A Level Biology

A Level Biology Course Overview

You’ll cover a wide range of topics including the core principles of biology, genes and generic engineering, and the effects of the environment.  You’ll learn to differentiate and assimilate detailed information, and to draw logical conclusions from scientific evidence.

Pre-requisites

None

Qualification

‘A’ Level in Biology

Support and benefits

• Flexible terms times
• Stepped learning approach
• Access to a dedicated tutor and student advisors to guide you through your studies
• Access to the ICS online Student Community, allowing you to interact with other students and browse our resource library
  

A Level Biology Key topics

• Core Principles
• Genes & Genetic Engineering
• Physiology & Transport
• Energy
• Control & Continuity
• Behaviour & Populations
• The Environment

A Level Biology Course Code

H03

Technical Requirements

• Basic numeric skills
• GCSE Biology is desirable
• Will need to purchase some basic materials to conduct experiment

ICS Support Period

18 months

A Level Biology Outline

You’ll complete five formative assessments, either two or three coursework assignments, and six exams during your course.

Assessment Breakdown

Formative Assessments 1-6: you will complete 1 formative assessment on each of the 6 units

• Exams 1-2 (AS level): each of these will take the form of a structured test which must be completed within 1 hour and 15 minutes. Each is worth 15% of your overall grade.
• Exam 3 (AS level): this will take the form of a structured test which must be completed within 1 hour and 15 minutes. It is worth 12.5% of your overall grade.
• Coursework Assignment 1 (AS level): practical investigations worth 7.5% of your overall grade
• Exam 4 (A2 level): this will take the form of a structured test which must be completed within 1 hour and 30 minutes. It is worth 15% of your overall grade.
• Exam 5a (A2 level): this will take the form of a structured test which must be completed within 1 hour and 15 minutes. It is worth 7.5% of your overall grade.
• Exam 5b (A2 level): 1 practical investigation worth 7.5% of your overall grade
• Exam 6: Section A consists of a structured test, while Section B comprises data-handling questions and 1 (from a choice of 2) essay questions. This exam must be completed within 2 hours and is worth 20% of your overall grade.

Notes

Formative assessments are intended to help both you and your tutor measure your progress through the course, highlighting any areas where revision is necessary. Formative assessments do not, however, count towards your final grade.

The third coursework assignment is optional, but it is recommended that it is completed if you did not do as well in one of the previous assignments as you had hoped.

The exams are held in January and June of each year. Please note that exam fees are additional to your course fees.