Truth in Science

Truth in Science
Introduction to A Levels PDF Print E-mail

An A-level, short for Advanced Level, is a General Certificate of Education usually taken during Further Education and after GCSEs. It is a non-compulsory qualification taken by students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (the Scottish equivalent is the Advanced Higher Grade).

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) publishes a Subject Criteria for Science, providing a framework in which awarding bodies create their own specifications. This states that:
AS and A level specifications must build on the skills, knowledge and understanding set out in the GSCE criteria for science and must include the following requirements:
  • Use theories, models and ideas to develop and modify scientific explanations;
  • Analyse and interpret data to provide evidence, recognising correlations and causal relationships;
  • Evaluate methodology, evidence and data,  and resolve conflicting evidence;
  • Appreciate the tentative nature of scientific knowledge;
  • Appreciate the role of the scientific community in validating new knowledge and ensuring integrity;
  • Appreciate the ways society uses science to inform decision making.
All AS and A Level specifications for Biology must cover the following:
Biodiversity: 
Adaptation and selection are major components of evolution and make a significant contribution to the diversity of living organisms (Appendix 4:1.3 g).
Cellular Control:
Transfer of genetic information from one generation to the next can ensure continuity of species or lead to variation within a species and eventual formation of new species (Appendix 4:1.10 c).
Reproductive isolation can lead to accumulation of different
genetic information in populations potentially leading to the
formation of new species (Appendix 4:1.10 d).
A-levels are offered by EdExcel, OCR, AQA, WJEC and CCEA within the UK, and to students outside the UK by Cambridge International Examinations. Programmes are being prepared for first teaching in 2008 which include the new requirements for ‘How Science Works’.

Generally speaking, A-Level Biology and Human Biology specifications provide fewer opportunities to teach scientific controversy than Biology GCSE. This is because there is currently less emphasis on the nature of science.

A-Levels do generally contain more information than GCSEs about evolution, and in particular the Edexcel Human Biology syllabus has a substantial section on Human evolution.
 

Quote

It is wrong that any debate, especially on so momentous a subject as the origin of species, and the human race above all, should be arbitrarily declared to be closed.
Paul Johnson (The Spectator, 27 August 2005)

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