A Level Biology

A Level Biology

A Biology A Level could be the opening to an exciting range of biology careers or work and study in other sciences. The origins of living things and how they work is fundamental to the world we live in and, whether your interest is in the animal world, marine life, humans or plant life, the study of biology is the core of further knowledge and discovery and an A Level Biology is a versatile stepping stone to many fields of work and study.

The A Level Biology course will let you look at the different types of living organisms that populate our world and explore the myriad ways of sustaining a living organism.

You'll look at the very building blocks of life, studying DNA, cells and genetics, and inquire into the biology of disease and see what can go wrong with the various life systems.

The A Level Biology course will let you apply your learning to study of the environment and gain insights into the biological effects of our living conditions.

The biology course will also look at our ability to control biology, examining such issues as genetic engineering, gene therapy and muscle manipulation.

As part of your A Level Biology you will also learn to investigate and conduct research, and to apply these skills in practical situations.


Entry Requirements

You don't need any previous experience or qualifications to enrol in our A Level Biology course. That's because we believe in making home study - and a rewarding future - as accessible as possible. However, basic numerical skills and a GCSE in Biology would be desirable.

Where will I go from here?

An A Level in Biology can be the stepping stone to further studies in science, and perhaps a university degree. It could lead to a fascinating career in one of the many scientific fields. If you want to enter or progress in employment, you'll find your A Level Biology will demonstrate to employers that you have the ability to commit to learning, and have acquired good reasoning and analytical skills - essential in practically every walk of life.

What will I gain?

This course will prepare you to sit the A Level Biology exams.

Assessment

  • Unit 1: 5 - 7 short answer questions plus 2 longer questions (a short comprehension and a structured question requiring continuous prose) 1 hour 15 mins
  • Unit 2: 5 - 7 short answer questions plus 2 longer questions (1 data handling and 1 assessing How Science Works) 1 hour 45 mins
  • Unit 3: Externally marked practical assignment
  • Unit 4: 6 - 9 short answer questions plus 2 longer questions involving continuous prose and How Science Works 1 hour 30 mins
  • Unit 5: 8 - 10 short answer questions plus 2 longer questions (1 data handling and 1 synoptic essay) 2 hours 15 mins
  • Unit 6: Externally marked practical assignment

Please note that you are responsible for making your own exam arrangements. You will have to pay an examination fee as well as a centre fee which will vary depending on exam centre.

Find out more information about arranging your examinations

What will I get?

Because we're experts in home learning, ICS knows about and offers all the support you need along the way.

You'll receive study materials that have been specially designed for distance learning by experts in your chosen field. There are no essential textbooks but it is recommended that the you purchase the following (both approx £16):

  • AQA AS Biology Student's Book by Glenn Toole and Susan Toole
  • AQA A2 Biology Student's Book by Glenn Toole and Susan Toole

You'll have access to an experienced personal tutor both online and over the phone, ready to help you with guidance and motivation.

You'll also be part of the ICS Online Student Community, where you'll have access to library materials and your account information, as well as vital links with your fellow students, with the chance to discuss your work, ask questions and make new friends.

Study Period

 18 months

Support period

18 months

Course code

H03

Course cost

£439.00

Additional fees

Centre exam and registration fees are additional to your course fees and these costs may vary according to the exam centre you use.

Find out more information about arranging your examinations.

See your course content

This course prepares candidates for the AQA Biology A Level syllabus (2410), for examinations in June 2012 and later years. 

A Level Biology is split into six units:

Unit 1 - Biology and Disease

  • Pathogens
  • Lifestyle
  • The digestive System
  • Proteins
  • Enzyme action
  • Enzyme properties
  • Carbohydrate digestion
  • Cells
  • Plasma membranes
  • Diffusion
  • Osmosis
  • Absorption
  • Cholera
  • Lung function
  • The biological basis of lung disease
  • Heart structure and function
  • The biological basis of heart disease
  • Principles of immunology

Unit 2 - The variety of living organisms

  • Investigating variation
  • Causes of variation
  • Structure of DNA
  • Genes and polypeptides
  • DNA and chromosomes
  • Meiosis
  • Genetic diversity
  • Haemoglobin
  • Carbohydrates
  • Cells
  • Replication of DNA
  • Mitosis
  • Cell cycle
  • Cell differentiation
  • Size and surface area
  • Gas exchange
  • Mass transport
  • The blood system
  • The passage of water through a plant
  • Principles of Taxonomy
  • DNA
  • Proteins
  • Behaviour
  • Antibiotics
  • Genetic variation in bacteria
  • Species diversity
  • Index of diversity

Unit 3 - Investigative and practical skills in AS Biology

Unit 4 - Populations and environment

  • Populations and ecosystems
  • Investigating populations
  • Variation in population size
  • Human populations
  • ATP
  • Photosynthesis
  • Light-dependent reaction
  • Light-independent reaction
  • Limiting factors
  • Aerobic respiration
  • Anaerobic respiration
  • Energy transfer
  • Energy and food production
  • Nutrient cycles
  • Carbon
  • Nitrogen
  • Succession
  • Inheritance
  • The Hardy- Weinberg principle
  • Selection
  • Speciation

Unit 5 - Control in cells and in organisms

  • Survival and response
  • Control of heart rate
  • Receptors
  • Principles
  • Nerve impulses
  • Synaptic transmission
  • The sliding filament theory of muscle contraction
  • Muscles as effectors
  • Principles
  • Temperature control
  • Control of blood glucose concentration
  • Control of mammalian oestrus
  • The genetic code
  • Polypeptide synthesis
  • Gene mutation
  • Gene cloning and transfer
  • Gene therapy
  • Genetic fingerprinting

Unit 6 - Investigative and practical skills in A2 Biology

 

 

You can either pay for your course in full or opt for a monthly payment plan.

Standard Course Fee: £439

Or speak to one of our course advisors now for payment plans.

 

Centre exam and registration fees are additional to your course fees and these costs may vary according to the exam centre you use.

Find out more information about arranging your examinations