Course overview
Biology is the science behind life and all living things. If you’ve always wondered about natural science, plants and lifeforms, consider taking your A-Level Biology with us.
You will learn about the different areas of biology such as cells, organisms and genetic relationships. Discover the fascinating rules behind DNA and genes. Find out how organisms respond to different environments. Learn the science behind living things!
This is a fully recognised AQA A-Level Biology course and you can earn up to 56 UCAS points in support of your application for higher education.
If you’re interested in learning more about biology but you’re looking for a more flexible approach to learning that fits around your busy schedule, this is the ideal course for you.
We have a 94% pass rate** with our A-Levels, earn up to 56 UCAS points.
Recognition
Study method
- Online
- Blended
- In-class
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Duration study load
You will have 2 years to complete the full A-Level from the date you receive your materials. You will be able to study at your own pace and in your own time without the pressure of tight deadlines. Your only deadlines are the A-Level examinations, which take place at certain times during the year.
The examinations for this course will be taken at a centre in Birmingham. If you add these on, we will book these for you when you feel you are ready. Additional exam centres in various locations will soon become available.
Entry requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this course.
Course features
- Dedicated personal tutor support
- Dedicated student support
- Full course materials
- Assignment marking and feedback
- Examination fees
- Free practical revision day
- Practical assessments
- Free CV critique service
- Free employability guide to help you impress future employers
- Free XO Student Discounts card
- *Comprehensive student guide
- *Exclusive Open Study College study pack
*Not included with the online study option
Assessment
To achieve the full Biology A Level you will be assessed across the eight units and practical assessments. All units will be assessed by 3 paper-based exams. A more detailed breakdown of the exam details is provided below.
Paper 1
- Type: Written examination
- Duration: 2 hours
- Weighing: 35% of A Level
- Total Marks: 91
- Assessed: Any content from topics 1-4, including relevant practical skills
- Assessment format: Short and long answer questions (76 marks) and Extended response questions (15 marks)
Paper 2
- Type: Written examination
- Duration: 2 hours
- Weighing: 35% of A Level
- Total Marks: 91
- Assessed: Any content from topics 5-8, including relevant practical skills
- Assessment format: Short and long answer questions (76 marks) and extended response questions (15 marks)
Paper 3
- Type: Written examination
- Duration: 2 hours
- Weighing: 30% of A Level
- Total Marks: 78
- Assessed: Any content from topics 1-8, including relevant practical skills
- Assessment format: Structured questions, including practical techniques (38 marks), critical analysis of given experimental data (15 marks) and one essay from a choice of two titles (25 marks)
Practical Assessment
- 4 x practical sessions – these will run on Sundays every other month from September through to May each year and you must attend 4 consecutive sessions. These must be attended prior to sitting your examinations however they must be attended in the same year as your examination.
We will book these for you when you are ready.
Delivery
This course enables you to study for an A-Level in Biology by distance learning at home or at work. Your course materials will be sent by post or via email, you choose! Full tutor support will be available via email, so help is only a click away! Your course pack will include self-assessment exercises and tutor-marked study questions, so you can monitor your progress.
Thinking of going to university?
Open Study College is proud to partner with QA Higher Education, providing students with the unique opportunity to progress into higher education. This partnership aims to support our students in finding and securing a university place at one of QA Higher Education’s conveniently located teaching centres across the UK.
Subjects
Specification code: 7402
- Monomers and polymers
- Carbohydrates
- Lipids
- Proteins
- Many proteins are enzymes
- Nucleic acids are important information-carrying molecules
- ATP
- Water
- Inorganic ions
- Cell structure
- All cells arise from other cells
- Transport across cell membranes
- Cell recognition and the immune system
- Surface area to volume ratio
- Gas exchange
- Digestion and absorption
- Mass transport
- DNA, genes and chromosomes
- DNA and protein synthesis
- Mutation
- Genetic diversity and adaptation
- Species and taxonomy
- Biodiversity within a community
- Investigating diversity
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration
- Energy and ecosystems
- Nutrient cycles
- Stimuli, both internal and external
- Nervous coordination
- Skeletal muscles
- Homeostasis
- Inheritance
- Populations
- Evolution may lead to speciation
- Populations in ecosystems
- DNA and the structure of proteins
- Gene expression
- Using genome projects
- Gene technologies
- Organism function
- Design of new industrial and medical processes
About Open Study College
At Open Study College we have helped more than 90,000 students over the last 13 years to enrol on courses that have helped them to achieve their goals.
Offering over 650 courses ranging from childcare to beauty therapy, we have something for everybody. All of our qualifications are independently accredited by established awarding organisations to provide courses such as A-Levels, GCSEs, and CACHE.
We have a fantastic team of expert tutors, knowledgeable and friendly student advisors and a caring student support team. We’re dedicated to supporting our students and pride ourselves on our service and care. We’re also proud to be rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot from over 1,500 reviews.
Family, respect and compassion are just some of the core values our company is built upon. Everyone’s lives are different and we want to ensure that no matter what your situation is, you’re able to get to where you need to. Whether that’s developing your current job, embarking on a brand new career, or fuelling a hobby, we have the course for you.
