A-Level in Biology

• Qualification: A-Level Biology (7402)
• Awarding Body: AQA
• Support: Up to 2 years
• Exams: May/June 2020 or May /June 2021
• UCAS Points: Yes - Dependant on Grades
• Study Time: 360 Guided Learning Hours - 700 Hours Total Study

Payment details

• Paying in Full: £449
• Paying in Stages: 10 monthly payments of £50. Your first payment will be £50, then a direct debit will be set up for the remaining nine payments. Only available to students with a UK bank account.
• Two A-Levels: Enter code AL50 at checkout to receive £50 off (Full payment only).
• Three A-Levels: Enter code AL200 at checkout to receive £200 off (Full payment only).

How it works

This course will prepare you for sitting your A-Level in Biology. You will be able to gain up to 56 UCAS points to aid in your University application process.

We provide you with support for up to two years but it is entirely up to you how quickly you work through and when you sit the exams.

Exams take place once a year in May/June. You may choose to study 'fast track' and aim for the next available dates or you may choose to take a methodical approach and take them at a later date. The choice is entirely yours.

You can study the course online through a portal or receive a hard copy delivered in folders that is yours to keep.

Throughout the course, you are fully supported so if you come across anything you are unsure of you can contact your tutor by email. You also have a support team by telephone.

At the end of each section, you will complete an assignment which you will email to your tutor. This doesn't count towards your end grade but it allows the tutor to ensure you are on the right track and help iron out any problem areas. Assignments consist of exam-style questions so are effectively mini mock exams. The idea is that by the end of the course you are fully up to speed and confident you will achieve the grade you require.

Entry requirements

There are no entry requirements but it is recommended that you have studied the subject at GCSE Level to grade C or above.

Syllabus

Qualification code: 7402

Topic 1: Biological Molecules

• Monomers and polymers
• Carbohydrates
• Lipids
• Proteins
• Many proteins are enzymes
• Nucleic acids are important information-carrying molecules
• ATP
• Water
• Inorganic Ions

Topic 2: Cells

• Cell structure
• All cells arise from other cells
• Transport across cell membranes
• Cell recognition and the immune system

Topic 3: Organisms exchange substances with their environment

• Surface area to volume ratio
• Gas exchange
• Digestion and absorption
• Mass transport

Topic 4: Genetic Information, Variation and Relationships between Organisms

• DNA, genes and chromosomes
• DNA and protein synthesis
• Mutation
• Genetic diversity and adaptation
• Species and taxonomy
• Biodiversity within a community
• Investigating diversity

Topic 5: Energy transfers in and between Organisms

• Photosynthesis
• Respiration
• Energy and ecosystems
• Nutrient cycles

Topic 6: Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments

• Stimuli, both internal and external
• Nervous coordination
• Skeletal muscles
• Homeostasis

Topic 7: Genetics, Population, Evolution and Ecosystems

• Inheritance
• Populations
• Evolution may lead to speciation
• Populations in ecosystems

Topic 8: The Control of Gene Expression

• DNA and the structure of proteins
• Gene expression
• Using genome projects
• Gene technologies
• Organism function
• Design of new industrial and medical processes

Exams and assessments

Exams take place in May/June of each year. It is the responsibility of the student to book their exams. Exam centres will charge and the price can vary so it is wise to investigate prior to enrolment.

In addition, there are also 12 practical assessments. These DO NOT count towards your actual end grade. However, if you do not take them it is marked on your Certificate. Depending upon your future plans this could have an adverse effect. It is wise to speak to the university you are looking to apply for and establish if the practicals are required. If they are, you will need to register for them with a school/college in the same way as your written exam. When the practicals take place, the training and the cost varies from centre to centre so it is wise to investigate.

You can search for a list of UK exam centres here. Not all of these centres will offer the practicals. Scroll further down the page and you will find a list of centres we know definitely do but obviously try your more local ones first from the link.

A-Level Biology consists of three paper-based exams. A breakdown of the three papers follows:

Paper 1:

• Type: Written Examination
• Duration: 2 hours
• Weighting: 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
• Weighting: 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
• Weighting: 30% of A Level
• Total Marks: 78
• Assessed: Any content from all topics 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)