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International A Level Biology Course

This International A Level Biology Course develops essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other.

It will also improve and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods.  This course overall will nurture a passion for Biology and lay the groundwork for further study in courses like biological sciences and medicine at University or to continue studying via distance learning.

a-level-biology-international

Enrolment Fee:

£595.00

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  • Cambridge & Edexcel Available
  • Full recognised qualification
  • IAS and/or IA2 Available
  • Enrol & start studying anytime.
  • Up to 24 Months support
  • 360 Study Hours
  • Fast Track Available
  • Access to the online portal 24/7
  • eBooks provided
  • Practice Exam Papers
  • Predicted grades & reference
  • Same qualification as offered in college

Description

This International A Level Biology course will give you essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of biology and how they relate to each other.

Biology is the scientific study of life and living organisms. It is a branch of science that deals with living organisms and their vital processes. You will learn various aspects of their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy.

If you feel this course would be too challenging at this moment in time, we do also offer the IGCSE Biology Course.

Difference between Cambridge & Edexcel Exam Boards

Cambridge and Edexcel A Levels are international qualifications. Cambridge A-Levels can be taken worldwide including the United Kingdom, whereas Edexcel A-Levels can only be taken outside of the United Kingdom. Both Cambridge and Edexcel courses are Full A Level qualifications allowing you to apply to universities internationally.

For the sciences, (biology, chemistry and physics) there are some differences between the specifications. One main difference which will sometimes sway a decision is the assessment:

Edexcel

With Edexcel all of the specification including practical is taught in theory and as a result you will be assessed by written exam papers only.

Cambridge

If you take the sciences with Cambridge, you will have written exams but you will also need to complete practical endorsements. In order to do so, your exam centre will need to cater for both the written and practical exams.

Students will be required to arrange and pay for their examinations / practicals at an approved centre. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.

Progression

International Advanced Level qualifications enable successful progression to undergraduate studies, further education or employment. Our International Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Levels in Biology sit within our wider subject offer for sciences. We also offer International Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Levels in Chemistry, Physics, Psychology and Mathematics.

Cambridge Specification

Awarding Body: Cambridge

Course Code: 9700

Study Hours:  Recommended 300 – 360 hrs

Exams Available: June & November (also March in India only)

Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)

Cambridge International AS & A Level Biology develops a set of transferable skills including handling data, practical problem-solving, and applying the scientific method. Learners develop relevant attitudes, such as concern for accuracy and precision, objectivity, integrity, enquiry, initiative and inventiveness. The essential scientific skills learnt will prepare learners for progression to further studies or employment.

How will I benefit from the International A Level Biology Cambridge course?

Cambridge International AS & A Level Biology encourages learners to be:

  • confident, secure in their knowledge, keen to explore further and able to communicate effectively through the language of science
  • responsible, developing efficient and safe scientific practices and working collaboratively with others
  • reflective, able to evaluate evidence to draw informed and appropriate conclusions and recognising that the applications of science have the potential to affect the individual, the community and the environment
  • innovative, applying problem-solving skills to novel situations and engaging with new tools and techniques, including information technology, to develop successful approaches
  • engaged, developing an enquiring mind, keen to apply scientific skills in everyday life.

Key concepts

The key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Biology are:

Cells as the units of life
A cell is the basic unit of life and all organisms are composed of one or more cells. There are two fundamental types of cell: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. Understanding how cells work provides an insight into the fundamental processes of all living organisms.

Biochemical processes
Cells are dynamic structures within which the chemistry of life takes place. Biochemistry and molecular biology help to explain how and why cells function as they do.

DNA, the molecule of heredity
Cells contain the molecule of heredity, DNA. DNA is essential for the continuity and evolution of life by allowing genetic information to be stored accurately, to be copied to daughter cells, to be passed from one generation to the next and for the controlled production of proteins. Rare errors in the accurate copying of DNA known as mutations result in genetic variation and are essential for evolution.

Natural selection
Natural selection acts on genetic variation and is the major mechanism in evolution, including speciation. Natural selection results in the accumulation of beneficial genetic mutations within populations and explains how populations can adapt to meet the demands of changing environments.

Organisms in their environment
All organisms interact with their biotic and abiotic environment. Studying these interactions allows biologists to understand better the effect of human activities on ecosystems, to develop more effective strategies to conserve biodiversity and to predict more accurately the future implications for humans of changes in the natural world.

Observation and experiment
The different fields of biology are intertwined and cannot be studied in isolation. Observation, enquiry, experimentation and fieldwork are fundamental to biology, allowing relevant evidence to be collected and considered as a basis on which to build new models and theories. Such models and theories are further tested by experimentation and observation in a cyclical process of feedback and refinement, allowing the development of robust and evidence-based conceptual understandings.

Cambridge Biology Content Overview

IAS Level Topics (Year 1)

  1. Cell structure
  2. Biological molecules
  3. Enzymes
  4. Cell membranes and transport
  5. The mitotic cell cycle
  6. Nucleic acids and protein synthesis
  7. Transport in plants
  8. Transport in mammals
  9. Gas exchange
  10. Infectious diseases
  11. Immunity

AS Level candidates also study practical skills.

IA2 Level Topics (Year 2)

Candidates for Cambridge International A Level Biology study the AS topics and the following topics:

  1. Energy and respiration
  2. Photosynthesis
  3. Homeostasis
  4. Control and coordination
  5. Inheritance
  6. Selection and evolution
  7. Classification, biodiversity and conservation
  8.  Genetic technology

A Level candidates also study practical skills.

Cambridge Assessment

There are three routes learners can take when completing exams for the Biology course with Cambridge

  1. AS Level Qualification only – Learners take all AS exam papers (Paper 1, Paper 2 & Paper 3) in one exam sitting.
  2. Full A Level over 2 years – At the end of year 1, learners take all AS exam papers (Paper 1, Paper 2 & Paper 3) in one exam sitting.  In a separate exam sitting at the end of year 2, learners then take all A2 papers (Paper 4 & Paper 5).  If learners achieve a pass in all five papers, they will be awarded their Full A Level in Biology.
  3. Full A Level – Learners take all papers for AS and A2 in one sitting (Papers 1, Paper 2, Paper 3, Paper 4 & Paper 5).

Exam Papers

Exam papers are structured as follows:

  • Paper 1: Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

40 multiple choice questions

  • Paper 2: Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

AS Level Structured Questions

  • Paper 3: Time: 2 hours

Practical work & structured questions. Questions are based on the practical skills in the practical assessment section of the syllabus.

  • Paper 4: Time: 2 hours

Structured Questions

  • Paper 5: Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Questions are based on the practical skills of planning, analysis & evaluation.

Edexcel Specification

Awarding Body: Pearson Edexcel 

Course Code: YBI11

Study Hours:  Recommended 300 – 360 hrs

Exams Available: January, June & October 

Pearson Edexcel

The Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary in Biology and the Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level in Biology are part of a suite of International Advanced Level qualifications offered by Pearson.  Learners enjoy this specification in particular due to:

  • the modular assessment, offered at different times of the year to everyone’s needs
  • practical skills assessed through a dedicated written examination unit, both at AS (Unit 3) and at A Level (Unit 6)
  • comparable content with the UK GCE AS and A Level

How will I benefit from the International A Level Biology Edexcel course?

The aims and objectives of these qualifications are to enable students to develop:

  • essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of the subject and how they relate to each other
  • a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of scientific methods
  • competence and confidence in a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills
  • their interest in and enthusiasm for the subject, including developing an interest in further study and careers associated with the subject.

Key concepts

This specification includes the following key features:

Structure
The Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary in Biology and the Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level in Biology are modular qualifications. The Advanced Subsidiary can be claimed on completion of the International Advanced Subsidiary (IAS) units. The International Advanced Level can be claimed on completion of all the units (IAS and IA2 units).

Content
The content is relevant for students who have achieved a GCSE in Biology and who want to study this subject at a higher level. The content has been updated from the previous Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary in Biology and Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level in Biology qualifications. It covers the major topics in biology, including biological molecules, diet, transport, health, cells, development, biodiversity, conservation, energy, the environment, microbiology, immunity, respiration, the internal environment, coordination and gene technology.

Assessment
Assessment consists of three written papers at IAS level that are externally assessed. The International A level consists of three further written papers that are externally assessed.

Approach
Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of biology by applying the concepts in this specification to a range of different problems, set in a variety of contexts. Students will need to apply mathematical skills to the problems. Students will also develop their practical skills. This specification includes 18 core practical activities, which is the minimum number of practical activities that students will carry out. Centres are encouraged to include additional practical activities to develop students’ practical skills further.

Edexcel Biology Content Overview

IAS Level Topics (Year 1)

Topic 1: Molecules, transport and health

  • 1A.1 The chemistry of life
  • 1A.2 Carbohydrates 1: Monosaccharides and disaccharides
  • 1A.3 Carbohydrates 2: Polysaccharides
  • 1A.4 Lipids
  • 1A.5 Proteins
  • 1B.1 The principles of circulation
  • 1B.2 The roles of the blood
  • 1B.3 Circulation in the blood vessels
  • 1B.4 The mammalian heart
  • 1B.5 Atherosclerosis
  • 1C.1 Risk, correlation and cause
  • 1C.2 Investigating the causes of CVDs
  • 1C.3 Risk factors for cardiovascular disease
  • 1C.4 Diet and cardiovascular health
  • 1C.5 Dietary antioxidants and cardiovascular disease
  • 1C.6 Using the evidence
  • 1C.7 The benefits and risks of treatment

Topic 2: Membranes, proteins, DNA, gene expression

  • 2A.1 Cell membranes
  • 2A.2 Cell transport and diffusion
  • 2A.3 Osmosis: A special case of diffusion
  • 2A.4 Active transport
  • 2A.5 The need for gas exchange surfaces
  • 2A.6 The mammalian gas exchange system
  • 2B.1 Enzymes
  • 2B.2 How enzymes work
  • 2B.3 The structure of DNA and RNA
  • 2B.4 How DNA works
  • 2B.5 The genetic code
  • 2B.6 DNA and protein synthesis
  • 2C.1 Gene mutation
  • 2C.2 Patterns of inheritance
  • 2C.3 Sex linkage
  • 2C.4 Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disease
  • 2C.5 Genetic screening

Topic 3: Cell structure, reproduction, development

  • 3A.1 Observing cells
  • 3A.2 Eukaryotic cells 1: Common cellular structures
  • 3A.3 Eukaryotic cells 2: Protein transport
  • 3A.4 Prokaryotic cells
  • 3A.5 The organisation of cells
  • 3B.1 The cell cycle
  • 3B.2 Mitosis
  • 3B.3 Sexual reproduction and meiosis
  • 3B.4 Gametes: Structure and function
  • 3B.5 Fertilisation in mammals and plants
  • 3C.1 Cell differentiation
  • 3C.2 Interactions between genes and the environment
  • 3C.3 Controlling gene expression
  • 3C.4 Stem cells
  • 3C.5 Using stem cells

Topic 4: Plant structure and function, biodiversity and conservation

  • 4A.1 The cell wall
  • 4A.2 Plant organelles
  • 4A.3 Plant stems
  • 4A.4 The importance of water and minerals in plants
  • 4A.5 Using plant starch and fibres
  • 4A.6 Plant-based medicines
  • 4A.7 Developing new drugs
  • 4B.1 Principles of classification
  • 4B.2 What is a species?
  • 4B.3 Domains, kingdoms or both?
  • 4C.1 Biodiversity and endemism
  • 4C.2 Measuring biodiversity
  • 4C.3 Adaptation to a niche
  • 4C.4 Gene pool and genetic diversity
  • 4C.5 Reproductive isolation and speciation
  • 4C.6 Conservation: Why and how?

IA2 Topics (Year 2)

Energy Flow, ecosystems and the environment

  • 5A: Photosynthesis
  • 5B: Ecology
  • 5C: Environment and climate change

Microbiology, immunity and forensics

  • 6A: Microbiology
  • 6B: Immunity
  • 6C: Decomposition and forensics

Respiration, muscles and the internal environment

  • 7A: Cellular respiration
  • 7B: Muscles, movement and the heart
  • 7C: Control of the internal environment

Coordination, response and gene technology

  • 8A: The nervous system and neurones
  • 8B: Coordination in animals and plants
  • 8C: Gene technology

Practical skills are built into the course and assessed through written exams.

Edexcel Assessment

Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary in Biology

This qualification consists of three externally examined units. The International Advanced Subsidiary (IAS) is the first half of the International Advanced Level qualification and consists of three IAS units, units 1, 2 and 3. This qualification may be awarded on it’s own or may contribute 50 percent towards the International Advanced Level qualification.

Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level in Biology

This qualification consists of six externally examined units. The International Advanced Level consists of the three IAS units (units 1, 2 and 3) plus three IA2 units (units 4, 5 and 6). Candidates wishing to take the International Advanced Level must, therefore, complete all six units.

Exam Papers

Exam papers are structured as follows:

  • Paper 1: Molecules, Diet, Transport and Health

Written examination: 1 hour and 30 minutes

  • Paper 2: Cells, Development, Biodiversity and Conservation

Written examination: 1 hour and 30 minutes

  • Paper 3: Practical Skills in Biology I

Written examination: 1 hour and 20 minutes

  • Paper 4: Energy, Environment, Microbiology and Immunity

Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes

  • Paper 5: Respiration, Internal Environment, Coordination and Gene Technology

Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes

  • Paper 6: Practical Skills in Biology II

Written examination: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Q&A

You do not need any prior learning knowledge or experience to take this course. This course is openly available to anyone who wishes to take part in a highly rewarding home study course, although you would be expected to have a reasonable standard of literacy.

You have the freedom to start the course at any time and continue your studies at your own pace for a period of up to 2 years from initial registration with the full support of your Tutor. You do not have to wait until September, when a traditional school starts. 

Once you enrol, you will have access to our online portal 24/7. Here you will find study materials that have been specially prepared by your tutor, there will be assessments, study notes, eBooks and assignments all relating to your course. Everything in this course is structured to follow the course specification, so all topics and units cover everything you need to learn. Your tutor will mark your work and give you written feedback on areas you need to improve or explain what you have done well. You can also ask your tutor questions if you get stuck on a topic or need something explaining a little more. 

When you approach the exams, your tutor will set you a series of practise exam papers so that you can know what to expect in your exam, and you can go into them feeling confident.

You will be provided with eBooks for this course. If you want to purchase physical books in addition, then we can provide you with the book ISBN numbers.

Students will be required to arrange and pay for their examinations (including any practicals they wish to take) at an approved centre. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.

Most of our A Levels are available internationally. We offer A Levels with three different awarding bodies, AQA, Cambridge and Edexcel. If the course is only available via the AQA awarding body then of course you can still take our course, however the exams must be taken in the UK.

Cambridge, and Edexcel both have international exam centres, so you may be able to take the exams locally to you. Should you need any help, then please do get in touch and we can assist you on this. 

We recommend that you are able to dedicate between 300 and 360 hours’ study time, plus additional time for completing assignments.

Yes, you can work at your own pace to complete this course. Despite having 24 months Tutor Support, once you enrol you will be asked when you wish to complete, and your tutor can work along side you to achieve this.

For example, any A-Level course undertaken has a recommended 360 guided learning hours. Breaking down a 360 hour course into 12 weeks, you would need to be able to commit to 30 hours per week of studying. It is entirely up to you the amount of time you can commit to studying. But with online learning, having the flexibility is a real advantage. This allows you to set the pace. Take your time or Fast-track, get the qualification when you need it.

Yes you will gain UCAS points and these depend on your final grade once you have completed your exams. 

For more information about UCAS points, please click here

All of our A Level awarding bodies will give you a full A Level qualification. There will be slight differences between the specifications and what you will actually learn. 

For the Science courses (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics), there would be a difference in how you sit practical elements. 

AQA offers practicals but they are optional.

With the Cambridge exam board, you will be expected to perform the practical elements, they are compulsory. Which means finding an exam centre that has a lab for you to complete this. 

With Edexcel, the practical elements are all taught in theory and are assessed via a written exam, therefore you can sit your full exam at a typical Edexcel approved exam centre. 

More information about science practicals can be found here. 

In most cases yes, what we would ask is for the course codes that you have taken in sixth form/college and we will see if we can match them up. 

In most cases you can, If you go to the individual course page you should be able to see if this option is available for you. 

It is recommended that you aim to book your examinations 4/6 month prior to sitting them to avoid late entry fee charges.  Additionally, we would advise that you contact a few exam centres and find out the best price, as they can fluctuate greatly. 

You will sit the same exam as thousands of students across the country in an exam centre, and achieve the same qualification as everyone else. A-Level qualifications are recognised by the world’s best universities and employers, giving students a wide range of options in their education and career.

Just like sitting your A Levels in a school, your tutor will be able to provide you with predicted grades, and references for university applications. 

Of course, all of our courses are tailored to cover the entire specification and are split into topics. You will have assignments to complete on every topic where your tutor will give you feedback. If you are struggling with an aspect then you can message your tutor and they can provide more information for you.

As your exams approach, your tutor will set a series of exam papers for you to take, so you can get a feel for the real thing.

If you complete all of your assignments, and your practise exam papers then there is no reason why you shouldn’t achieve a top grade. 

What support will I receive?

The course will be delivered online and it will include Tutor Support for two years. All assignments are marked by one of our professional tutors who will offer regular feedback and guide you through your course. Postal assignments cannot be accepted without prior permission from the tutor and you must have access to email in order to contact your Tutor.

Throughout your course, you’ll have the support of a Tutor to guide you. Additionally, you can reach out to your Student Liaison Team for help with any other questions you may have. You can be assured that you will receive unlimited support for your home study course, so there is no need to struggle or feel isolated during your studies.

How do International Online A Levels work?

If you are a learner based outside the UK wishing to complete A Levels, you would need to opt for our International A Levels with either Cambridge or Edexcel. These awarding bodies allow you to sit exams worldwide.

For International A Levels, you will receive two years access to the learner portal along with tutor support. Marked and graded assignments are included with the course along with practise mock exam papers.

Learners applying to university can receive help with references and predicted grades. We provide support for UCAS, the Common App or direct applications.

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