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International A Level Biology Pearson Edexcel

The International A Level Biology Online course with Learn Now follows the Pearson Edexcel (YBI11) 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 as Biology, Biochemistry, Medicine, Biomedical Science 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.

Please note: that the Pearson Edexcel specification is 100% exam based.  There will be no science practical endorsement to complete with this course as everything is examined through written assessment.

  • Awarding Body: Edexcel
  • A Level Biology: YBI11
    AS Level Biology: XBI11
  • Learning Hours: 360hrs Full A Level
  • Fast Track Available
  • Full A Level Qualification

Enrol Anytime | Enrolment Fee £495

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Syllabus

This International A Level Biology Course with Edexcel will develop your knowledge and understanding of biology by applying the concepts in this specification to a range of different problems, set in a variety of contexts.

The content is relevant for students who have achieved a GCSE (or equivalent) in Biology and who want to study this subject at a higher level.

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.

IAS Modules

This topic will look at what the body is made of such as carbohydrates, lipids and proteins.  It will also show how substances are transported around the body and how lifestyle factors influence 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

This topic will explain how cells control movement of substances, how chemical reactions are controlled through enzymes and how DNA stores information and determines inherited traits through genetics.

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

This topic is all about cells.  It will help you gain an understanding of how cells are structured and organised.  You will find out how cells divide through mitosis and meiosis and how fertilisation leads to a new organism.  Finally, you will see how cells specialise through gene expression and how stem cells may be used in medicine.

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

This topic will cover three major themes. Plant biology which will help you understand how plant cells and structures work.  Classification which tells us how scientists organise living organisms.  Finally, Biodiversity and conservation which shows how species evolve and how ecosystems are protected.

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 Modules

This topic will provide an insight into how plants capture energy from sunlight through photosynthesis.  You will also gain an understanding of how energy moves through food chains and ecosystems.  Finally, you will study how human activity affects the environment.

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

This topic will explore microbes and their characteristics along with the immune system and how it fights infection.  You will discover how decomposition works and how forensic biology uses microorganisms to solve crimes.

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

This topic will look into how cells release energy, how muscles generate movement and how the body maintains stable internal conditions.

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

This topic will explore how organisms detect and respond to changes within their environment.  It will look at how signals are transmitted in the body and how modern genetics is applied in biotechnology.

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

What can I do with an A Level in Biology?

Students in the past have progressed onto the following degree courses:-

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

Studying Biology at University gives you all sorts of exciting career options, including:-

• Doctor  • Clinical molecular geneticist
• Nature conservation officer  • Pharmacologist
• Research scientist  • Vet  • Secondary school teacher
• Marine biologist  • Dentist

We recommend students check the university websites to find the most up-to-date entry requirements for courses they wish to study.

For more information about the Pearson Edexcel exam board, please click here. 

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 at an Edexcel approved centre. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.

A Level Exams
There are six exams for the full A Level qualification.

Paper 1 Paper 1 Paper 1

Exam Paper 4 Paper 1   Paper 1 A Level Qualification

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

Paper 1 Paper 1 Paper 1 IAS Exams

Practical Assessment
It is really important to remember that the term practical skills covers a very wide range of requirements at A level. It does not mean just the ability to handle equipment in a school laboratory or know how to use some particular piece of apparatus. It ranges from using mathematics in a practical context to understanding how scientists investigate ideas, how they analyse their data and how they are very cautious when drawing conclusions.

Practical skills are assessed through a dedicated examination unit both at AS (Unit 3) and at A Level (Unit 6).

The practical assessment is by written exam only.  For further information, please click here

A Level Biology Course Outcome

On successful completion of all your exams for the A Level Biology Online Course, you will be awarded one of the following qualifications:

International A Level in Biology with Pearson Edexcel | International AS Level in Biology with Pearson Edexcel

Click here for more information about Pearson Edexcel and to be taken to their official website

FAQs

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

There are many topics to understand with Edexcel Biology and if you have covered GCSE, this course delves even deeper into the modules.  Rather than just memorising facts, you will be required to explain how and why processes happen, interpret graphs, experiments and data and be able to calculate reaction rates, respiration and photosynthesis.

On the portal, topics are broken down with regular assignments to help test your knowledge.  You will also be provided with mock practise exam papers in order to prepare you for exams.

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):

Pearson Edexcel International AS Level Biology Student Book 1 –  Ann Fullick (Pearson)

Pearson Edexcel International A Level Biology Lab Book – Michael Strachan (Pearson)

Pearson Edexcel International A Level Biology Student Book 2 –  Ann Fullick (Pearson)

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

A Level Chemistry – If you are looking to progress onto medicine, biochemistry, pharmacology or chemical engineering, Chemistry is a good subject to pair Biology with. 

A Level Physics – Combining physics with biology can lead onto medicine, bioengineering, physiology and environmental sciences. 

The Pearson Edexcel Biology course can be taken worldwide except for the UK.  Content within the specification is adapted for international learners and the qualification is comparable to UK A Level standards.

There may be a few centres within the UK allowing you to take this specification but it is best to check with us beforehand. 

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 January, June and October 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…