A Level Biology

A Level

Distance

£ 349 VAT inc.

Description

  • Type

    A Level

  • Methodology

    Distance Learning

  • Class hours

    200h

For those of you new to A levels, these courses consist of two parts, the AS and A2. Both parts are covered here providing students with an opportunity to acheive their full A level AQA certification and invaluable UCAS points. Perfect for students looking to gain a university place. Suitable for: Wanting to get into university or simply want a recognised qualification.

About this course

Minimum of GCSE grade C or above.

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Course programme

The course is divided into the following modules:

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

A Level Biology

£ 349 VAT inc.