Search 

Hello, aspiring biologists! I am thrilled to introduce my brand-new revision resource for A-Level Biology Unit 1 - Biological Molecules. Get ready to delve into the captivating world of macromolecules and monomer units! At £7.99 per unit, you might wonder why these are priced higher than other resources on the market. Well, I take immense pride in creating market-leading content that is not only comprehensive but also meticulously crafted. Let me walk you through the features of my revision resources and shed light on why investing in quality notes is an investment in your success. Firstly, I have invested countless hours in crafting this content that I believe will truly enhance your learning experience. Each diagram, explanation, and example has been thoughtfully curated to ensure clarity and depth of understanding. I have left no stone unturned, and the detail is reflected in the length of the resources (unit 1 is 60 pages!). This first resource delves into the heart of Biological Molecules - from carbohydrates, lipids, proteins to nucleic acids. Each concept is broken down into digestible chunks, making it easier for you to grasp the intricate details. Whether you're reviewing for exams or consolidating classroom learning, this document will serve as your go-to guide. I understand that monotony can be the nemesis of effective learning, thus I have purposely designed this resource (and every one after!) to be both dynamic and exciting with an array of relevant syllabus-specific and highly detailed illustrations. Whilst my notes may be priced slightly higher than some others, think of it as an investment in your academic journey. By choosing my Biological Molecules revision material, you gain access to a comprehensive and truly original resource that can make a substantial difference in your exam performance. I believe that quality education is worth every penny, and I am committed to delivering nothing less. Whether you yourself are currently tackling AQA A-level biology, or you have a child who may need a nudge in the right direction, I guarantee that this series of revision resources will be worth it! Please remember that I will be releasing each of the topics in a staggered release over the summer - and bulk-buying options will become available as I do. You will be able to purchase: · Each unit individually - £8.99 · 4 units together (the whole of Y12 or Y13 content) - £29.99 · 8 units together (the complete spec) – £55.99 Give yourself the competitive edge you deserve and allow these resources to be your trusted companion in this exciting academic pursuit. Let's ace A-Level Biology together!

To all upcoming year 12’s: Congratulations on completing your GCSEs and bidding farewell to high school! Now that exams are behind you, it's the perfect time to take a breather and celebrate your achievements. But guess what? There's still more greatness ahead! As you gear up to dive into A-Level Biology in September, let's talk about how you can make the most of your summer break and get a head start on your new journey. If you're reading this, then it's likely that you'll be starting your A-level biology course in September. I may be biased but let me tell you, it's going to be an exciting year! Biology is a fascinating subject that opens doors to understanding life's mysteries, from tiny cells to entire ecosystems. But no need to feel overwhelmed. With the right mindset and preparation, you're all set to make the most out of the next 2 years! Ever heard the saying, "The early bird catches the worm"? Well, it's time to embrace that philosophy! Being proactive during the summer break will set you up for success when you start your A-Level Biology journey. Rather than putting off learning until the last minute, consider some light revision and preparation throughout August. Now, I’m not asking you to sit for hours revising and learning the whole spec, but even a couple of hours a week could really set you up for success! Not only will you understand and retain the information better, but you'll also avoid the dreaded exam cramming when it comes to those January mock exams (they creep up sooner than you think!). So, just consider swapping a few hours of scrolling for some active A-level prep – I promise it’s not as bad as it sounds! Now, let me introduce myself – I'm Katie and here to guide you through the exciting world of A-Level Biology. My detailed revision resources are designed to provide a simple guide to all things A-level, making complex concepts easier to grasp. I will be holding weekly webinars where we cover specific topics from the A-level spec, as well as group tuition classes, too. Get in touch if you’d like to know more – fill in the request form on the homepage of my website, or email me directly at katie@biologybykatie.com

Alongside my daily diagrams on instagram, I have decided to set up a YouTube channel (search biologybykatie). The purpose of this extra channel will be to deliver a stream of explanatory videos alongside annotated diagrams and drawings. I will be recording voiceover's to explain the content of each of the videos as it progresses. The aim of this channel is to allow me to reach out and help even more of you out there. There are thousands of biology students who learn by watching videos and listening to explanations at their own pace (YouTube allows you to watch videos on reduced speed!). Making these videos will enable me to appeal to those who don't want or need 1-2-1 tutoring, but enjoy watching content videos to broaden their understanding. I hope you all enjoy the videos, please like & subscribe & leave any requests in the comments!

For most today, it’s back to school for the final few weeks before the Christmas break. For anyone in year 10 or above, unfortunately this means those dreaded January mock exams are just around the corner. Although your mock exams are ‘just’ practice, they are extremely important. They will ultimately determine the predicted grade that you will be given to prove your potential in college/ UCAS applications. Mock exams also help to identify any areas/ topics that you need to work on ahead of the real thing. Fortunately, there are 10 weeks between now and mock exam season. 10 weeks worth of self-paced and directed learning could be the difference between higher predicted grades come January. The benefits of private tuition, especially ahead of important assessments: - one to one attention in every lesson - bespoke content delivery to focus on areas of weakness - improve revision and learning tactics for maximum success - solidify exam technique to achieve maximum marks - increase in confidence and self-esteem Whether you are a student or a parent, now is the time to start thinking about mock exams. I have a few weekday evening slots remaining for A-level biology or GCSE science (biology/ chemistry/ physics). Please get in touch via Facebook message directly, email (biologybykatie@gmail.com) or visit my website www.biologybykatie.com

🎨THE pH SCALE🎨 is something that we often use to describe solutions but do you actually know what the pH scale MEANS? This post is much more chemistry than it is biology, but we use the pH scale and talk about the effect of pH on reactions so often in biology that it’s really important to know what we are actually talking about. So… The pH scale is a measurement of the concentration of H+ ions (also referred to as protons) that are present in a solution. To calculate the pH of any given solution, we use the equilibrium of water ionisation (where water molecules split into ions, the formula is 2H2O(l) <=> H3O+(aq) + OH-(aq)) suggesting that water splits into equal parts hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions = neutral. This reaction at equilibrium is given a special value called the ionisation constant of water (Kw). The value of this constant at 25°C (room temperature) is 1.0 x 10^-14, where h3O+ concentration is 1.0x10^-7 and OH- concentration is also 1.0x10^-7. The concentrations are equal and therefore this solution(water) is NEUTRAL pH=7. So, to determine the pH of other solutions, we measure the concentration H+ ions. The relationship between H+ ions and pH value is this equation: -log10[H+]. Therefore, if the value of H+ ion concentration is 1.0x10^-3, the pH value is 3 and the solution is acidic. If the H+ ion concentration is 1.0x10^-12, the pH value is 12 and the solution is basic (alkaline). The opposing calculation is to determine concentration of OH- ions. This gives a pOH value instead of pH. The relationship between OH- concentration and pOH value is a similar equation: -log10[OH¯]. pH + pOH = 14. The higher the pH value, the stronger the base. The higher the pOH value, the stronger the acid. pH =1, pOH=13 (STRONG ACID) pH=2, pOH=12 (STRONG ACID) pH=3, pOH=11 (MEDIUM ACID) pH=4, pOH=10 (MEDIUM ACID) pH=5, pOH=9 (WEAK ACID) pH=6, pOH=8 (WEAK ACID) pH=7, pOH=7 (NEUTRAL SOLUTION) pH=8, pOH=6 (WEAK BASE) pH=9, pOH=5 (WEAK BASE) pH=10, pOH=4 (MEDIUM BASE) pH=11, pOH=3 (MEDIUM BASE) pH=12, pOH=2 (STRONG BASE) pH=13, pOH=1 (STRONG BASE)

If you are currently awaiting your GCSE results, and are due to start studying A-level biology this September, here are some tips for preparing yourself ahead of the new year. Firstly, a lot of students express that the biggest shock when progressing from GCSE to A-level is the sheer volume of content. The GCSE biology syllabus includes 7 main topics with 24 sub-topics in total whereas the A-level syllabus comprises of 8 main topics with 39 sub-topics. 15 additional topics, as well as developing analysis skills and learning how to write a detailed and comprehensive 25-mark essay can easily become overwhelming. Not to mention a similar situation with your other subjects (sorry for the not so warm welcome!) The most effective way to overcome this initial shock seems obvious, but not many think to do. That is - look at the specification online. Familiarise yourself with the first couple of topics. I'm not suggesting that you learn the entirety of the A-level syllabus before you even step foot in a college classroom, but just look. Identify words and concepts that you are familiar with from the GCSE syllabus. Maybe research some that you have never seen or heard. Giving yourself this time to prepare will have you strolling into class with ease and an open mind, ready to learn and absorb this new content. With all the chaos and anxiety that comes with starting a new year - finding your new classrooms, making new friends, settling into new routines and everything else... feeling like you're well-prepared will prove a lot more valuable than you might think. Secondly, it is really important to stay on track. You might have felt that your GCSE's were somewhat 'easy' and that you could pay little attention and come back and revise closer to the exam. You will not get far with that attitude towards A-levels. The fast pace of learning means that if you fall behind, it can be quite hard to catch up. The same applies to those who did not find school easy, but are reluctant to reveal that they are struggling to understand. My advice would be to recap the content after every lesson, and make sure you have really understood. Check that you can recall information accurately. If you haven't, ask for help (your teachers will not be annoyed). Watch videos. Read revision articles. There are so many resources available online these days, tailored to all different learning styles, that is is theoretically possible to learn any syllabus entirely online. Making sure you stay on track will prevent you spiralling into panic come exam season. Finally, enjoy the syllabus! A-level biology introduces you to some really fascinating topics and, when approached with the right attitude, can equip you with some really valuable knowledge. Whether you are looking to pursue further education or even a career in science, or just doing biology because you like it, taking time to really absorb your new topics will help ensure your enthusiasm won't fade.