Courses / A-level / A-level Biology

A-level Biology

AQA
Biology is one of the most fascinating scientific disciplines, giving you in-depth insight into the inner workings of the world.
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A-level Biology AQA online course

Through varied and engaging learning materials, on this A-level Biology course online, you’ll study life itself, from microscopic organisms to entire food chains and ecosystems. You’ll delve into the structure of plant and animal cells in minute detail, explore evolution and natural selection, investigate the ground-breaking science of gene therapy, and much more.

Biology is one of the most fascinating scientific disciplines, providing essential skills for a huge range of careers. Fancy becoming a forensics expert, examining the crime scene, looking for vital evidence? Perhaps you’d love to play a role in tackling climate change and avoiding environmental catastrophe. If so, one subject will be instrumental to your success: biology.

Studying AQA’s A-Level Biology course online through distance learning with our fun and engaging online platform is an ideal choice if you want the freedom to study in your own time and space. You’ll develop strong analytical and evaluative skills as you interpret, manipulate, and present data. It’s perfect for those wanting a career in healthcare, scientific research, or the social, environmental, and forensic science sectors, and it’ll also stand you in good stead if you plan to go to university to study science, medicine, physiotherapy, or similar.

You’ll get all this too:

  • Fast Track – In a rush? You’ll have the option to complete this course within a year.
  • Guaranteed Exam Venue – Finding exam spaces can be tough, so with Oxbridge you’ll get guaranteed access to our network of partnership exam centres around the UK
  • Exam Pass Guarantee – We’re so confident, if you don’t pass the first time, we’ll support you to the next exam for free

There’s never been a better time to understand Biology and through an award-winning online college experience with Oxbridge, on average you’ll pass your A-level Biology course with higher grades than traditional colleges.

What you will learn

  1. Unit 1 - Biological molecules 

    • Carbohydrates, including monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides
    • Lipids
    • Proteins 
    • Enzymes 
    • Chemical tests
    • DNA structure
    • The properties of water

  2. Unit 2 - Cells

    • Cell structure
    • Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
    • Studying the organelles
    • Cell division and replication
    • The stages of mitosis and meiosis
    • Viruses
    • Transport across cell membranes, including osmosis and diffusion
    • The Immune System

  3. Unit 3 - Organisms exchange substances with their environment

    • Surface area to volume ratio
    • Gas exchange
    • The structure of the lungs
    • Digestion and absorption
    • The cardiac cycle and circulatory system
    • Blood vessels – artilleries, capillaries and veins
    • Mass transport in plants

  4. Unit 4 - Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms 

    • DNA and RNA 
    • Genetic diversity and adaptation
    • Natural selection
    • Directional selection
    • Stabilising selection
    • Species and biodiversity

  5. Unit 5 - Energy transfers in and between organisms

    • Photosynthesis
    • Aerobic and anaerobic respiration
    • Energy and ecosystems
    • Nutrient cycles

  6. Unit 6 - Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments

    • External and internal stimuli
    • Reflex arcs
    • Receptors in the skin
    • Receptors in the eye
    • The Autonomic Nervous System
    • Nerve impulses and synapses

  7. Unit 7 - Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems

    • Inheritance
    • Populations, evolution, and speciation
    • Natural selection and evolution
    • Ecosystems
    • Human impact on ecosystems

  8. Unit 8 - The control of gene expression

    • Gene mutation and gene expression
    • Cell differentiation
    • Stem cells and totipotency
    • DNA sequencing and gene technology
    • The ‘Gene Machine’
    • DNA profiling
    • Genetic engineering

  9. Preparing for the examinations

    Paper 1

    Paper 2

    Paper 3

Awarding Body

aqa awarding body logo As a leading distance learning provider, our courses are accredited by the main UK awarding bodies and recognised by UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. By completing our online A-Level Biology course, you will receive up to 56 UCAS points, which are used as part of university applications, and issued by AQA.

Course Outcome

Upon successfully passing your exams, you will receive an A-level in Biology (7402), issued by the AQA exam board. Your certificate is identical to those issued to students at any other school or college, and can help you to progress onto a university degree and from there, a career in environmental management, conservation, health, and more.

We have a 97% pass rate, so you can be sure that you’ll be in expert hands with Oxbridge and our leading team of tutors.

How is this course assessed or examined?

You can enrol now for A-level Biology examinations for summer 2025.

You’ll be required to complete three standard A-level Biology written exams:

    • Paper 1: 2 hours, 35% of A-level, 91 marks.

    • Paper 2: 2 hours, 35% of A-level, 91 marks.

    • Paper 3: 2 hours, 30% of A-level, 78 marks.

These exams contain a mixture of short and long answer questions and extended response questions.

Entry requirements

It is strongly recommended that learners who enrol on this course have a GCSE or equivalent in Biology (minimum grade 5-6 / grade B) and chemistry (minimum grade 4 / grade C) OR Double or Triple Science (minimum grade 5-6 / grade B) and Maths (minimum grade 4 / grade C). This course is a difficulty level three: the equivalent difficulty of an A-level or BTEC, usually suitable for most learners of all ages

Who is this course for?

This course is perfect for anyone looking to turn an interest in the natural world into a career. You might have taken a previous biology course and now feel ready to take the next step towards working in environmental management or conservation.

You can use this course as a means of getting onto a particular university degree. A-levels are worth up to 56 UCAS points, so getting a good mark in A-level Biology can put you in a great position to get a place on your first-choice degree. Because the course is delivered online, you can fit study around your other commitments, from wherever you work best.

You might be looking at a career in a particular specialism, such as zoology or marine conservation, or have aspirations to help companies become more eco-aware. Taking A-level Biology is the essential first step – speak to one of our learning advisers to hear how studying biology alongside our other qualifications can help you progress even further.

It is recommended that you have a previous understanding of biology, either at GCSE level or through independent study. The knowledge you build beforehand will be expanded further at A-level, so make sure you’re ready! Take a look at some of the career paths you can take with an A-level in Biology. We’ve also put together a list of resources for additional information.

How long will it take to complete?

The course takes between one and two years to complete. Fast track options are available. You’ll also have a personal tutor to help you stay on track and help you to access past papers and other revision tools.

Everyone is different, of course, which is why we have constructed our A-level Biology qualification to be studied in the way that best works for you, your learning style, and indeed, your life. Your tutor will work with you to help you progress at the speed you feel comfortable with.

When you enrol on the course, you will gain access to My Oxbridge, our online learning platform, where you can access your materials and other helpful resources, including study guides and revision exercises. To get you started, why not have a look at these recommended reads.

Where will my exam take place?

As an Oxbridge student, you will be guaranteed access to one of our exam centres located across the country. You may also want to consider taking a Practical Endorsement to apply the theoretical knowledge you’ll gain from studying our online A-level Biology course in a practical, lab-based setting, though this is completely optional.

Check out this guide to practical endorsements and find your nearest A-level exam centre here.

Past Papers

You can access past papers for this course. They are free to access and cover a range of exam boards.

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A-level Biology

Course
Include exams (+£640.00)

Find out more about the exams here.

Include exams and practical (+£2010)

Find out more about the exams here.

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FAQ

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Can I retake my A-level Biology exams if I don’t pass?

You can! At Oxbridge, we also have an exam pass guarantee, meaning that we will support you in taking the next A-level Biology exam for free. Contact our advisers for more information.

How can I access my A-level Biology course materials?

After you've enrolled onto the A-level Biology course, we will send your login information for MyOxbridge, our online learning portal, where your study materials will be ready for you. You'll be able to access your materials at any time, from any computer, laptop, phone, or tablet that has an Internet connection.

How can I contact my A-level Biology tutor if I get stuck?

When you enrol on your A-level Biology course, you will be sent login details for the MyOxbridge platform, where your tutor's contact email can also be accessed.

How is A-level Biology taught online?

A-level Biology follows the same AQA 7402 awarded by schools and colleges. You may be expected to complete assessments as part of your studies in order to check your progress, which will be marked by your own personal tutor.

Can I sign up for a Student Beans account and get Student Discounts?

Yes! One of the many benefits of being an Oxbridge student is that you get access to great discounts with a Student Beans account! Eligibility criteria apply and acceptance is made at the discretion of Student Beans. Find out how to sign up.

Can you provide a reference for my UCAS application?

Oxbridge is able to provide an academic reference for you however, we cannot provide a personal reference as this needs to be someone who knows you personally.

Can I get predicted grades for my UCAS application?

Absolutely! We can process a predicted grade for you once you have completed a total of four assignments - this can be sent over to you via email or letter which can then be passed on to UCAS for your application.

Exam Results: I need to resit my exams, can I enrol with Oxbridge?

At Oxbridge, we take enrolments all year round. Once you're enrolled, you'll be able to get started right away. Studying online means your work and revision fit around you and your lifestyle. For example, if you have a part-time job or need to study alongside other subjects, you'll be able to find time to fit our online courses into your schedule. Enjoy flexible, convenient, affordable learning, fully supported by expert tutors who are passionate about their subjects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our course tutors and know that they hold the key to success. Whatever your goals, dreams or aspirations, Oxbridge is here to help you facilitate them.

Exam Results: When will I receive my certificate?

Oxbridge students who sat their exams through our partnership exam centres will usually receive their certificates in November. Certificates will be sent out by recorded delivery.
Wondering what to do next? There are so many options available, it's important to get the right advice. Whether your choice is to continue onto further education, go into job training or get an apprenticeship and whether your grades are high or low - there are always options! Speak to an adviser today to see how we can support you on your next steps...

Exam Results: I didn't pass English or Maths, what do I do next?

First of all, don't worry - everything will be okay. Unfortunately, if you didn't get a grade 4 or higher (equivalent to a C or above) in your English and Maths, you will have to re-take it in order to pass. Oxbridge is ready and available to support you with this. Get in touch via live chat, phone or email.

Exam Results: I have individual unit marks, but no overall grade. What should I do?

Check for a cash-in code on your statement of entry. If there isn't one, cash-in may not have been applied for. Cash-in can be applied for retrospectively from your exam centre and once entered you can expect an overall grade in one week.

Exam Results: I haven't done as well as I expected in my exams. Is there anything I can do?

Yes! There are a number of post-result services available. Your entering centre will be able to provide you with further information and will process any requests for you. If you're not sure where to turn, our friendly learning advisers are on hand and ready to help you.

What can I do with my A-levels?

A-levels are a universal way to demonstrate academic competency in a multitude of disciplines. A-levels are subject-based qualifications that lead to either university, further study, training, or work. A-levels serve as a standardised way to demonstrate your academic ability and are very common entry requirements to most higher-level courses.

Why study an online A-level course from home?

A-levels can be studied from home with Oxbridge, using our online platform. On average we find that students receive 20% higher grades and pass around 30% more quickly than in a traditional college.

How many UCAS points is an A-level course?

A-levels are the most common way to access university in the UK. The system in which this is done is called UCAS. This stands for: “the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service”. See the A-level UCAS tariff points breakdown below:
  • A* - 56
  • A - 48
  • B - 40
  • C - 32
  • D - 24
  • E - 16

What A-Level courses should I take?

If you’re planning on going on to a degree, your chosen university will usually publish their entry requirements for each course on their website. See how these subjects feel and decide if you would enjoy them as they will form much of the base knowledge for your degree. If you’re not entirely sure what to study, there are some standard subjects that many students choose to help them secure a place at a prestigious university, such as one of the Russell Group universities. These courses are known as the ‘facilitating courses’ and include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Literature, Geography, History, Maths, Further Maths, Modern Languages and Classical Languages. Generally speaking, taking two facilitating subjects will allow you to keep your progression options open. For further help and guidance, we have written a detailed guide on How to Choose A-Levels.

How long does it take to study an A-level?

It’s possible to study an A-level course both full-time and part-time. Normally students would study for two years, but with Oxbridge, you can also fast-track your course to complete it in one year.

What are A-Levels?

A-levels (also known as Advanced level qualifications) entail in-depth study of a chosen subject in order to open doors to further study including University, training, and work. A-levels courses tend to focus on specific academic subjects such as Mathematics, English and the Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The course material and the exams you take will be the same everywhere.

How much do exams cost?

Many of our courses do not require exams however, A-levels, GCSEs and some other courses do require exams to complete the qualification. Exam fees are additional to the cost of the course and prices vary depending on the course and where you sit them - find out more. Planning on studying A-levels or GCSEs with us? We can add your exams during enrolment and blend them into your monthly payment plan if you wish. If you're not ready to book your exam(s) yet, you can book them at a later date - all of the information is available on MyOxbridge under NEAS and Exams.