A Level Biology

Course codes: OSC1279 / OSC1297 / OSC1298
Official A Level, worth up to 56 UCAS points

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We have a 94% pass rate** with our A Levels. Study A Level Biology from home and earn up to 56 UCAS points.

Fully recognised AQA Biology A Level qualification
Earn up to 56 UCAS points for higher education
Exactly the same course as college or sixth form
Enrol today and start your studies straight away
Open up jobs in medicine, veterinary practice or environmental science
Choose to study online or from course pack
Learn at your own pace, in your own environment
Choose to include exams and practicals and save up to £770*

Course Options	Please choose a course option to see prices	Course Material + Exams + Practical Course Material + Exams Course Material
Study Options	Study Online Study Pack
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Biology is the science behind life and all living things. If you’ve always wondered about natural science, plants and lifeforms, consider taking your A Level Biology with us.

You will learn about the different areas of biology such as cells, organisms and genetic relationships. Discover the fascinating rules behind DNA and genes. Find out how organisms respond to different environments. Learn the science behind living things!

This is a fully recognised AQA A Level Biology course and you can earn up to 56 UCAS points in support of your application for higher education.

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.

Course Duration

Up to 2 years.

Course Outcome

A Level in Biology (you must take the A Level exams and practical assessment to achieve this).

Entry Requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this course.

Assessment

3 paper-based exams and practical assessment.

Specification code: 7402

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

Course Duration

You will have 2 years to complete the full A Level from the date you receive your materials. You will be able to study at your own pace and in your own time without the pressure of tight deadlines. Your only deadlines are the A Level examinations, which take place at certain times during the year.

The examinations for this course will be taken at a centre in Birmingham. If you add these on, we will book these for you when you feel you are ready. Additional exam centres in various locations will soon become available.

Study Method

This course enables you to study for an A Level in Biology by distance learning at home or at work. Your course materials will be sent by post or via email, you choose! Full tutor support will be available via email, so help is only a click away! Your course pack will include self-assessment exercises and tutor-marked study questions, so you can monitor your progress.

Course Outcome

Once you have successfully completed the examinations you will receive the AQA accredited A Level in Biology. These subject-based qualifications that can lead to university, further study, training, or work.

Thinking of Going to University?

A Levels are assessed primarily through examinations, and in some cases, coursework and/or practicals too, which are then combined to give a final grade. If you are planning to go on to higher education, this grade can then be translated into Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) points. You will be awarded up to 56 points per A Level which can then be added together to reach the total number of UCAS points required by your chosen university.

To help you achieve the best possible grade, our courses include carefully-devised learning activities, as well as a number of tutor-marked assignments, so you get detailed feedback to help you fine-tune your technique before you take the exam. Your assignments can also help your personal tutor to provide you with a predicted grade, where this is required for your university application.

Exams and Assessment

To achieve the full Biology A Level you will be assessed across the eight units and practical assessments. All units will be assessed by 3 paper-based exams. A more detailed breakdown of the exam details is provided 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

4 x practical sessions – these will run on Sundays every other month from September through to May each year and you must attend 4 consecutive sessions. These must be attended prior to sitting your examinations however they must be attended in the same year as your examination.

We will book these for you when you are ready.

Is this the same qualification as an A Level from a school or college?

Yes! You study the same coursework, take the same examinations and get the same qualification. The only difference is that the course is designed to be studied from home, and you receive full tutor support via email.

What skills are needed to enrol on this course?

You will need a minimum of GCSE grade C or above in Biology. You are also required to have a grade C or above in the higher tier Mathematics GCSE as up to 10% of the marks awarded in this course will be related to mathematical principles.

In addition to this, you should also be familiar with the following:

Arithmetic and computation
Handling data
Algebra
Graphs
Geometry

What is included in the cost of the course?

Dedicated personal tutor support
Dedicated student support
Full course materials
Assignment marking and feedback
Examination fees
Free practical revision day
Practical assessments
FREE CV critique service
FREE employability guide to help you impress future employers
FREE XO Student Discounts card
*Comprehensive student guide
*Exclusive Open Study College study pack

*Not included with the online study option

Is there a required reading list?

There is no required reading for this A Level, however you will need to conduct your own research using the internet.

Do I have to sit an exam?

Yes, you will need to take the standard A Level examinations in order to fully complete this course. If you add these on, we will book these exams for you.

Please note: you will need to sit these exams in the Birmingham examination centre if you add your exams on with us.

Students will also need to attend the practical elements of this course in Birmingham in the same educational year as the examinations; we will also book these practical assessments for you.

What if I live outside the UK?

You are still able to study this A Level course but must take the examinations and practical assessments within the UK at the Birmingham examination centre, as this is the only guaranteed way to access examination centres.

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 Adviser Team a call on 03300 563 100 and they’ll do their best to help.