A Level Biology
Study A Level Biology from the comfort of your own home and choose when to take your exams and practical assessment. A convenient and stress-free way to study that fits around your existing commitments.
- Fully recognised AQA Biology A Level qualification
- Earn up to 56 UCAS points for higher education
- Exams not included with this option
- Exactly the same course as college or sixth form
- 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
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
- Monomers and polymers
- Carbohydrates
- Lipids
- Proteins
- Many proteins are enzymes
- Nucleic acids are important information-carrying molecules
- ATP
- Water
- Inorganic ions
- Cell structure
- All cells arise from other cells
- Transport across cell membranes
- Cell recognition and the immune system
- Surface area to volume ratio
- Gas exchange
- Digestion and absorption
- Mass transport
- DNA, genes and chromosomes
- DNA and protein synthesis
- Mutation
- Genetic diversity and adaptation
- Species and taxonomy
- Biodiversity within a community
- Investigating diversity
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration
- Energy and ecosystems
- Nutrient cycles
- Stimuli, both internal and external
- Nervous coordination
- Skeletal muscles
- Homeostasis
- Inheritance
- Populations
- Evolution may lead to speciation
- Populations in ecosystems
- 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?
Open Study College are proud to partner with QA Higher Education, providing students with the unique opportunity to progress into higher education. This partnership aims to support our students in finding and securing a university place at one of QA Higher Education’s conveniently located teaching centres across the UK.
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.
Exam details
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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.
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.
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
- 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
There is no required reading for this A Level, however you will need to conduct your own research using the internet.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you are interested in Science and you’re looking for a more flexible approach to learning that fits around your life - this is the ideal course for you. Enrol online today by clicking below or speak to one of our advisers for more information.
Enrol on this course