250 – 300 Study Hours
Level 3 Difficulty
Up to 56 UCAS Points
Edexcel Awarding Body
Course Overview
You will be required to complete the three standard written exams.
Official exams
- Paper 1 Advanced Biochemistry, Microbiology and Genetics 1 hour 45 mins 30%
Paper 2 Advanced Physiology, Evolution and Ecology 1 hour 45 mins 30%
Paper 3 General and Practical Principles in Biology 2 hours 30 mins 40%
Assignments
During your course, you’ll be required to complete a number of assignments
These do not contribute towards your final grade but provide you with an opportunity to submit work to your tutor for marking and feedback. This will help you to gauge your progress as you work through the course.
Course Content
This topic introduces the chemicals of life: the organic and inorganic molecules and ions that are fundamental to the structure and physiology of living organisms. It considers the role of monomers in the synthesis of polymers and how the structure and properties of these relate to their functions. The practical investigation of enzyme action develops an understanding of the scientific method.
This topic considers the ultrastructure of prokaryotes, eukaryotes and viruses. Details of the types of nuclear division are included and how these are involved in animal and plant reproduction. Microscopy and observational skills are developed through the preparation of stained plant tissue.
This topic considers the evidence used in developing models for the classification of organisms. It also considers the limitations of these models. The topic includes the principles underlying natural selection and how this can lead to speciation.
This topic considers the requirements for cell transport mechanisms and mass flow systems in organisms. The roles of the components of the mammalian circulatory system and the vascular system in plants are studied. Practical skills are developed by investigating factors that affect membrane permeability and water potential of plant tissues.
This topic builds on knowledge of carbohydrates and enzymes. It considers the energy sources in living organisms and how energy transfers occur. Details of the stages in respiration and photosynthesis, the roles of co-enzymes and electrons along with the uses of intermediates are included. Practical skills are developed in the investigations of photosynthetic pigments and the factors that affect respiration rates and photosynthesis.
This topic builds on knowledge of prokaryotes, eukaryotes, viruses and transport systems. It considers how some microorganisms act as pathogens. Details of how the human body responds to infection are included. The social, economic and ethical implications of the methods of treatment and control of the spread of infection are discussed. Microbial techniques are used in the isolation of bacteria and the investigation of the factors that affect their rate of growth.
This topic builds on the knowledge of nucleic acids and proteins and how they are involved in gene expression. It also considers epigenetics, the use of stem cells, and how these are contributing to medical advances. Finally, it discusses the ethical implications of the use of gene technology in scientific developments.
This topic builds on the knowledge of meiosis and natural selection. It considers the dihybrid inheritance of alleles and genes, studying the inheritance of unlinked and linked genes. The effect of selection pressures on the allele frequencies in gene pools and their impact on speciation are discussed.
This topic builds on knowledge of transport mechanisms and considers the processes of chemical and nervous coordination. Details of the role of plant growth substances and hormonal control in mammals are included. Osmoregulation in mammals adapted to dry environments is considered. Details of the effect of drugs on the transmission of nerve impulses are studied. Practical skills are developed in the investigation of the effect of gibberellin on germination.
This topic considers the interactions between the organisms and the environment within an ecosystem. It includes details of how biotic and abiotic factors are involved in the development of ecosystems over time. Human influences on ecosystems and the need for conservation are also discussed.
- Awarding body: Edexcel
- Our course code: X910W
- Qualification code: BIO2
Edexcel is the UK’s largest awarding organisation offering academic and vocational qualifications in schools, colleges and work places in the UK and abroad. They have been helping people succeed in life through learning for nearly 2 decades. Edexcel is a multinational education and examination body.
Entry Requirements
It is strongly recommended that you have the following 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).
Why Distance Learning?
With online A-level study, you’ll sit the same exams and earn the same qualifications as you would in a traditional school setting, but with the flexibility to study when and where it suits you.
Your final results and transcript will be identical to those of students who studied in a classroom, ensuring your A-levels are fully recognised and respected by colleges, universities, and employers worldwide. Whether you’re looking to broaden your subject choices, balance study with other commitments, or take control of your learning, distance learning gives you the freedom to achieve your academic goals on your terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. There will be additional fees for your exams that are payable to the centre upon booking. Your personal tutor can provide more details.
Yes, there is a set text that will come free with the course as e-books: (1) Salters-Nuffield AS/A level Biology Student Book 1, University of York Science Education Group, Pearson Education 2015. (2) Salters-Nuffield A level Biology Student Book 2, University of York Science Education Group, Pearson Education 2015. Additional texts you will be required to read include: Maths Skills for A Level Biology, J Penny, Oxford University Press 2013.
Yes! You study the same curriculum, take the same examinations and get the same qualification. The only difference is that the course is specially designed to be studied from home in your own time.
You will have access to your personal tutor, via email, who will mark your assignments and guide you through the course to help you get ready for your examinations. In addition, you will be supplied with a comprehensive Study Guide which will help you through the study and assessment process. Assignments are marked by your personal tutor within 5 days. Your personal tutor will be highly experienced in their subject area and qualified to teach.
You will need to pay separately for your final examinations. Additional texts may also need to be purchased to supplement your learning on the course.
We are able to offer places at partnership exam centres across the UK for our students, therefore, guaranteeing an exam venue. If you choose to find your own exam centre, you can, you will need to register with them as an external or private candidate. Fees vary across the country so we recommend enquiring prior to enrolment.
This course is self-contained so no additional textbooks are required. Where there are required additional text books, we include this as free eBooks.
That’s fine, this course can be studied anywhere and is completed by submitting Tutor marked assignments (TMAs).
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