Biology A' Level (Full AS + A2) Fast Track Course

Course Structure

Unit 1: Lifestyle, Transport, Genes and Health

• Structure and function of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins; enzyme action
• Structure and properties of cell membranes; passive and active transport
• Structure and role of DNA and RNA
• Replication; protein synthesis
• Monohybrid inheritance
• Gene mutations
• Principles of gene therapy; social and ethical issues

Unit 2: Development, Plants and the Environment

• Cell structure and ultra structure of eukaryote and prokaryote cells: cell specialisation
• The role of meiosis
• Genotype and environmental influence
• Stem cell research and its implications
• Biodiversity, adaptations and natural selection
• Principles of taxonomy
• Plant cell structure
• Transport of water in plants
• Uses of plant products

Unit 3: Practical Biology and Research Skills

You will write a report of between 1500 and 2000 words which will be either a record of a visit to a site of biological interest, or a report of research into a biological topic. Your practical skills knowledge will be assessed within this unit but for distance learning students this will not be hands-on.

How Science Works

You may have noticed that this phrase comes up in assessment and objective criteria. This builds on from Key Stage 4 science and is related to the following:

• The use of theories and models, ideas and clarifications
• The ability to use knowledge and understanding to address scientific problems
• The ability to use appropriate methodology and ICT to answer scientific questions
• Practical knowledge and risk assessment
• Analysis and interpretive skills
• Evaluation skills
• Be able to communicate information and ideas using appropriate approach and terminology

Biology A2 Modules

Unit 4: The Natural Environment and Species Survival

• Photosynthesis; energy transfer within ecosystems
• Evidence for global warming
• Evolution through natural selection and speciation
• Nutrient recycling
• DNA profiling and PCR
• Structure of bacteria and viruses
• Infectious diseases and immunology

Unit 5: Energy, exercise and coordination

• ATP, glycolysis, anaerobic/aerobic respiration
• Control and functioning of heart, ventilation and cardiac output
• Homeostasis
• The nervous system
• Impact of exercise on body, and improving performance
• Hormonal coordination
• Brain structure and development
• Imbalances in brain chemicals
• Human Genome Project

Unit 6: Practical Biology and Investigative Skills You will write a report of between 2700 and 3300 words which will be about an experiment or investigation that you have designed and carried out. Your practical skills knowledge will be assessed within this unit but for distance learning students this will not be hands-on.

How Science Works

You may have noticed that this phrase comes up in assessment and objective criteria. This builds on from Key Stage 4 science and is related to the following:

• The use of theories and models, ideas and clarifications
• The ability to use knowledge and understanding to address scientific problems
• The ability to use appropriate methodology and ICT to answer scientific questions
• Practical knowledge and risk assessment
• Analysis and interpretive skills
• Evaluation skills
• Be able to communicate information and ideas using appropriate approach and terminology

The UK Learning College is a leading Distance Learning Provider, offering a route to study for anyone who wants to gain a new skill or qualification, but finds the traditional, classroom-based mode of study unsuitable. Distance learning is an ideal way to learn around your current time and financial commitments, no matter how diverse and unpredictable your schedule is. With UK Learning College you not only study when it suits you and in your own time, but you can be sure of receiving all the advice and support you require as your studies develop. Because of our continuous system of enrolments, Students can enrol any time of year, and our flexible distance learning courses allow students to plan their studies to fit in their life style or work commitments. All of our students have access to their own personal distance learning course tutor who specialises in their field of education and is totally committed to helping you succeed in your home learning course.