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A Level Biology Online Course CIE

The A Level Biology Online course with Learn Now follows the CIE (9700) specification and is equivalent to the qualification you would achieve if attending mainstream college. Once completed, you will obtain UCAS points which will support progression to university in degrees such Medicine, Research, Psychology and Environmental Science.

This course would suit adult learners returning to education, students resitting exams or studying alongside other commitments, and learners looking to be accepted into University.

  • Awarding Body: Cambridge
  • Specification Code: 9700
  • Learning Hours: 360hrs Full A Level
  • Fast Track Available
  • Full A Level Qualification

Enrol Anytime | Enrolment Fee £395

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Syllabus

This International A Level Biology Online Course CIE builds on the skills acquired at IGCSE (or equivalent) level. The course includes the main theoretical concepts which are fundamental to the subject, a section on some current applications of biology, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills. Practical skills are assessed in a timetabled practical examination.

The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of biology ideas in novel contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills which are transferable to any future career path. Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology is ideal for students who want to study biology or a wide variety of related subjects at university or to follow a career in science.

The Full A Level has four modules split into IAS and IA2.  The IAS Level has two modules.

AS Modules

Cells are the basic units of all living organisms. The structure of a cell explains how living things are built and how they function. Each cell carries out processes such as respiration, growth and reproduction. A microscope allows scientists to observe cells and modern electron microscopes show a cell in more detail such as its structure.

  • The microscope in cell studies
  • Cells as the basic units of living organisms
 

Biological molecules consist of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and water. These chemicals allow cells to function properly. We can use food tests to identify these molecules such as Benedict’s test for reducing sugars, Biuret test for proteins and the ethanol emulsion test for lipids.

  • Testing for biological molecules
  • Carbohydrates and lipids
  • Proteins and water

Enzymes speed up chemical reactions in living cells. They are made of protein and each enzyme has a specific shape with an active site that fits only one particular substrate. Factors that affect enzyme action include temperature, pH and substrate concentration.

  • Mode of action of enzymes
  • Factors that affect enzyme action

Cell membranes help maintain a stable environment by controlling what enters and leaves the cell. Substances move into and out of cells in various ways. Oxygen can pass through the membrane by diffusion. Water moves by osmosis and larger or charged molecules may require facilitated diffusion. These transport processes allow cells to take in nutrients, remove waste and maintain stability.

  • Fluid mosaic membranes
  • Movement of substances into and out of cells

Replication and division of nuclei and cells is essential for growth, repair and asexual reproduction. Mitosis has several stages and the behaviour of chromosomes during mitosis ensures that each new cell received the same number and type of chromosomes as the original cell.

  • Replication and division of nuclei and cells
  • Chromosome behaviour in mitosis

DNA is a nucleic acid that stores and transfers genetic information. The information in DNA is used to make proteins and this process is known as protein synthesis. The process ensures that the genetic code in DNA is expressed as functional proteins that control cell structure and activities.

  • Structure and replication of DNA
  • Protein synthesis

In order for plants to grow and survive, they require water, minerals and sugars. This topic will cover the two main transport tissues: xylem and phloem. You will gain an understanding of how nutrients are distributed throughout the plant.

  • Structure of transport tissues
  • Transport mechanisms

The circulatory system moves oxygen, nutrients, hormones and waste around the body. For mammals, blood passes through the heart twice to complete one full circuit.  This is known as a double circulatory system.  The heart acts as a pump to keep the blood flowing.  Valves ensure bloods flows in the correct direction and the cardiac cycle maintains a continuous blood supply to tissues.

  • The circulatory system
  • The heart

During gas exchange, oxygen will enter the body and carbon dioxide will leave it.  Smoking damages the gas exchange in multiple ways.  For example, Tar damages the cilia lining the airways leading to mucus build-up.  This increases the risk of infections such as bronchitis.  Over time, smoking can increase the risk of lung cancer, heart disease and chronic respiratory conditions. 

  • The gas exchange system
  • Smoking

Bacteria, viruses and parasites are microorganisms that can be passed from one organism to another.  These microorganisms cause infectious diseases such as influenza, tuberculosis and malaria.

Antibiotics are drugs that help treat bacterial infections by killing the bacteria or stopping their growth. Antibiotics aren’t effective against viruses which means they would not help someone with influenza or the common cold.

  • Infectious disease
  • Antibiotics

The body’s immune system is made up of white blood cells, tissues and microorganisms. These all destroy invaders. When the body has to fight an infection it will also provide long-term protection by creating memory cells. These remember the pathogen for faster response if it appears again in the future. Antibodies are important for immunity but vaccinations are also used too.

  • The immune system
  • Antibodies and vaccination

A Level Modules

Cells gain energy from food which essential for all living organisms. Cells release energy from food molecules which is known as respiration.

  • Energy
  • Respiration

During photosynthesis, plants convert energy from light into chemical energy which is stored in glucose. Photosynthesis is limited by various factors such as light, carbon dioxide and temperature. Plants are adapted to maximise photosynthesis. For example, some plants have thin leaves to reduce the diffusion distance for carbon dioxide and water. This ensures efficient energy conversion.

  • Photosynthesis as an energy transfer process
  • Investigation of limiting factors
  • Adaptations for photosynthesis

Mammals are able to regulate factors such as body temperature, blood glucose levels and water balance. Plants also regulate water levels, temperature and gas exchange. This is known as homeostasis.

  • Homeostasis in mammals
  • Homeostasis in plants

Control and co-ordination helps both mammals and plants survive and will keep their bodies or structures working properly.

  • Control and co-ordination in mammals
  • Control and co-ordination in plants

Inherited change helps us to understand how characteristics are passed down from parents to their offspring. Eye colour, hair type or height are contained within instructions for each gene. Genes not only determine characteristics but they also lead to new characteristics or variations through mutations or changes.

  • Passage of information from parent to offspring
  • The roles of genes in determining the phenotype
  • Gene control

Variation, selection and inheritance drive the diversity of life we see today.

  • Variation
  • Natural and artificial selection
  • Evolution

This topic is all about protecting life on Earth.  Biodiversity, classification and conservation helps us to understand life on earth and ensures it continues for future generations.

  • Biodiversity
  • Classification
  • Conservation

Genetic technology allows us to understand and use genes in ways that improve health, food and science.

  • Principles of genetic technology
  • Genetic technology applied to medicine
  • Genetically modified organisms in agriculture

What can you do with A Level Biology?

Learners progress onto University which can be based anywhere in the world.  Degrees include:

• Biology  • Psychology  • Sport and exercise science
• Medicine  • Anatomy  • Physiology and Pathology
• Pharmacology  • Toxicology and Pharmacy

Previous Knowledge Required

There are no previous entry requirements for this course, however students are 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 24 months from initial registration with the full support of your Tutor.

Enrolment Fees

Our Enrolment fee for this course is noted at the top of this page where you can enrol directly onto the course.  This fee includes access to your course including tutor support for 2 years.

Our enrolment fee includes:

  • All study materials covering the full specification.
  • Full support where you can also message your tutor as many times as you need to.
  • Access to our online Library with a full range of eBooks.
  • Help completing university applications including UCAS and The Common Application.
  • Reference and predicted grade for University.
  • Assignment marking and feedback
  • Marked and graded practise examination papers
  • Eligibility for a Totum Card if you reside within the UK
  • Fast Track A Level if required and flexible learning from home 24/7.

The only other fee you will need to pay is for your exams which is due approximately six months prior and this will be paid directly to the exam centre.

Assessments

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

A Level Biology Exams
There are five exams for the full A Level qualification.

Paper 1 Paper 1 Paper 1 Exam Paper 4 Paper 1 A Level Qualification

AS Level Biology Exams
There are three exams for the AS Level qualification.

Paper 1 Paper 1 Paper 1 IAS Exams

Practical Assessment
Experimental skills are assessed in Paper 3 and Paper 5.

In each of these papers, the questions may be based on biology not included in the syllabus content, but students will be assessed on their practical skills rather than their knowledge of theory.  Throughout the course, you will cover practical scenarios in preparation for your exams. Where appropriate, students will be told exactly what to do and how to do it. Students will need to ensure that their chosen centre are able to provide them with the practical examinations.

For more information regarding practical examinations, please click here.

A Level Biology Online Course Outcome

On successful completion of all your exams, you will be awarded one of the following qualifications:

A Level in Biology with CIE | International AS Level in Biology with CIE

Click here for more information on CIE and to be taken to their official website

FAQs

Still unsure? See below for more information on A Level Biology

There are a lot of topics to cover for A Level Biology which can feel overwhelming to some learners.  Once you have covered all topics however, things may begin to make more sense as each topic leads on from another.  If you have covered GCSE Biology previously, you will definitely have an advantage but also breaking topics down into small sections will help too.

You will not be required to purchase any books with this course.  We automatically include logins to our online e-Library which includes access to following eBook(s):

Cambridge International AS & A Level Biology – Mary Jones (Cambridge Press)

Not see the book you are looking for? Ask us and we will let you know if we have it!

  • A Level Chemistry and Physics – If you are looking to progress onto medicine, chemistry is a strong subject for this whereas physics is required for some courses in engineering or health fields.
  • A Level Mathematics – this subject helps for progressions onto data analysis and statistics in sciences.

Cambridge International A Level Biology can be taken outside the UK as well as within the UK.  Cambridge provide global recognition for their A Level qualifications and are recognised by universities.

At the end of this course you will receive an Internationally recognised qualification which will allow you to apply a university situated anywhere in the world.

AS and A levels are standalone qualifications, however the Full A Level carries more UCAS points than the AS Level.  It also requires more study hours as follows:

  • AS Level = 180 hours
  • A Level = 360 hours

You will see the difference in the content above under ‘syllabus’ but you can also refer to our article on ‘what is as level’ for more information.

You will receive access and support for two years, however you can complete it much sooner if you want to.  Exams for this subject fall in May/June and October/November each year and therefore you are able to choose which exam sitting you want to apply for.  We have more information on exam timetables here.

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Fill in the form below or call us on 0800 160 1556, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Also don’t forget to let us know which course it is that you are interested in…