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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
Course Units
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 achieve your A Level qualification, you must pass the following A Level exams and practical assessment after you have completed all units of the course.
Split into 3 separate examination papers, you will be assessed across all 8 units and will be expected to demonstrate the breadth of your course knowledge and learning in your answers. In addition you will need to complete a practical assessment.
Paper 1: Written assessment with a 35% weight against your A Level grade. The examination lasts 2 hours and you will be assessed across topics 1-4 (including practical skills) based on short, long and extended response questions.
Paper 2: Written assessment with a 35% weight against your A Level grade. The examination lasts 2 hours and assesses your knowledge of topics 5-8 (including practical skills) through short, long and extended response questions.
Paper 3: Written assessment with a 30% weight against your A Level grade. The examination lasts 2 hours and assesses your knowledge of topics 1-8 (including relevant practical skills) through structured answers, practical techniques, critical analysis of experimental data and an essay.
Practical Assessment: to achieve the full A Level you will need to undergo an endorsement of 12 separate practical skills.
Please Note: You will need to take the standard A Level examinations and internet assessments (which are available on specific dates via the AQA website). You will need to book these exams independently; however we can supply you with a list of examination centres. Costs will vary depending on the centre you choose (the cost of these exams are separate from the course cost).
Similarly, you will need to find a centre for the practical elements of this course. You will need to contact your chosen local centre to make this arrangement.
Required Knowledge
You will need a C (GCSE) or above in Mathematics as up to 10% of the marks awarded on this course will be related to mathematical principles and their application within your work.
Awarding Body
Upon completion of our course assessments and assignments, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a question that our team are often asked, there are many reasons but here are the main reasons to choose Association of Learning:
- No hidden charges, the price you see includes everything, from VAT, tutoring to certification
- Our average tutor marking time is 3 working days (most providers are 10+)
- We are rated 5/5 for our service on Trustpilot!
- Our courses are up to date. Many providers create course content and fail to keep it up to date.
- We are open later than any other home learning provider
- As many submissions as you need to complete, many providers cap how many times you can submit work
- All courses are fully endorsed by external awarding organisations
- 14 day money back guarantee or course switch.
If you need any more reasons to choose Association of Learning, contact our team!
All students are provided with 12 months to complete their course, however you are able to complete at a faster pace without any additional costs. Some of our students have managed to complete in as little as 3 months!
There are two payment options, pay in full for your course or monthly. Our monthly payment option allows you to spread the cost of your course over a 10 month period.
If you choose to pay using a payment plan, to apply you must be able to answer yes to the following:
- Your billing address is based in the UK
- You have a UK based bank account
- Bill payer must be 18 or above.
No, all of our courses are distance learning which means your tutor will mark your work and send it back to you via email or by using our online portal.
Unlike other providers, Association of Learning use a fast-track system to get your certificate to you within six weeks (our average is two weeks).
