What you will learn
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Unit 1 - Biological molecules
- Carbohydrates, including monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides
- Lipids
- Proteins
- Enzymes
- Chemical tests
- DNA structure
- The properties of water
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- 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
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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
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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
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Unit 5 - Energy transfers in and between organisms
- Photosynthesis
- Aerobic and anaerobic respiration
- Energy and ecosystems
- Nutrient cycles
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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
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Unit 7 - Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
- Inheritance
- Populations, evolution, and speciation
- Natural selection and evolution
- Ecosystems
- Human impact on ecosystems
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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
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Preparing for the examinations
Awarding Body
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 Maths 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 2024.
You’ll be required to complete three standard A-level Biology written exams:
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- Paper 1: 2 hours, 35% of A-level, 91 marks.
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- Paper 2: 2 hours, 35% of A-level, 91 marks.
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- 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.
