Aims and Objectives of
the Biology Department
The aims as stated in our handbook are:
- To stimulate curiosity, interest and enjoyment in Biology, and to encourage interest in, and care for, the environment.
- To allow students to appreciate the importance of Scientific method, as an aid to constructive logical thinking.
- To provide opportunities for full pupil involvement and participation through a variety of biological studies.
- To prepare and encourage students to embark upon further studies in Biology and Medicine (and therefore to help them get the best grade possible in the Public Examinations.)
- To develop the ability and desire to work both independently and with others to further biological knowledge and understanding.
Our objectives are detailed as follows:
Pupils should be able to:
- Demonstrate the following practical and investigative skills:
(a) use chemicals, reagents and general laboratory equipment safely and correctly.
(b) ask questions, predict and hypothesise.
(c) observe biological materials carefully and use a range of microscopic techniques.
(d) identify variables, make accurate measurements, and record results.
(e) organise, manipulate, interpret and evaluate data as part of problem-solving
and decision making.
- Demonstrate the following intellectual skills:
(a) give a concise and coherent explanation, argument or description.
(b) translate scientific information from one form to another and carry out relevant
calculations.
(c) understand scientific terminology, biological principles, concepts and
relationships.
(d) recall specific facts within the appropriate syllabus content.
(e) assess the limitation and validity of scientific theories, models and experiments.
(f) evaluate the social, economic, environmental and technological
implications of modern Biology.
(g) use the basic skills of literacy, numeracy, graphicacy and oracy.
- Demonstrate the following social skills:
(a) to have the ability to join in classroom discussions, learning to listen to views
of others as well as expressing views of their own.
(b) to have the capacity to study outside the classroom and to undertake group
and individual work.
