A-Level Biology including exams and practicals

A-Level Biology including exams and practicals

This course at a glance

• Study the human body and the building blocks of life
• Develop a deep understanding of biological principals
• Learn about pioneering research
• Complete this A Level in as little as 12 months
• Gain access to the course and exams with this course bundle

Studying your A Level

Biology at A Level is a chance to significantly extend your biological knowledge. You will take a deeper look at some of the core ideas covered at GCSE level while covering a range of new material.

During your studies, you will cover the basic components of living systems, biological molecules, biodiversity, homeostasis and much more.

You will study ecosystems and their inhabitants, the impact of human society and the changing world.

You will be encouraged to gain a superior understanding of biological principles, including genetics, patterns of inheritance, cloning and biological processes.

This course bundle includes all the course material you need, the practical exercises – carried out in lab conditions – as well as the exams that will get you your A Level in biology.

Across the three exam papers, you will be quizzed across the breadth of the course material through a mix of short and long answer questions.

While the exams will determine your passing grade, practical knowledge is essential to the sciences. That is why you have the option of taking the practical exam alongside your studies. A separate endorsement of practical skills will be given with the A Level. This will be assessed by teachers and will be based on direct observation of students’ competency in a range of skills that are not assessable in written exams.

Note that you will have to book your practical exams in advance of your written exams,  so take that into account when planning your studies.

Upon completion of the course, you will be a capable and competent biologist, with a developed understanding of core principals. All of which will give you the level of competence required to progress to study at degree level.

Getting Started

learndirect is a leading UK distance learning institute, which means we take a person-centred approach to learning. We provide the tools to learn and you do the rest.

This means no physical classes or prohibitive timetables. You learn when you will be at your most effective, in an environment you will be most comfortable in.

You still get the academic support from your dedicated tutor. They will provide advice, guidance and feedback on your assignments. This allows you to progress in a structured, positive way.

Ultimately this allows you to study and complete your A Level in biology in a manner that reflects your lifestyle, commitments and your approach to learning.

You can start learning from the moment you have enrolled with us. We don’t have term times, just an online portal with all your course material ready and waiting. The only specific deadline to work towards is your exam – exam sittings are held once per year in May or June.

That means you can get your A Level in biology as quickly as you choose.

Pursuing your career

An A Level in biology can allow you to go on to study biology or related sciences at university. However, your desired university will have entry requirements so be sure to check the grade required in this and associated subjects.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

You will be unable to book your exam until all outstanding course fees are settled in full, this includes any associated charges deemed to be payable as per your initial contract.

All courses funded via our partner Premium Credit Limited, will need to be settled with them directly.

Modules

1 Biological molecules

2 Cells

3 How organisms exchange substances with their environment

4 Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

5 Energy transfers in and between organisms (A-level only)

6 Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (A-level only)

7 Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems (A-level only)

8 The control of gene expression (A-level only)

Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements, but a GCSE or IGCSE in this subject would be beneficial. You must complete at least 50% of the course and pass the associated assignments before you are eligible to be entered for the exams.

Average completion timeframe

The average time it takes to complete the course is 2 years.

Assessment requirements

The assessment consists of written exams and a 4 or 5 day practical assessment

Placement or Practical required

Practical assessments will be organised at the time of the exam booking. Labratories that host the practicals are available in Bolton, Birmingham, Cornwall, Newcastle and London. Assessments are on set dates.

If placement or practical required, when?

Practical assessments must be completed before sitting the written exams.

Exams required

One of our exam partners will provide the exam centre and oversee the examination process.

Is Membership Required?

No membership is required to enrol on this course.

Certification Timeframe

You can expect to receive your certificate 3 months after receiving the result.

Extension Rules

£40 for six months, maximum of twice. If expired more than six months ago, or have already had two extensions, then they need to restart the course and pay again.

Course Fees

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before exams can be booked.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

At the end of each unit you will find a Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA). This is completed online and submitted to your tutor. Once assessed your tutor will return your work complete with its final grade and feedback. Once you’ve successfully passed each assignment you’ll be ready to take your exam!

IMPORTANT NOTE:

You will be unable to book your exam until all outstanding course fees are settled in full, this includes any associated charges deemed to be payable as per your initial contract.

All courses funded via our partner Premium Credit Limited, will need to be settled with them directly.

Tutors and Exams

Tutors and Exams provides examination and assessment facilities primarily aimed at private and home-educated candidates.

Tutors and Exams have examination centres located around the country: Bolton, Coventry, Doncaster, St Neots Cambridgeshire,  High Wycombe, Taunton, Wimbledon and Belfast. All are approved for examination delivery by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ).

In addition to their examination centres they also have dedicated science laboratories based in Birmingham, Bolton and Sheffield with the ability to deliver A Level science practicals all year round,  and access to another two science laboratories located in London.

If you decide to take the A Level exam at the end of this course and pass, you will have gained an A Level in Biology. This will enable you to progress to further and higher education programmes.

Frequently Asked Questions