Biology Department :
S2
Aims
The Biology course in S2 builds on the knowledge and understanding gained during
S1. This course has been designed to provide the pupils with a broad based
experience in the subject, to promote a good understanding of how Biology
affects their everyday lives and to help prepare for S3 & S4 – either as part of
Standard Grade Science or as a basis for more in-depth study in Standard Grade
Biology.
Course Content.
The course is divided into two main sections and covers the essential areas of:
- Cells & Plant Reproduction
- Microbes, Biotechnology & Inheritance.
Cells & Plant Reproduction
During this topic, pupils will learn about the following:
- How to use a microscope
- How to prepare cell slides
- The structure of animal & plant cells
- Cell variety
- Cells forming tissues
- Seed structure
- Germination
- Flower Structure
- Pollination
- Fertilisation
- Seed Dispersal
Microbes, Biotechnology & Inheritance
In this section, pupils will study the following:
- The main groups of microbes – bacteria, viruses & fungi
- Useful microbes – yoghurt & cheese production, bread making & brewing and sewage treatment
- Harmful microbes – examples of disease, how it is spread & how the body defends itself
- The use of microbes in genetic engineering
- Chromosomes, genes & DNA – their role in inheritance
- Selective breeding
Assessment
Assessment for S2 pupils is done through class work, homework exercises and
end of unit formal assessments.