A Level in Biology (AS/A2)

Course Synopsis :
Oxford College ODL offer this full A Level course in Biology. On completion of your two part course you will be able to:

Apply number, communication and information technology
Understand Core Principles
Understand Genes and Generic Engineering
Have knowledge of Physiology and Transport
Understand Energy, Control and Continuity
Understand Behaviour and Populations
Understand the Environment
Course Content :

Unit 1: Molecules and cells
Atoms, molecules, ions and bonding
Carbohydrates and lipids
Proteins
Nucleic acids
The properties of enzymes
Commercial uses of enzymes
Enzyme experiments
Methods for studying cells
Cell structure and function of organelles
Cell membrane structure and function
Tissues and organs
Chromosomes, mitosis and cloning

Unit 2: Exchange, transport and reproduction
Exchange processes
Gas exchange in flowering plants
Gas exchange in humans - Part 1
Gas exchange in humans - Part 2
Digestion and absorption
Transport systems and transport tissues in plants
Movement of water in plants - Part 1
Movement of water in plants - Part 2
Movement of nutrients in plants
Blood vessels and circulation
The heart
Blood and tissue fluid
How blood carries gases
Adaptations to the environment
Sexual reproduction
Reproduction in flowering plants
Human reproduction - Part 1
Human reproduction - Part 2

Unit 3: Energy and the environment
Types of nutrition
Photosynthesis and ecosystems
Food chains and webs
Recycling of nutrients
Energy resources
Some human influences on the environment
Pollution

Unit 4: Respiration and coordination
Metabolic pathways, enzymes and ATP
Cellular respiration and the mitochondrion
Aerobic and anaerobic respiration
Homeostasis, feedback and receptors
The kidney
Chemical co-ordination in animals
Nerves
The central nervous system

Option A - Microbiology and biotechnology
Bacterial types and bacteria as agents of infections
Fungi and viruses
Requirements for growth and microbiological methods
Methods for analysing the growth of micro-organisms
Industrial micro-biological processes

Option B - Food Science
Nutrients in food
A balanced diet
Undernutrition
Overnutrition
Food storage - part 1
Food storage - part 2
Food additives
Biotechnology and food production

Option C - Human health and fitness
The cardiovascular system and exercise
Cardiovascular disease
The lymphatic system and immunity
The pulmonary system
Diseases of the lung
Bones, joints and muscle
Training

Unit 5B: Genetics, evolution and biodiversity
Leaf structure and chloroplasts
Reactions in photosynthesis
Environmental factors affecting photosynthesis
Mineral nutrition in plants
Control of growth in plants
Classification
Distribution of plants and animals
Succession
Populations
Conservation
Introduction to genetics
Monohybrid inheritance
Dihybrid inheritance
Gene linkage and gene interaction
Sources of variation in sexual reproduction including mutation
Environmental change and evolution
The techniques of gene technology
The applications and implications of gene technology

Unit 6: Synoptic and practical assessment
Tackling the written practical paper
Pulling the topics together

Entry Requirements :
Basic English reading and writing skills, as full tutor support is given.

Study Hours :
Variable by student commitment

Qualification :
AS/A2 - A level in Biology (Edexcel). Both AS and A2 level courses and examinations must be successfully completed to gain a full A level.

What's Included :
Your A level course, tutor support, and postage and packaging. Students are required to arrange and pay for examinations. Details of examination dates and examination enrolment deadlines are included in the 'Student Welcome Pack'.

Additional Information

Course Fee :
£295.00 - Full A Level (AS and A2 courses).

Distance Learning A Level Biology Course
A distance learning course is the ideal way to gain A Level Biology. 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.

With the distance learning A Level Biology course, a personal tutor is available to help you through the course. Additionally, a team of student advisors are only a phone call away.

There is a wide range of distance learning A Level courses to choose from at Learning at Home, each allowing you to study for an A Level at your convenience.