning the use of fertilisers Taxes, kinesis and tropisms. Plant growth hormones |
A reflex arc The eye as an example of a receptor The control of heart rate Neurones and nervous coordination The role of synapses and transmission across them Structure and contraction of skeletal muscle Positive and negative feedback mechanisms Control of body temperature, blood glucose levels, the role of the nephron in osmoregulation and their associated hormones Monohybrid, dihybrid, codominance, multiple alleles, sex-linkage, autosomal linkage and epistasis genetic crosses. The chi squared test. |
Population genetics, variation and natural selection Isolation and speciation Variation in ecosystems, predation and competition. Succession and habitat conservation Gene mutations, stem cells and totipotency The regulation of transcription and translation Epigenetic control of gene expression Gene expression and cancer Recombinant DNA technology – gene cloning, locating genes, genetic screening and counselling, genetic fingerprinting |
Previous Knowledge Required: |
Photosynthesis and respiration equation Food chains and webs Chromatography Plant growth hormones (separates only) |
The 3 neurones and a reflex arc Control of body temperature and sugar levels ADH and the kidney (separates only) The eye (separates only) A basic genetic cross and the definition of genotype and phenotype |
Continuous and discontinuous variation Natural selection Speciation (separates only) Competition Mutations Stem cells Gene technology in outline Cancer and the cell cycle in outline |
New Skills: |
Using a redox indicator such as methylene blue to investigate dehydrogenase activity How to use appropriate apparatus to record a range of quantitative measurements in experiments Use of a choice chamber Statistical tests such as chi squared, null hypothesis Consider ethical issues when carrying out experiments |
How to use appropriate apparatus to record a range of quantitative measurements in experiments Statistical tests such as chi squared, null hypothesis Consider ethical issues when carrying out experiments |
Economic, social and ethical issues of recombinant technology How to use gene markers to identify whether a gene has been taken up by a bacterial cell How to carry out in vivo and in vitro cloning of DNA fragments How to carry out gel electrophoresis |
Links to the School Curriculum: |
Psychology – statistics and null hypothesis Maths – calculation, units, percentages, translating information between graphical and numerical forms. Geography – ecosystems and their efficiency, farming practices and the use of fertilisers Chemistry – electrons, ions and protons. chromatography |
PE – muscles, response to exercise Maths – calculation, units, percentages, translating information between graphical and numerical forms. Psychology – the nervous system, synapses, effects of neurotransmitters. Chi squared. |
Geography – succession and habitat conservation Maths – probability and chance, interpreting graphical information |
Independent Activities: |
Biological Sciences Review New Scientist Science Museum London Natural History Museum London Kew Gardens London Birmingham Botanical Gardens Local Nature Reserves |
Biological Sciences Review New Scientist Science Museum London Natural History Museum London Kew Gardens London Birmingham Botanical Gardens Local Nature Reserves |
Biological Sciences Review New Scientist Science Museum London Natural History Museum London Kew Gardens London Birmingham Botanical Gardens Local Nature Reserves |
Web Links: | https://www.freesciencelessons.co.uk/a-level-revision-videos/a-level-biology/https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/biology-revision/a-level-aqa/ | https://www.freesciencelessons.co.uk/a-level-revision-videos/a-level-biology/
https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/biology-revision/a-level-aqa/ |
https://dnalc.cshl.edu/resources/animations/https://www.yourgenome.org/https://www.freesciencelessons.co.uk/a-level-revision-videos/a-level-biology/https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/biology-revision/a-level-aqa/ |
Chemistry
Year 12 Chemistry | Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
---|---|---|---|
Key Topic: |
Amount of Substance Atomic Structure |
Energetics Introduction to Organic Chemistry |
Equilibria Alcohols |
New Knowledge: |
Avogadro constant Concentration calculations Ideal Gas equation Empirical formulae Synoptic style calculations Mass spectrometry Electron configuration Ionisation energies |
Reaction pathways Standard enthalpy values Hess’s Law Bond enthalpies Organic compound formulae Nomenclature Functional groups Isomerism |
Dynamic equilibrium Homogeneous & heterogeneous reactions Le Chatelier’s Principle Industrial examples of reversible reactions Physical properties of alcohols Alcohol classification Alcohol oxidation Chemical tests for aldehydes and ketones Elimination reactions of alcohols Industrial production of ethanol |
Previous Knowledge Required: |
Chemical elements & symbols Molecular ions State symbols Structure of the atom Mass number The Mole |
Exothermic & endothermic reactions Examples of exothermic and endothermic reactions Carbon bonding and shape |
Reversible reactions Half equations Structural isomerism Hydrogen bonding |
New Skills: | Practical techniques – titration, water of crystallisation |
Experimental determination of enthalpy changes (neutralisation & combustion) Graphical analysis of experimental results Hess cycle calculations Redox and distillation techniques Reaction mechanisms Drawing molecules in different forms according to the formula (e.g. displayed & skeletal) |
Graph analysis of equilibrium reactions Explaining reversible reaction equations (in terms of equilibrium position) Redox and distillation techniques Reaction mechanisms Use of oxidising agents Chemical tests for carbonyl compounds Dehydration reaction technique |
Links to the School Curriculum: |
Maths – calculations and equations. Physics - calculations and equations. Atomic structure. |
Maths – calculations and equations. Graph skills. Physics – calculations and equations. Biology – biological molecules. Geography – environmental impact of organic molecule uses as fuels. |
Maths – calculations and equations. Graph skills. Physics – calculations and equations. Biology – biological molecules. |
Independent Activities: |
Written research project on TOF mass spectrometry. Exam question workbooks – self assessment activity. |
Written research investigation into alkanes and their environmental impact. Exam question workbooks – self assessment activity. Molecule modelling using simulation programme (PhET link below). |
Evaluation of two different methods for alcohol production (research task). Research QuickFit glassware apparatus set-up for redox and distillation. Exam question workbooks – self assessment activity. |
Web Links: | https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/chemistry-revision/a-level-aqa/ | https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/chemistry-revision/a-level-aqa/https://www.docbrown.info/page13/page13.htmhttps://chemrevise.org/revision-guides/https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/build-an-atom | https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/chemistry-revision/a-level-aqa/https://www.docbrown.info/page13/page13.htmhttps://chemrevise.org/revision-guides/ |
Year 13 Chemistry | Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
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Key Topic: |
Carbonyl Chemistry Thermodynamics |
Acids and Bases Aromatic Chemistry |
Biochemistry (polymers, amino acids & DNA) Electrochemical Cells |
New Knowledge: |
Chemistry of carboxylic acid derivatives (acyl chlorides, acid anhydrides) Addition elimination reaction mechanism for acylation reactions Impact of forming racemates with HCN during addition reactions Fatty acids and triglycerides Born Haber cycles Entropy and Gibb’s Free Energy calculations Enthalpy of solution cycles Perfect ionic model Feasible reactions |
Bronsted-Lowry theory Ionic product of water Analysing titration curves pH calculations Dilution calculations Buffer calculations Benzene and benzene derivative structures Chemistry of benzene – electrophilic substitution reactions (e.g. nitration) Friedel-Crafts acylation |
Protein primary, secondary and tertiary structures Forming polypeptides Chemistry of amino acids (e.g. zwitterion formation and physical properties) Behaviour of amino acids under different pH conditions Protein hydrolysis DNA chemical structure and the mode of action of DNA inhibitors Redox equilibria Electrode potentials Half-cell set-up Standard hydrogen cell properties The electrochemical series Electrochemical notation Calculating EMF Lithium and lead-acid cells Alkali, acid and ethanol fuel cells |
Previous Knowledge Required: |
Chemistry of aldehydes and ketones Chemical tests for aldehydes (oxidation) Nucleophilic addition mechanism Use of selective oxidising agents Curly arrow procedure for reaction mechanisms Esterification Hess cycles Enthalpy definitions |
H+ and OH- ions Strong and weak acids and alkalis Acid and base reactions and neutralisation equations pH indicators and the pH scale Modelling benzene Delocalised electron systems Use of curly arrow mechanisms |
Basic polymer structure Condensation polymerisation Polymer environmental impacts Effect of pH and temperature on enzyme activity Hydrolysis reactions Rf values and calculations in chromatography Basic DNA structure Redox equations – constructing half equations and combining to full equations Electrolysis theory Assigning oxidation numbers Use of alkali primary and lithium secondary cells How a basic hydrogen fuel cell works |
New Skills: | Preparation of an organic solid (aspirin) including crystallisation. |
Synthesis of an aromatic derivative through nitration (paracetamol).
pH determination through neutralisation reaction practical work |
Construction of a half cell Measuring EMF |
Links to the School Curriculum: |
Biology – aspirin synthesis, biological effects of analgesics. PE – use and effect of analgesics on health. History – historical medicines extracted from natural products. Psychology – effect of drugs on the brain. Maths – calculations and equations.
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Biology – paracetamol synthesis, biological effects of analgesics. PE – use and effect of analgesics on health. Psychology – effect of drugs on the brain. Maths – calculations, graphs and equations.
Research into the applications of Friedel Crafts acylation (referenced project) |
Biology – biological molecules including the chemistry of natural polymers. Maths – calculations and equations. Physics - calculations and equations. Electricity generation / fuel cells. |
Independent Activities: |
Research project on crystallisation techniques (including referencing and bibliography)
Exam question workbooks – self assessment activity. |
Exam question workbooks – self assessment activity. |
Interpreting the structure and bonding in DNA.
Exam question workbooks – self assessment activity. |
Web Links: | https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/chemistry-revision/a-level-aqa/ | https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/chemistry-revision/a-level-aqa/https://www.docbrown.info/page13/page13.htmhttps://chemrevise.org/revision-guides/https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/build-an-atom | https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/chemistry-revision/a-level-aqa/https://www.docbrown.info/page13/page13.htmhttps://chemrevise.org/revision-guides/ |
Physics
Year 12 Physics | Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
---|---|---|---|
Key Topic: | Particles and Radiation |
Electricity Waves |
Mechanics |
New Knowledge: |
Stable and unstable nuclei Particles and anti-matter Photons Planck constant E=mc2 Particle interactions Pair production and annihilation Four fundamental forces Classification of particles Hadrons, baryons, fundamental particles. Neutrinos Mesons Quantum numbers Quarks and anti-quarks Photoelectric effect Energy levels within atoms |
New voltage current characteristics Voltage as work per unit charge Resistivity Advanced circuits Alternative power equations Conservation of charge Potential divider Electromotive force Internal resistance
Phase and phase difference Angles as radians Polarisation Super position of waves Nodes antinodes and harmonics Path difference and coherence Young’s slit experiment Diffraction grating Advanced refraction |
Resolution of vectors (advanced) Advanced moments Centre of mass Full Suvat equations Projectile motion Momentum Work, energy and power Advanced conservation of energy The Young modulus |
Previous Knowledge Required: |
Structure of the atom Role of neutron, proton and electron Rutherford gold foil experiment Basic radioactivity principles Electromagnetic radiation |
Basics of electricity Resistance as a ratio of voltage to current Some voltage current characteristics Basic circuits
Longitudinal and transverse wave identification Wave equation Reflection Basic refraction Some diffraction Light and frequency |
Basic equations for motion Newton’s Laws Basic momentum Basic work, energy and power Limited Hooke’s Law |
New Skills: |
Powers of 10 Abstract principles Modelling of nuclei and subatomic particles Modelling of quark structure |
Building complex circuits Reading circuit diagrams EMF and internal resistance measuring Resistivity measurements Producing diffraction patterns Precision measurement Abstract modelling Producing stationary waves |
Determination of g by free fall Determination of g from a graph High level of accurate measuring |
Links to the school curriculum: |
Maths – calculations, powers of 10, calculator input and use. Chemistry – atomic model and sub shells, isotopes, ions. Languages – Greek alphabet |
Chemistry – EMF and electrochemical cells, fuel cells. Polarisation of light (optical isomers). Maths – calculations D&T – electrical circuits Music – harmonics and overtones |
Maths – graph skills, calculations D&T (engineering) – Young’s modulus |
Independent Activities: |
Problem solving tasks. Exam question workbooks. |
Problem solving tasks. Exam question workbooks. Interpreting circuit diagrams. |
Calculations. Past paper exam questions. Researching Young’s modulus with references/bibliography |
Web Links: |
phET modelling: https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/rutherford-scatteringhttps://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/chemistry-revision/a-level-aqa/https://www.savemyexams.co.uk/a-level/physics/aqa/17/revision-notes/ |
https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/chemistry-revision/a-level-aqa/https://www.savemyexams.co.uk/a-level/physics/aqa/17/revision-notes/https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/waves-intro | https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/chemistry-revision/a-level-aqa/https://www.savemyexams.co.uk/a-level/physics/aqa/17/revision-notes/https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/energy-skate-park |
Year 13 Physics | Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
---|---|---|---|
Key Topic: |
Further Mechanics Thermal Physics |
Nuclear Physics |
Turning Points in Physics |
New Knowledge: |
Circular motion Angular velocity Centripetal force Centripetal acceleration Simple harmonic motion (SHM) Resonance Phase difference Forced vibrations
Internal energy (advanced) Gas laws Molar and molecular mass Molecular kinetic theory |
Advanced understanding of Rutherford scattering Conditions for stable and unstable nuclei Inverse square law for gamma radiation Decay rates Radioactive decay and number of remaining nuclei Half-life and decay constant Graph of nucleon number against proton number for a stable nuclei Additional decay modes Nuclear energy levels Nuclear radius Mass and energy Induced fission Fusion |
Cathode rays Thermionic emission Millikan’s determination of electric charge Measurement of specific charge Newton’s corpuscular theory of light Young’s double slit experiment Maxwell’s theory of electromagnetic (EM) waves Discovery of photoelectricity The ultraviolet catastrophe Wave particle duality Electron microscopes Special relativity |
Previous Knowledge Required: |
Specific heat capacity (SHC) Wave motion Angles as radians
Specific latent heat |
Basic atomic structure Strong nuclear force Electrostatic repulsion Basic radioactivity decay Basic half-life calculation |
Young’s slit experiments Electrons as cathode rays The EM spectrum Light as waves and particles Photoelectricity (Year 12) |
New Skills: |
Investigating Charles’s and Boyle’s law Advanced SHC and latent heat measurements Measuring time period and frequency |
Investigation into inverse square law for gamma radiation. Count rates including background Graphs of half-life Calculating decay constant Interpreting graphs for nuclear radius Calculations based on mass and energy |
Calculation of specific charge Calculation of e Processing Maxwell’s formula Appreciating difficulties with Fizeau’s experiment Abstract visualisation of time dilation and length contraction for relativity Working with the Lorenz factor |
Links to the school curriculum: |
Chemistry – kinetic theory, ideal gas equation. Maths – calculations and graph skills |
Chemistry – atomic structure, electrostatic repulsion, nuclear radius. Maths – calculations and graphs. |
Chemistry – equation calculations Biology - electron microscopes Maths – equation calculations and graphs |
Independent Activities: |
Problem solving tasks. Exam question workbooks Research into gas laws and SHM |
Problem solving tasks. Exam question workbooks Research fission and fusion. Research implications of inverse square law to safety aspects. |
Research – significance of Millikan’s determination of e. Research – significance of Michelson-Morley experiment. Problem solving tasks. Exam question workbooks |
Web Links: |
https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/chemistry-revision/a-level-aqa/https://www.savemyexams.co.uk/a-level/physics/aqa/17/revision-notes/ |
https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/chemistry-revision/a-level-aqa/https://www.savemyexams.co.uk/a-level/physics/aqa/17/revision-notes/Nuclear Fission | https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/chemistry-revision/a-level-aqa/https://www.savemyexams.co.uk/a-level/physics/aqa/17/revision-notes/Photo Electric |