SYSTEM REQUIREMENT

COMPATIBILITY

Windows, Mac

What do I need to take A levels?

This online course is ideal for anyone who has passed their GCSE Biology or equivalent and now wants to further their studies without committing to traditional forms of learning such as a full or part-time college course. It’s also beneficial to download the course specification and past papers to aid you in your studies.

What Will I Learn?

Each comprehensive topic begins with an overview of the wider biological context of the subject. At the end of the course, not only will you be confident demonstrating and applying the knowledge and skills gained, you will be able to analyse, interpret and evaluate a range of scientific information. From a practical perspective, you will build on skills gained at GCSE level to become a competent practical biologist who can carry out the course’s core practical activities with confidence. Also you’ll be able to clearly demonstrate your ability as an ethical, safe, skilled practical biologist who can communicate your findings using the appropriate ICT and terminology.

Edexcel, BTEC and LCCI qualifications

This course is delivered in accordance to Edexcel guidelines. Edexcel, BTEC and LCCI qualifications are awarded by Pearson, the UK’s largest awarding body offering academic and vocational qualifications that are globally recognised and benchmarked.

KEY LEARNING POINTS

Progress through the lessons to learn all you need to know to pass A Level Biology.

• Cover lifestyle, health and risk over 13 detailed lessons which incorporate water, carbohydrates, lipids, diffusion, Fick’s Law, the heart, the cardiovascular system, heart disease, cardiovascular drugs, cholesterol, BMI, scientific data, actual vs perceived risk and the Bohr Effect.
• Move on to eleven genes and health modules covering membranes, respiration, proteins, enzymes, nucleotides, protein synthesis, mutations, Mendelian genetics, cystic fibrosis, gene therapy and genetic screening.
• The next five lessons are devoted to the voice of the genome and explore prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, the cell cycle, mitosis and meiosis, fertilisation and specialised cells.
• Learn all you need to know about development, plants and environment over five comprehensive units.
• Infection, immunity and forensics are tackled in four modules covering plant cells, the clinical trial process, biodiversity, natural selection and taxonomy.
• The next section covers photosynthesis, ecology and climate change.
• Learn about muscle, respiration, anaerobic respiration, electrical control of the heart, control of the heart and respiration and homeostasis.
• Explore tropisms, neurons, action potential, vision, the brain and genetic engineering.

How AS and A level Biology is assessed

AS paper 1

• Biological molecules
• Cells, viruses and reproduction of living things
• Experimental methods (including questions on core practicals)

AS paper 2

• Classification and biodiversity
• Exchange and transport
• Experimental methods (including questions on core practicals)

A level paper 1

• Energy for biological processes
• Microbiology and pathogens
• Modern genetics
• Some AS topics

A level paper 2

• Origins of genetic variation
• Control systems
• Ecosystems
• Some AS topics

A level paper 3

• General paper assessing topics across the AS and A level qualifications
• Experimental methods (including questions on core practicals)

Assessments

Examinations can be booked through Pearson and consist of:

AS (Both papers include assessment of maths and practical skills)

Two examinations that are 90 minutes each and carry 50% of the grade weighting per paper, both having a maximum of 80 marks.

A levels (All papers include assessment of maths, paper 3 includes assessment of practical skills)

Paper 1 and 2 are one hour and 45 minutes each, carrying 30% of the grade weighting per paper and are worth a maximum of 90 marks each. Paper 3 is two hours and 30 minutes, carries 40% of overall grade weighting and is worth up to 120 marks. When students are ready to book their exams they need to get in direct contact with their tutor who will assist and guide them in the booking process.

ADVANTAGES OF THIS COURSE

• When you are ready to take your examination, our tutors will help you to arrange your exam at one of the many Pearson centres around the globe.
• Technical support is available, should you encounter issues.
• Access to the course is for 12 months, meaning you can effectively plan your study over the year.
• Study at your own pace on any device, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Completing your Biology A Level online doesn’t just save you time, it’s a cost-effective option too.
• Achieving A Level Biology is a sound investment in your future both in terms of moving on to higher education and exciting future career prospects.

Invest in your future today by signing up to A Level Biology.

Practical Work

Practical work is central to any study of biology. For this reason, the specification includes eight core practical activities which form a thread linking theoretical knowledge and understanding to practical scenarios. In following this thread, students will build on practical skills learned at GCSE, becoming confident practical biologists, handling apparatus competently and safely. Using a variety of apparatus and techniques, they should be able to design and carry out both the core practical activities and their own investigations, collecting data which can be analysed and used to draw valid conclusions. One important aspect of practical work is the ability to evaluate and manage potential risks. The variety of different practical techniques and scenarios in the core practical activities give students scope to consider risk management in different contexts. Students should also consider the ethical issues presented by their work in the laboratory, which might include consideration for the ethical use of live subjects, the safe disposal of waste materials, and appropriate consideration for other people involved in their own work or who is working nearby. Also central to the development of practical skills is the ability to communicate information and ideas through the use of appropriate terminology and ICT. Being able to communicate clearly the findings of practical work is arguably as important as the collection of accurate data.

Each topic begins with an overview of the wider biological context designed to encourage an overarching approach to both the teaching and learning of the subject. As such, it will not be directly assessed. There are opportunities for students to develop mathematical skills throughout the content. They are required to apply the skills to relevant biology contexts.

In carrying out practical activities, students will be expected to use their knowledge and understanding to pose scientific questions which can be investigated through experimental activities. Such activities will enable students to collect data, analyse it for correlations and causal relationships, and to develop solutions to the questions posed. Questions within written examination papers will aim to assess the knowledge and understanding that students gain while carrying out practical activities, within the context of the eight core practical activities, as well as in novel practical scenarios. The written papers will test the skills of students in planning practical work – both in familiar and unfamiliar applications – including risk management and the selection of apparatus, with reasons. As part of data handling, students will be expected to use significant figures appropriately, to process data and to plot graphs. In analysing outcomes and drawing valid conclusions, students should critically consider methods and data, including assessing measurement uncertainties and errors. Examination papers will also provide the opportunity for students to evaluate the wider role of the scientific community in validating new knowledge and the ways in which society as a whole uses science to inform decision making. Within this, they could be asked to consider the implications and applications of biology in terms of associated benefits and risks. Students may also be asked to evaluate methodology, evidence and data and resolve conflicting evidence. Success in questions that indirectly assess practical skills within written papers will come more naturally to those candidates who have a solid foundation of laboratory practice and who, having carried them out, have a thorough understanding of practical techniques. Therefore, where possible, teachers should consider adding additional experiments to the core practical activities. The eight core practicals will provide the basis from which some of the examination questions will be drawn.