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:9700
Delivery method: Online
Course duration: 24 Months. However you can complete the course in a year or less.
Entry requirements: No prior qualification needed
Award achieved: CIE A Level Biology
Awarding body: CIE
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.
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 CIE), you will have achieved an internationally recognised CIE 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.
Skills gained
- 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
You need to do the following exams:
Paper 1 Multiple Choice 1 hour
This paper consists of 40 multiple choice questions, all with four options. All
questions will be based on the AS Level syllabus content. Candidates will answer
all questions. Candidates will answer on an answer sheet. [40 marks] 15.5% of total course.
Paper 2 AS Level Structured Questions 1 hour 15 minutes
This paper consists of a variable number of questions, of variable mark value. All
questions will be based on the AS Level syllabus content. Candidates will answer
all questions. Candidates will answer on the question paper. [60 marks] 23% of total course.
Paper 3 Advanced Practical Skills 2 hours
This paper requires candidates to carry out practical work in timed conditions.
This paper will consist of two or three experiments drawn from different areas
of the AS Level syllabus. Candidates will answer all questions. Candidates will
answer on the question paper. [40 marks] 11.5% of total course.
Paper 4 A Level Structured Questions 2 hours
This paper consists of a variable number of structured questions each with a
variable mark value (Section A) and a choice of one free response style question
worth 15 marks (Section B). All questions will be based on the A Level syllabus
but may require knowledge of material first encountered in the AS Level syllabus.
Candidates will answer on the question paper. [100 marks] 38.5% of total course.
Paper 5 Planning, Analysis and Evaluation 1 hour 15 minutes
This paper consists of a variable number of questions of variable mark value
based on the practical skills of planning, analysis and evaluation. Candidates will
answer on the question paper. [30 marks] 11.5% of total course.
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).
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
Course outline
This course has the following main themes:
Cells as the units of life
A cell is the basic unit of life and all organisms are composed of one or more cells. There are two
fundamental types of cell: prokaryotic and eukaryotic.
Biochemical processes
Cells are dynamic: biochemistry and molecular biology help to explain how and why cells function as
they do.
DNA, the molecule of heredity
Cells contain the molecule of heredity, DNA. Heredity is based on the inheritance of genes.
Natural selection
Natural selection is the major mechanism to explain the theory of evolution.
Organisms in their environment
All organisms interact with their biotic and abiotic environment.
Observation and experiment
The different fields of biology are intertwined and cannot be studied in isolation: observation and
enquiry, experimentation and fieldwork are fundamental to biology.
Course content
Course content
Candidates for Cambridge International AS Level Biology study the following topics:
1 Cell structure
2 Biological molecules
3 Enzymes
4 Cell membranes and transport
5 The mitotic cell cycle
6 Nucleic acids and protein synthesis
7 Transport in plants
8 Transport in mammals
9 Gas exchange and smoking
10 Infectious disease
11 Immunity
Candidates for Cambridge International A Level Biology study the AS topics and the following topics:
12 Energy and respiration
13 Photosynthesis
14 Homeostasis
15 Control and co-ordination
16 Inherited change
17 Selection and evolution
18 Biodiversity, classification and conservation
19 Genetic technology
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.