1Course Overview
A Level Biology
Course code: OSC1279
- Official AQA Biology A Level
- Full Course Materials
- Full Tutor Support
- Study at your own pace
- Exam fees not included - to include exams see our A Level Biology inc Exams
Study A Level Biology from home – your route to academic success!
This official A Level course has been updated to meet the latest academic specifications, so you can feel confident you are studying the most up-to-date academic content.
On this course, you will be able to:
- Gain up to 56 UCAS points to help you land your dream place at university
- Study at your own pace with no strict deadlines to contend with
- Develop both the theoretical and practical knowledge of biology
Studying A Levels with us lets you choose when you take your exams, so that you are always fully prepared. A convenient and stress-free way to study that fits around your existing commitments. You will be responsible for booking for your exams.
Simply receive your course materials online or by post and start studying to gain that all-important A Level.
2Course Content
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
3Other Information
Exams and Assessment
To achieve the full Biology A Level you will be assessed by 3 paper-based exams across the eight units and practical assessment. 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
To receive the full Biology A Level, you must take the A Level exams and undergo a practical assessment of 12 practical skills.
To include exams see our A Level Biology inc Exams
To include exams and practical assessments see our A Level Biology inc Exams & Practical
It is possible for students to receive an A Level Biology qualification without completing the practical assessment, although your certificate will state you have not done so.
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.
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.
It is possible for students to receive an A Level Biology qualification without completing the practical assessment, although your certificate will state you have not done so and it may seriously harm your chances of securing a place at university or getting a job. On your written exams 15% of marks rely on having some knowledge of these practical skills. Therefore we strongly advise you to take your practical assessments and written exams.
4Q&As
Course Questions & Answers
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 onto 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 my course?
- Dedicated personal tutor support
- Dedicated student support
- Assignment marking and feedback
- FREE CV writing service
- FREE NUS Extra card
- *Comprehensive study guide
- *Exclusive Open Study College pen with highlighter
- *Student study planner
- *Student notebook
* 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 and internal assessments in order to fully complete this course, but arranging them is simple. The examinations run on specific dates which can be obtained by visiting the AQA website. You will be required to book these examinations yourself, and Open Study College can provide you with a list of examination centres for you. The costs of the examination can vary depending on which examination centre you choose.
Students will also need to find a centre for the practical elements of this course. We have an arrangement with centres in Birmingham and Bristol which will allow students to take practical and theoretical exams, but you may wish to find a local centre of your own choice. Students will need to contact their chosen centre directly to arrange these assessments. You can find further information on the Birmingham centre here and the Bristol centre here.
Are there any additional costs?
For this particular course, examination centres charge a substantial fee to take your exams and practical assessments, which is why we thoroughly recommend you conduct further research into this before enrolling.
What if I live outside the UK?
You are still able to study this A Level course but must take the examinations within the UK as this is the only guaranteed way to access examination centres.
What happens if I lose my course pack?
We offer a course replacement service which ensures that, if your course pack is lost or damaged throughout the duration of your studies, we can issue you with a new set of materials for a one-time additional fee. This is available by calling our Student Support team on 03300 563100.
What do i do if i still have questions?
For further information please contact us.
