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Course Summary
Syllabus
Pre-requisites
Fees
Certification Prospects Duration Membership Format Assessment FAQs Request Info A Level Biology Course (AS & A2)Level: AS and A2Biology is the natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. This distance learning Biology A Level course contains all the information you will need to pass the A-Level biology exam. You will have a personal tutor for the entirety of this course, who will be more than happy to aid you in completing this course, and will be available to mark all the end of unit assessments. AS Level Unit 1 – BIOL1 – Biology and Disease
Topics 1.1 – Disease may be caused by infectious pathogens or may reflect the effects of lifestyle 1.2 - The digestive system provides an interface with the environment. Digestion involves enzymic hydrolysis producing smaller molecules that can be absorbed and assimilated. 1.3 - Substances are exchanged between organisms and their environment by passive or active transport across exchange surfaces. The structure of plasma membranes enables control of the passage of substances across exchange surfaces. 1.4 – The lungs of a mammal also act as an interface with the environment. Lung function may be affected by pathogens and by factors relating to lifestyle. 1.5 - The functioning of the heart plays a central role in the circulation of blood and relates to the level of activity of an individual. Heart disease may be linked to factors affecting lifestyle. 1.6 – Mammalian blood possesses a number of defensive functions. Unit 2 – BIOL2 – The Variety of living organisms Topics 2.1 – Living organisms vary and this variation is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. 2.2 – DNA is an information-carrying molecule. Its sequence of bases determines the structure of proteins, including enzymes. 2.3 – Similarities and differences in DNA result in genetic diversity. 2.4 – The variety of life is extensive and this is reflected in similarities and differences in its biochemical basis and cellular organisation. 2.5 – During the cell cycle, genetic information is copied and passed to genetically identical daughter cells. 2.6 – In complex multicellular organisms, cells are organised into tissues, tissues into organs and organs into systems. 2.7 – Factors such as size and metabolic rate affect the requirements of organisms and this gives rise to adaptations such as specialised exchange surfaces and mass transport systems. 2.8 – Classification is a means of organising the variety of life based on relationships between organisms and is built round the concept of species. 2.9 – Originally, classification systems were based on observable features but more recent approaches draw on a wider range of evidence to clarify relationships between organisms. 2.10 - Adaptation and selection are major components of evolution and make a significant contribution to the diversity of living organisms. 2.11 – Biodiversity may be measured within a habitat. Unit 3 – Investigative and practical skills in AS Biology
Topics 3.1 - Investigating biological problems involves changing a specific factor, the independent variable, and measuring the changes in the dependent variable that result. 3.2 - Implementing involves the ability to work methodically and safely, demonstrating competence in the required manipulative skills and efficiency in managing time. Raw data should be methodically collected and recorded during the course of the investigation. 3.3 - Raw data may require processing. Processed data should be used to plot graphs that illustrate patterns and trends from which appropriate conclusions may be drawn. Scientific knowledge from the AS specification should be used to explain these conclusions. 3.4 - Limitations are inherent in the material and apparatus used, and procedures adopted. These limitations should be identified and methods of overcoming them suggested. Unit 4 – BIOL4 – Populations and environment
Topics 4.1 - The dynamic equilibrium of populations is affected by a number of factors. 4.2 - ATP provides the immediate source of energy for biological processes. 4.3 - In photosynthesis, energy is transferred to ATP in the light-dependent reaction and the ATP is utilised in the light-independent reaction. 4.4 - In respiration, glycolysis takes place in the cytoplasm and the remaining steps in the mitochondria. ATP synthesis is associated with the electron transfer chain in the membranes of mitochondria. 4.5 - Energy is transferred through ecosystems and the efficiency of transfer can be measured. 4.6 - Chemical elements are recycled in ecosystems. Microorganisms play a key role in recycling these elements. 4.7 - Ecosystems are dynamic systems, usually moving from colonisation to climax communities in the process of succession. 4.8 - Genetic variation within a species and geographic isolation leads to the accumulation of different genetic information in populations and the potential formation of new species. Unit 5 - BIOL5 – Control in cells and in organisms
Topics 5.1 - Stimuli, both internal and external, are detected and lead to a response. 5.2 - Coordination may be chemical or electrical in nature. 5.3 - Skeletal muscles are stimulated to contract by nerves and act as effectors. 5.4 - Homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant internal environment. 5.5 - Negative feedback helps maintain an optimal internal state in the context of a dynamic equilibrium. Positive feedback also occurs. 5.6 - The sequence of bases in DNA determines the structure of proteins, including enzymes. 5.7 - Gene expression is controlled by a number of features. 5.8 - Gene cloning technologies allow study and alteration of gene function in order to better understand organism function and to design new industrial and medical processes. Unit 6 - Investigative and practical skills in A2 Biology Topics 6.1 - Investigating biological problems involves changing a specific factor, the independent variable, and measuring the changes in the dependent variable that result. 6.2 - Implementing involves the ability to work methodically and safely, demonstrating competence in the required manipulative skills and efficiency in managing time. Raw data should be methodically collected and recorded during the course of the investigation. 6.3 - Data should be analysed by means of an appropriate statistical test. This allows calculation of the probability of an event being due to chance. Appropriate conclusions should be drawn and scientific knowledge from the A Level specification should be used to explain these conclusions. 6.4 - Limitations are inherent in the material and apparatus used and procedures adopted. These limitations should be identified, evaluated and methods of overcoming them suggested. How Science Works An understanding of How Science Works is a requirement. How Science Works is an underpinning set of concepts and is the means whereby students come to understand how scientists investigate scientific phenomena in their attempts to explain the world about us. Moreover, How Science Works recognises the contribution scientists have made to their own disciplines and to the wider world
Minimum of GCSE grade C or above. Candidates will be required to have an understanding of the following terms: molecule, ion, compound element, isomer, isotope, oxidation, bond, reduction, hydrolysis, condensation, and wavelength
AQA A level in Biology. All students have 18 months to complete this course from date of registration. On average this course is completed in 200 hours.
Course materials are provided in paper format and delivered direct to your door within 7 days of enrolment. This course is self-contained so you will not need to use any extra textbooks. However, you may find useful to read other books on this subject: Unit 1: BIOL1 – Biology and Disease 33.3% of the total AS marks Unit 2: BIOL2 – The variety of living organisms 46.7% of the total AS marks Unit 3: Internal Assessment – Investigate and practical skills in AS Biology 20 % of total AS marks BIO3T Centre Marked Route T, 50 raw marks Unit 4: BIOL4 – Populations and environment 16.7 % of the total A Level marks Unit 5: BIOL5 – Control in cells and in organisms 23.3% of the total A Level marks Unit 6: Internal Assessment – Investigate and practical skills in A2 Biology 10% of the total A Level marks BIO6T Assignment Information Throughout the course there will be self-assessment questions, and tutor marked questions, to enable students to monitor their progress A Level Biology consists of 6 units in total:
AS Level Unit 1: BIOL1 – Biology and Disease Examination paper: 1 hour 15 minutes Unit 2: BIOL2 – The variety of living organisms Examination paper: 1 hour 45 minutes
Unit 3: Internal Assessment – Investigate and practical skills in AS Biology Either: · BIO3T, Centre Marked Route T A2 Level Unit 4: BIOL4 – Populations and environment Examination paper: 1 hour 30 minutes Unit 5: BIOL5 – Control in cells and in organisms Examination paper: 2 hour 15 minutes Unit 6: Internal Assessment – Investigate and practical skills in A2 Biology Either: · BIO6T, Centre Marked Route T English Maths Science Tuition Centre Ltd. Tel: 0121-771-1298 http://www.englishandmaths.com/Index.php ------------------ 3A Tutors Ltd Tel: 0117 9109931 Email: enquiries@3at.org.uk -------------------- Harrogate Tutorial College Telephone +44(0)1423 501041 E-Mail study@htcuk.org -------------------- Campbell Harris Tutors Ltd Email principal@campbellharris.co.uk Web Site http://campbellharris.co.uk/Content.asp?ID=18
Please visit AQA for exam information. http://www.aqa.org.uk/admin/p_private.php The contract for sitting exams is between you and the centre and we will provide you with comprehensive instructions on when and how to deal with the examination centre. From 2014 exams will be taken in June of each year. 2013 provides the final opportunity to take exams in January. There is no flexibilty to take exams at any other time. There is no flexibilty to take exams at any other time.
Q: When can I enrol?
Yes ! We currently have students all over the world studying with the college. If you require any further information on this course then please call our administration team on 0121 288 0181 and we will be happy to help you as much as we can. Alternatively complete the information request form below and one of our friendly advisors will contact you. Information Request Course Fee: Starting at: £369.00Student can choose to pay their course fees in full upon enrolment (£369.00) or take out a pay as you study plan as follows.
Call our office on 0121 2880181 for guaranteed acceptance onto our pay as you study plan* (Applies to UK Students only) MOD Personnel can claim a 10% Reduction on fees when paying in full by quoting BFPO10 when contacting us. Proof will be required. Exam fees and practical sessions not included. Any exam and practical fees are payable direct to examination centre. You are advised to contact a centre as listed here prior to enrolment to confirm exam fees and availibilty. Click here for List This course is provided in partnership with UKDLP (UK Distance Learning and Publishing) If you prefer to pay via cheque please print off Enrolment form PDF below and post to our head office. |
