Biology is an introduction to the way life on our planet works. It’s an essential for those planning to pursue a career in medicine, work with animals or in the marine environment. This qualification opens doors to higher education, and is lasting proof on your CV of this level of intensive learning.
A Level Biology
Course code:7402
Delivery method: Online and Paper Based
Course duration: 24 Months
Entry requirements: No prior qualification needed
Award achieved: AQA A Level Biology
Awarding body: AQA
The first time the full A Level exams can be taken is June 2017, the AS exams can be taken from June 2016.
During this A Level Biology course you will explore biological molecules, genetic information and energy transfers you will go on to understand how this impacts how organisms respond to their environment, genetic populations and the control of gene expressions.
Upon successful completion of the exam and practical assessments (as administered by AQA), you will have achieved an internationally recognised AQA A Level Biology.
Tutor support
Our A Level courses come with tutor feedback and support by email for 24 months. They will mark your TMAs and provide valuable guidance through any trickier parts of the course whenever you need it. You will also receive a study guide to help you with all aspects of studying, essay writing and general student skills.
- Understanding of how biological molecules and cells are formed and interact
- Understanding this demanding subject in context
- Applying the scientific methodology in biology
- Developing critical thinking skills
The AQA A-Level Biology qualification is gained once all 3 exam papers are successfully completed along with coursework and twelve practical assessments. These exams are administered by the AQA and assessment centre details will be included with your course, as well as practice papers so that you are more than prepared for your assessments. You will need to contact your local examination centre to work through your coursework requirements.
The practicals are not marked, but you will need to be observed by an examination centre to demonstrate competence in the different techniques. The practicals are usually held in Spring of each year, while the written exams are in May/June.
In addition, there will be a number of tutor marked assessments (TMAs) to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the course materials, with the tutor sending comments to guide you through any areas of potential difficulty, as well as a range of self-assessments that are indicators that you understand the materials as you work through them. These are for your own information, and do not need to be shown to your course tutor.
Online and Paper Based
The course is primarily an online course using a Learning Management System (LMS).
You can also choose to have a paper version of the course sent to you.
The online course has many features that cannot be printed such as embedded videos, forums and interactive tests.
The course includes Tutor Marked Assessments which you access and submit through the online system.
Course Outline
This course is divided into 3 units:
Unit 1: Topics 1 to 4
Written examination: 2 hours. 35% of A Level. 91 Marks (76 from short and long answer questions, 15 from extended response questions)
Unit 2: Topics 5 to 8
Written examination: 2 hours. 35% of A Level. 91 Marks (76 from short and long answer questions, 15 from extended response questions)
Unit 3: Topics 1 to 8
Written examination: 2 hours. 30% of A Level. 78 Marks (38 from structured questions including practical techniques, 15 from critical analysis of given experimental data, 25 marks from one essay with a choice of two titles)
Practical Assessment
Practical Assessment
You’re A-Level is based on your written examinations. However, in order to receive it you must undergo a separate endorsement of 12 key practical skills:
- Use appropriate apparatus to record a range of quantitative measurements (to include mass, time, volume, temperature, length and pH)
- Use appropriate instrumentation to record quantitative measurements, such as colorimeter or polotemeter
- Use laboratory glassware apparatus for a variety of experimental techniques to include serial dilutions
- Use of a light microscope at high power and low power, including use of graticule
- Produce scientific drawing from observation with annotations
- Use qualitative reagents to identify biological molecules
- Seperate biological compounds using thin layer/paper chromatography or electrophoresis
- Safely and ethically use organisms to measure plant or animal responses/ physiological functions
- Use microbial aseptic techniques, including the use of agar plates and broth.
- Safely use instruments for dissection of an animal organ, or plant organ
- Use sampling techniques in fieldwork
- Use ICT such as computer modelling, or data logger to collect data, or use software to process data
Course Content
Course content
Unit 1:
Topic 1: Biological molecules
Topic 2: Cells
Topic 3: Organisms exchange substances with their environment
Topic 4: Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
Unit 2:
Topic 5: Energy transfers in and between organisms
Topic 6: Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
Topic 7: Genetic populations, evolution and ecosystems
Topic 8: The control of gene expressions
Unit 3:
All topics 1 – 8 shown above
Mock Exams:
Your online course contains mini assessments at the end of each chapter. However, if you wish to sit a Mock Exam before the finals, we can arrange that at the centre or online. Mock exam fees are additional, and they may vary from £25 to £50 per paper.
Please contact us on 02033028140 or visit our exam centre website for more information and guidance on how to book your final exam http://privateexamcentre.co.uk/.
Final Exams:
Roughly 6 months before your chosen exam date, you should book your place at an exam centre to take the final exam exams for A-Level Certificates.
Advanced level qualifications (known as A levels) are subject-based qualifications conferred as part of the General Certificate of Education, as well as a school leaving qualification offered by educational bodies in the United Kingdom. The exams take place every summer (May/June), and results are released in August.
Please contact us on 02033028140 or visit our exam centre website for more information and guidance on how to book your final exam http://privateexamcentre.co.uk/
Your exam fees aren’t included in the course cost as they’re paid directly to the exam centre. They’ll vary depending on which centre you choose. It is recommended to book your exams will in advance to avoid late booking fees. Book your exams now!
How to Enrol:
- If you’d like to pay in full, you can enrol online using the ‘Purchase’ button.
- If you’d like to set up an interest-free payment plan, get in touch with our A Level Advisors on 0800 7723464.
- If you have any disabilities which you think might affect your studies or assessments, please let us know before you enrol so we can advise you on whether reasonable adjustments can be made to accommodate your needs.
Once your purchase is completed, you will receive your login details within 24 hours, and you will be good to go! Everyone at BestGrade wishes you the best of luck on your studying journey! We know it’s both rewarding and challenging, but your qualification will make a significant contribution to your career path and life. Good luck!
- Book your place today! Prices are on sale for a limited time only.