A Level Biology 2015 (AQA)
Course
Distance
Description
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Type
Course
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Methodology
Distance Learning
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Class hours
300h
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Duration
2 Years
This distance learning A Level Biology course has been designed to the latest specifications. Whether you’re looking for a qualification to gain entry to further education, or to help you get a job in the field of science, this course is an excellent way to study for it. You’ll cover a wide range of topics including the core principles of biology, genes and genetic engineering, and the effects of the environment.
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
About this course
Key Topics
The AQA A Level Biology specification is structured into eight topics, assessed across three examinations. This course has been designed to reflect this, and will take students through each topic, as listed below:
Topic 1: Biological molecules
Topic 2: Cells
Topic 3: Organisms exchange substances with their environment
Topic 4: Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
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
No Entry Requirements
Basic English reading and writing skills, the good news is that no prior learning knowledge or experience is essential to take this course. This course is openly available to anyone wishing to learn more about Biology and would like to take part in a highly rewarding home study course.
AQA A level in Biology
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Subjects
- Inheritance
- Technology
- Genetic engineering
- Genetics
- Biodiversity
- Biology
- A level Biology
- Biology Science
- DNA
- Human Biology
- Animal Biology
Teachers and trainers (1)
Support Advisor
Support Advisor
Course programme
A Level Biology
How is the course structured?
The A' Level Biology (AS/A2) course is divided into eight topics:
Unit 1: Biological molecules
- Monomers and polymers
- Carbohydrates
- Lipids
- Proteins
- General properties of proteins
- Many proteins are enzymes
- Nucleic acids are important information-carrying molecules
- Structure of DNA and RNA
- DNA replication
- ATP
- Water
- Inorganic ions
Unit 2: Cells
- Cell structure
- Structure of eukaryotic cells
- Structure of prokaryotic cells and of viruses
- Methods of studying cells
- All cells arise from other cells
- Transport across cell membranes
- Cell recognition and the immune system
Unit 3: Organisms exchange substances with their environment
- Surface area to volume ratio
- Gas exchange
- Digestion and absorption
- Mass transport
- Mass transport in animals
- Mass transport in plants
Unit 4: Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
- DNA, genes and chromosomes
- DNA and protein synthesis
- Genetic diversity can arise as a result of mutation or during meiosis
- Genetic diversity and adaptation
- Species and taxonomy
- Biodiversity within a community
- Investigating diversity
Unit 5: Energy transfers in and between organisms (A-level only)
- Photosynthesis (A-level only)
- Respiration (A-level only)
- Energy and ecosystems (A-level only)
- Nutrient cycles (A-level only)
Unit 6: Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (A-level only)
- Stimuli, both internal and external, are detected and lead to a response (A-level only)
- Survival and response (A-level only)
- Receptors (A-level only)
- Control of heart rate (A-level only)
- Nervous coordination (A-level only)
- Nerve impulses (A-level only)
- Synaptic transmission (A-level only)
- Skeletal muscles are stimulated to contract by nerves and act as effectors (A-level only)
- Homeostasis is the maintenance of a stable internal environment (A-level only)
- Principles of homeostasis and negative feedback (A-level only)
- Control of blood glucose concentration (A-level only)
- Control of blood water potential (A-level only)
Unit 7: Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems (A-level only)
- Inheritance (A-level only)
- Populations (A-level only)
- Evolution may lead to speciation (A-level only)
- Populations in ecosystems (A-level only)
Unit 8: The control of gene expression (A-level only)
- Alteration of the sequence of bases in DNA can alter the structure of proteins (A-level only)
- Gene expression is controlled by a number of features (A-level only)
- Most of a cell’s DNA is not translated (A-level only)
- Regulation of transcription and translation (A-level only)
- Gene expression and cancer (A-level only)
- Using genome projects (A-level only)
- Gene technologies allow the study and alteration of gene function allowing a better understanding of organism function and the design of new industrial and medical processes (A-level only)
- Recombinant DNA technology (A-level only)
- Differences in DNA between individuals of the same species can be exploited for identification and diagnosis of heritable conditions (A-level only)
- Genetic fingerprinting (A-level only)
Assessment
In order to attain this qualification you must sit three examinations and twelve practical assessments. 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. Booking exams is the responsibility of the student. Any and all exam fees will be paid by the student directly to their chosen exam centre. On purchasing the course, the student will be provide with a list of recommended exam centres.
Paper 1
Assessment details:
- 35% of A-Level
- 91 marks
- Written exam: 2 hours
What is assessed?:
Any content from topics 1-4, including relevant practical skills
Questions:
76 marks = A mixture of short and long answer questions
15 marks = Extended response questions
Paper 2
Assessment details:
- 35% of A-Level
- 91 marks
- Written exam: 2 hours
What is assessed?:
Any content from topics 5-8, including relevant practical skills
Course Fees
The enrolment fee for the A' Level Biology 2015 (AQA) home study course is £450, though for a limited time we are offering you the opportunity to pay only £360 which is a 20% discount if you enrol online and pay in full.
You can also opt for our Easy Payment Plan and enrol online today by paying a deposit of £90 and then 4 equal payments of £90 per month. The first instalment is paid about a month after you receive your course.
Additional information
Your Future Prospects
Whether your goal is to go on to Higher Education or you are keen to make a start in your chosen career, studying A Levels with us will help make these choices available to you in the future.
A Level Biology 2015 (AQA)