A Level Biology

About This Course

Imagine being able to study the courses you want without having to enrol at college or attend any classes. Our distance learning A Level Biology course can provide you with the EXACT same knowledge, training and qualifications that you’d receive on a college course; however you can benefit from the immediate advantages of being able to study from the comfort of your home.

No pressure. No stress. No set deadlines. You can study on your own terms and easily fit our course around your current work or social commitments.

All we ask is that you complete our written and practical assignments within 2 years of your registration. Aside from that you can pick when, where and how you study and can even choose when you take your exams!

This distance learning course covers the entire scope of biology exploring everything from DNA, biological molecules and cell structure, to the way organisms exchange substances with their environment; ecosystems and gene expression.

A Level Biology is highly respected by universities and employers alike, opening doors to a vast range of careers in the natural sciences.

Within 8 concise topics you can truly uncover the tools to broadening your biological knowledge and learn how to apply them within a practical setting.

Course Benefits

This course is designed to develop both your theoretical and practical knowledge in preparation for further education or work within a science orientated field. By completing this course and exams, you can gain up to 56 UCAS points which can contribute significantly to your university applications.

However, unlike traditional A Levels where you must sit your examinations at a set time; you can decide when you are ready to take them so you are always prepared.

This course will:

• Broaden your practical and theoretical knowledge and understanding of biology
• Prepare you for university studies within a scientific field
• Provide you with valuable UCAS points
• Meet the latest academic specifications and contains the most up to date academic content

A Level Biology UCAS Points

• A* Grade – 56 UCAS points
• A Grade – 48 UCAS points
• B Grade – 40 UCAS points
• C Grade – 32 UCAS points
• D Grade – 24 UCAS points
• E Grade – 16 UCAS points

Course Units

Qualification Title: A Level Biology

Qualification Number: 601/4625/4

UCAS Points: Up to 56

Topic 1: Biological Molecules

• Monomers and Polymers
• Carbohydrates
• Lipids
• Proteins
• Many Proteins are Enzymes
• Nucleic Acids are Important Information-carrying Molecules
• ATP
• Water
• Inorganic Ions

Topic 2: Cells

• Cell Structure
• Cell Recognition
• Transport across Cell Membranes
• The Immune System

Topic 3: Organisms Exchange Substances with their Environment

• Surface Area to Volume Ratio
• Gas Exchange
• Digestion and Absorption
• Mass Transport

Topic 4: Genetic Information, Variation and Relationships between Organisms

• DNA, Genes, and Chromosomes
• DNA and Protein Synthesis
• Mutation
• Genetic Diversity and Adaptation
• Species and Taxonomy
• Biodiversity within a Community
• Investigating Diversity

Topic 5: Energy Transfer In and Between Organisms

• Photosynthesis
• Respiration
• Energy and Ecosystems
• Nutrient Cycles

Topic 6: Organisms Respond to Changes in their Internal and External Environments

• Stimuli, both Internal and External
• Nervous Coordination
• Skeletal Muscles
• Homeostasis

Topic 7: Genetics, Population, Evolution and Ecosystems

• Inheritance
• Populations
• Evolution may lead to Specification
• Populations in Ecosystems

Topic 8: The Control of Gene Expression

• DNA and the Structure of Proteins
• Gene Expression
• Using Genome Projects
• Gene Technologies
• Organism Function
• Design of new Industrial and Medical Processes

Assessment

To earn this A Level qualification you will first complete the assessments included in your course materials.  These will be marked by your dedicated tutor and will prepare you for your exam.

You are required to complete three standard written exams and one submitted practical.

• Paper 1: 2 hour written exam, worth 35% of total marks – May/June every year
• Paper 2: 2 hour written exam, worth 35% of total marks – May/June every year
• Paper 3: 2 hour written exam, worth 30% of total marks – May/June every year
• Practical (non-exam): February/April every year

All dates are subject to change – the dates shown above are the next available exam slots only (exams take place every year).

Please note: There is a separate fee for booking your examinations and the practical assessment (lab fieldwork). We recommend reaching out to the exam centre early in your course to check availability and secure your place. It is the responsibility of the learner to book the exams – we cannot guarantee availability for the exam centre/date of your choosing.

While practical assessments are not mandatory and do not count towards your final grade, there are questions in paper three which refer to practical techniques. Also, if you are planning to progress to a science-related degree then many universities will only accept students who have completed the practicals.

Should you choose to complete the practical element, you will need to be able to attend four practical days at one of the following science labs:

• Bolton School Science Lab (BL1 4PA)
• King Henry VIII Coventry (CV3 6AQ)
• SBSixth London (SW2 1QS)
• Sutton High School Science Lab (SM1 2AX)
• Taunton: Queen’s College (TA1 4QS)

Required Knowledge

There are no entry requirements for this course.

Awarding Body

Upon completion of our course assessments and exams, you will receive an AQA accredited A Level in Biology which can be used to further your study of Biology at university level.

It is possible for students to receive the A Level Biology qualification without completing their practical assessment; although it is important to note that your certificate will state that you have not done it. As a result, its absence could harm your chances of securing a university place or a job.

Please also note that 15% of your written exam marks rely on you having knowledge of these practical skills. As such, we strongly recommend completing the entire course – both the written and the practical elements of the course – in order to maximise your study and career opportunities.

Support

From the moment you enrol onto this course we will send you – via post or by email – a comprehensive study guide and a complete course pack, including self-assessment exercises and tutor marked study questions.

Our tutors are just a click away and will always be hand to lend support and advice throughout the progression of your studies.

Through their monitoring and guidance, they can assist you with your exam preparation and ensure you are fully prepared for every eventuality.