Biology A' Level (Full AS + A2) Fast Track Course

A distance learning course is the ideal way to gain an A Level Biology (Full AS + A2) Course. Whether you're looking to go on to further education, improve your job prospects or expand your knowledge, distance learning A Level Biology is a flexible and convenient course, which allows you to comprehensively prepare for the A Level Biology exam through home study. What's more, because the distance learning A Level Biology course is a fully comprehensive course, no prior knowledge is required.

Our Fast Track A Level courses are 1 year courses with which you will receive priority tutor support throughout the duration. Upon completion of the course you will receive a certificate awarded by a national awarding body such as Edexcel, AQA and OCR. We also offer UCAS points with these courses which will vary depending on the grade you receive.

This course is based on two approaches:

1. The concept-led approach which includes study of the laws, theories and models of biology, exploring the practical application of these in both knowledge and with reference to everyday life.

2. The context-led approach considers applications of biological knowledge and looks at the underpinning concepts.

This particular course will offer both these approaches in combination, so students will benefit from a 'mixed' approach; this is more appropriate for distance learning students as there is a need for flexibility. The assessment criteria and structure is the same for both approaches. After each topic there will be a tutor marked assignment, this can be emailed to your tutor as an attachment in Word, Works or RTF format. You will be sent a welcome letter by your tutor, as soon as you make contact, which will outline assignment submission in more detail.

There is a project element to the AS + A2 award which expects distance learning students to reflect on practical biological knowledge as well as theoretical. This project will be based upon a field visit but does not require students to have laboratory access.

Your project will be marked and moderated by an independent coursework marker at the centre where you sit your examinations. There may be a fee for the marking. All distance learning students should download the Private Candidates Handbook from Edexcel's website which gives you guidance on finding an examination centre and registering. Likewise, International students need to download the specific handbook for them, which will give alternative examination arrangements etc.

Course Key Topics

The Fast Track A Level Biology (Full AS + A2) course is divided in to six comprehensive units

AS Level 

Unit 1: Lifestyle, Transport, Genes and Health 
Unit 2: Development, Plants and the Environment
Unit 3: Practical Biology and Research Skills

A2 Level 

Unit 4: The Natural Environment and Species Survival
Unit 5: Energy, exercise and coordination 
Unit 6: Practical Biology and Investigative Skills

Home Study Tutor Support

You will be provided with comprehensive materials designed to provide you with everything required to complete yourA Level in Biology. You will have your own personal tutor helping you with your course work and with any questions you may have. Plus you can contact a Student Advisors by email or phone for all the practical advice you may need – so we really are with you 100%.

Your tutor will give you various resource sites to visit and there is extra material in the Student Support Portal. Further information can be obtained through Edexcel. The final assessment criteria and structure is the same regardless of which approach you choose.

Course Assessments

AS Units
The whole course is assessment objectives based and combines a number of 'learning outcome' expectations. The assessment objective weightings for the AS award are as follows:

AO1 - Knowledge and understanding of science and of
How Science Works  - 30-34%
AO2 - Application of knowledge and understanding of AO3 science and of How Science Works - 34-40%
AO3 - How Science Works - 28%

Biology A2 Modules

The whole course is assessment objectives based and combines a number of 'learning outcome' expectations. The assessment objective weightings for the A2 award are as follows:

AO1- Knowledge and understanding of science and of How Science Works  26-30%
AO2 - Application of knowledge and understanding of AO3 science and of How Science Works 42-48% 
AO3 - How Science Works 26%

What's Included? What do I get when I enrol?

Your course fee covers everything you will need to successfully complete the Biology home study course and earn your A Level:

Learning documentation, plus priority Tutor support for 1 year. Students are required to arrange and pay for their examinations themselves. Students must check the relevant examination board website for final examination sitting dates for this syllabus. You will receive priority tutor assistance for fast track students on this course. Students will be able to sit a full A Level examination in one year or less. Examinations take place in January and Summer (May/June) yearly.

The minimum requirement to take the A Level Biology (Full AS + A2) is to have a GCSE 'C' Grade or equivalent.

The good news is that no prior learning knowledge or experience is essential to take this course.

This course is openly available to anyone wishing to learn more about Biology and would like to take part in a highly rewarding home study course.

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and study further, so we try to keep our entry requirements to a minimum.