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1Course Overview
A Level Biology
Course code: OSC1279
A Level Biology - Study The Science Behind Living Things
Why You Should Study
If you have dreams of becoming marine biologist or veterinarian...
Thinking about working in medicine or healthcare...
Or if you're just fascinated by the natural science of living things..
Studying our AQA Biology A Level is a great step for you.
It will provide you with a detailed and comprehensive guide through a fascinating and compelling subject. Plus, it will give you ideal foundation should you wish to continue studying towards a higher biology qualification.
As it is a fully recognised AQA qualification, you'll find all the course materials up to date and accurate. And, should you wish to use it in support of an application to university, you could get up to 56 UCAS points. Alternatively, this recognised AQA qualification will help support applications for a variety of jobs in science and research, medicine and healthcare or even teaching and academia.
As an Open Study College student, you'll be supplied with your course materials, as well as the full support of a tutor throughout your studies. You can choose to receive your materials through the post or easily access them online. And, thanks to our flexible distance learning approach, you'll be able to study at your own pace and only take the exams when you feel confident and comfortable that you'll be able to pass. In fact, as you'll be responsible for booking own exams with this particular course, you can decide exactly when you're ready. As soon as you feel ready, you can call us and we'll help you find which exam centres you can attend.
If you're interested in learning more about biology but you're looking for a more flexible approach to learning that fits around your busy schedule, this is the ideal course for you.
Thanks to our excellent rating on Trustpilot, you can easily and confidently enrol on the course today by hitting the 'Enrol Now' button on this page. Alternatively, you can hit 'Speak To An Adviser', complete your details and one of our dedicated Student Support Team will be in touch to help you.
Buy 2 standard A Levels, get 3rd for £299!
Find out how A Level student, Christian, has found studying his A Level with us
2Course Content
Your Qualification
When you successfully complete this course and the exams you'll be awarded with a recognised AQA A Level in Biology
For your reference, the AQA Specification Code is 7402
Your Study
You'll have two full years to complete your study for your AQA Biology A Level, though there are options to extend that period if you require.
Thanks to our flexible distance learning approach, you'll be able to manage your study around your schedule, setting targets and deadlines that are right for you.
You can choose to receive your materials securely by post, or access them easily online. And in both cases you'll receive full, unlimited e-mail support from an experienced tutor who is there to help guide your through your qualification.
To complete this qualification successfully, you'll be required to complete the exams outlined in the section below, but your progress will be tracked throughout the course by a combination of self-assessment exercises and tutor-marked study.
You'll also have access to our Student Support Team for any additional guidance you might require.
What You'll Learn
During your study of AQA Biology A Level, you'll cover a wide range of learning objectives that will arm you with a thorough understanding of the subject.
Your course will cover the following areas:
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
- All cells arise from other cells
- Transport across cell membranes
- Cell recognition and 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 transfers 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 speciation
- 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
3Other Information
How You'll Be Assessed
To successfully complete your AQA Biology A Level, you must pass three paper-based exams, as described below:
- Paper 1:
- Type: Written examination
- Duration: 2 hours
- Weighing: 35% of A Level
- Total Marks: 91
- Assessed: Any content from topics 1-4, including relevant practical skills
- Assessment format: Short and long answer questions (76 marks) and extended response questions (15 marks)
- Paper 2:
- Type: Written examination
- Duration: 2 hours
- Weighing: 35% of A Level
- Total Marks: 91
- Assessed: Any content from topics 5-8, including relevant practical skills
- Assessment format: Short and long answer questions (76 marks) and extended response questions (15 marks)
- Paper 3:
- Type: Written examination
- Duration: 2 hours
- Weighing: 30% of A Level
- Total Marks: 78
- Assessed: Any content from topics 1-8, including relevant practical skills
- Assessment format: Structured questions, including practical techniques (38 marks), critical analysis of given experimental data (15 marks) and one essay from a choice of two titles (25 marks)
Practical Assessment
To receive the full Biology A Level, you must also complete a practical assessment of your skills.
It is possible for students to receive their AQA A Level Biology qualification without completing the practical assessment. But your certificate will state you have not completed the practical and it could mean you qualification is not as widely accepted.
For this reason, we highly recommed completing the practical assessment as well as the exams.
You are responsible for booking the exams and practical assessment, at a time when you feel confident and comfortable that you can successfully pass.
However, if you would prefer for us to organise the exams and practical for you, you can register for our AQA A Level Biology inc Exams & Practical option.
4Q&As
Your Questions Answered
Is this the same qualification as an A Level from a school or college?
Yes it is. It's exactly the same. The ONLY difference is that you can study for this when you want, where you want and how you want. The course materials, the tasks you'll carry out, the exams you'll do at the end...they're all the same as what you would do in school or college. It's just that this way, you can learn on your own terms.
What skills are needed to enrol onto this course?
We recommend you have a reasonable grade GCSE or equivalent (such as O Level) in Biology as some of the concepts may follow on from the knowledge you'll have gained from these courses.
You will also need a Mathematics GCSE, with a grade C or above. This is because up to 10% of the marks awarded on this course are related to mathematical principles.
What is included in the cost of my course?
Pretty much everything you need to pass the course successfully and get a recognised qualification. In some instances you may also be required to do some additional reading outside of the provided study materials.
With both the online and course pack options, you'll receive:
- Dedicated personal tutor support
- Dedicated student support
- Accreditation
- Assignment marking and feedback
- Free CV writing service
- Free TOTUM (previously called NUS Extra) Student Discount Card
With the course pack option, you'll also receive:
- Comprehensive study guide
- Open Study College pen with highlighter
- Student study planner
- Student notebook
Remember, you'll also have online access to an experienced course tutor and you can always take advantage of our dedicated Student Support Team.
Is there a required reading list?
Not for this course. But you'll need to some of your own research using the Internet.
Do I have to sit an exam?
Yes, you'll need to take the standard A Level examinations in order to successfully complete this course. The examinations run on specific dates, which can be obtained by visiting the AQA website.
You are responsible for booking the exams, at a time when you feel confident and comfortable that you can successfully pass. As soon as you feel ready, you can call us and we'll help you find an exam centre that you can attend.
With this course, you'll also need to complete a practical assessment at a recognised centre. We are able to help you to find a recognised centre when you are ready.
However, if you would prefer for us to organise your exams for you, you can register for our AQA A Level Biology inc Exams & Practical option.
Are there any additional costs?
The only thing that isn't covered in this course is the fees you'll need to pay to the exam centre
What if I live outside the UK?
You can study this course anywhere in the world. But you do need to sit your exams here in the UK.
What happens if I lose my course pack?
It’s not a problem. We offer a course replacement service, so if you get into trouble and your course pack is lost or damaged, our Student Support Team can provide you with a new set of materials for a one-time additional fee.
What if I still have questions?
That’s not a problem. We want to make sure you’re 100% confident about enrolling on the course and starting your study. So, just give our Student Support Team a call on 03300 563 100 and they’ll do their best to help.
5Your Next Step
Your Next Step
The AQA Biology A Level is a popular qualification that we've found our students to enjoy. As we said before, if you're interested in learning more about biology but you're looking for a more flexible approach to learning that fits around your busy schedule, this is the ideal course for you.
Thanks to our excellent rating on Trustpilot, you can easily and confidently enrol on the course today by hitting the 'Enrol Now' button on this page. Alternatively, you can hit ' Speak To An Adviser', complete your details and one of our dedicated Student Support Team will be in touch to help you.
