AS/A Level  Biology Course

Exam board: AQA
AS Level: 7401 – A Level:  7402

You will recognise a great deal of GCSE science in AS Biology, but the course concentrates more on the workings of the body’s natural building-blocks: the cells. It explores how the whole body is a complex set of interacting cells and that the workings of the cells are driven by the activity of molecules inside them.
 
Students who study biology at A level learn the fundamentals of the cell, biochemistry, ecology, physiology and other key elements of subject so that they can go on to study subjects at degree level such as agriculture, biochemistry, biomedical science, genetics, ecology, medicine, dentistry, neurology, physiology and zoology.  Whatever you study, biology at Advanced level will be hard work, but always fascinating, engaging and relevant to you, and above all, this planet.
 
The second year of the course builds on the important foundations which were taught during the first year of study. Many more connections will be laid out between topics as the course unfolds, and making these connections will be very satisfying.
 

What subjects combine with Biology?
Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Psychology

Entry Requirements
To study A/AS Level Biology you need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4-9 or C and above. You also require grade 5 or C + in Mathematics and Biology and one other science / 5 or above in Combined Science.

Curriculum

These qualifications are linear. Linear means that students will sit all the AS exams at the end of their AS course and all the A-level exams at the end of their A-level course.
 

Subject content

Core content

  • 1 Biological molecules
  • 2 Cells
  • 3 Organisms exchange substances with their environment
  • 4 Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
  • 5 Energy transfers in and between organisms (A-level only)
  • 6 Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (A-level only)
  • 7 Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems (A-level only)
  • 8 The control of gene expression 

AS Assessment

A level Assessment

In addtion, there are 12 practical assessments required to complete this A level. 

Access Arrangements

Access Arrangements allow candidates/learners with special educational needs, disabilities or temporary injuries to access the assessment without changing the demands of the assessment.
For example, readers, scribes and Braille question papers. In this way, Awarding Bodies will comply with the duty of the Equality Act 2010 to make ‘reasonable adjustments’.

We can arrange access arrangements and assess you with our special assessor.  The deadline for application to the exam board is the February of the year the learner sits the exams.

To find out more about exam access arrangements  click here

FAQs

Why should I study with Swansea College?

We offer a range of study options, we are flexible, offer tutor support, and 
interest-free payment plans make it easy to shape learning around your life.

We are registered with Estyn, our aims to give each student a complete education in which they achieve their academic potential and grow as an individual.

As well as studying with us, you can sit your exams with us too.

The regular A Level courses commence in September and an intake in January, these courses are designed to be taught in a classroom environment / online and follow a structured curriculum with a fixed schedule of classes, assessments and exams. 

Distance Learning online courses can be started at any time throughout the year, and students can work at their own pace and in their own time

You’ll sit the same A level exams at the same time as all the other students in the UK, and you’ll receive the same results, transcript and qualification.

You’re a level course will be accepted by colleges, universities and employers worldwide.

Yes! You can, if you are looking to improve your grade in your GCSEs, whilst studying A levels with us!

You can study A level courses through a range of study options; our blended learning which consists of online live classes and pre-recorded and in person teaching in class. The other option is only online live classes or Distance learning course.

Students normally study 4 AS subject in Year 12 and continue with the 3 subjects of their course in Year 2 to complete the A level.

If you are studying a distance learning course, we can assess you through the year through a range of assessments.
How will I be supported?

  • We offer subject support tutorials every month
  • 1:1 support from your subject tutor, online or by email
  • 24/7 access to the your online learning platform
  • Interactive online learning broken down into easy-to-follow units
  • Practice tests and mock exams marked by your tutor
  • Friendly student services team, so you’re never more than a message or phone call away from a helping hand

Distance Learning is a self-study course that you work through at your own pace using our Online course materials; a wide range of online resources, access to our Google classroom and tutor support when you need it.

Of course, you can study this course part time, making sure you have mentioned in your enrolment.

A level’s are usually a two year course, studying this in one year, would be an intensive course. You may be able to complete the course in one year as an intensive course; you need to show a strong understanding of the subject.

You have the option to join Year 13 and repeat the year and complete your course in one year.

We offer A levels – part time in the evenings to adult learners.

You have 2 options – Online live classes in the evening, Online Distance learning course.

You will have full tutor support in both options.

We offer support to all our students! We help you with your university options, personal statement writing, we provide a reference and your predicted grades. 
We also help you prepare for you interviews.

We offer interest-free payment plans, you can pay monthly, termly or annually.

Yes of course! You can come in to our office and speak to our course advisors.
You can also book a Video call with us, email admin@www.swanseacollege.com to arrange.

Choose the subject you would like to study, add to courses, complete our application form and you can choose to pay online. 
If you’d like to set up an interest-free payment plan, get in touch with our Student Advisors on 01792 535 000.

If you have any disabilities which you think might affect your studies or assessments, please let us know before you enrol so we can advise you on whether reasonable adjustments can be made to accommodate your needs.

AS/A Level Biology Specification

SWANSEA COLLEGE A LEVEL COURSES

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or call us on 01792 535000 and speak to our experienced Student Adviser.

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