Salters-Nuffield Advanced Biology (SNAB): background information
The thinking behind the project
We are now in a century that is likely to be dominated by Biology, yet advanced level Biology saw few significant curriculum initiatives in recent years.
We need a course to which students can relate: students need to know why the concepts they are learning are important. Advanced level biology has become very content-led, with few of the recent innovations for the delivery of courses or in biological developments being reflected in the classroom. Despite this, large numbers of students continue to study Biology at AS and A2-level.
The Salters-Nuffield Advanced Biology Project helps teachers improve biology teaching and learning through innovative curriculum materials, and a professional development programme for teachers.
Student learning
Students learn best by being mentally active and reflective using approaches which encourage student and teacher enthusiasm. Close liaison with a large number of teachers has ensured that their views on the philosophy, structure, range of teaching and learning methods and content of the course are incorporated.
A wide range of interests There is an emphasis on the tremendous advances presently being made in the subject in areas such as molecular Biology, cell Biology, medical physiology, genetics, biotechnology, biodiversity, conservation, behaviour and evolutionary studies.
During the development of the SNAB course, discussions with academic and other specialist biologists allowed us to identify key areas of biology that are expected to make a significant contribution to the future of the subject and to society in general.
Content of the Salters-Nuffield Advanced Biology course
The criteria for inclusion of a topic in Salters-Nuffield Advanced Biology include the following.
• Does it contribute to an understanding of the scientific concepts underpinning the subject?
• Is it up-to-date? Indeed, does it pinpoint an area of future importance?
• Does it include activities that illustrate how scientists think and work (experimental work, using a variety of ICT techniques, discussions, reading, writing, briefing, proposing, researching)?
• Will it motivate students?
These are important criteria for a course that:
• meets the aspirations of the committed biologist
• ensures that those who are taking their last formal course in Biology have a satisfying and valid educational experience which will be relevant to them in their lives.
