A level Biology
Are you interested in unravelling the mysteries of life, from the tiniest cells to the grandeur of ecosystems? The International A level in Biology sets you on a path of discovery that takes you through molecules and gene technology to biodiversity and immunity. But it’s not just about the study of living organisms; you’ll develop transferable skills in maths and practical techniques too. The 16 core practical experiments of the International A level are covered in depth within the course, and assessed via examination paper, ensuring you’re thoroughly versed in the procedures and techniques for testing out the theoretical knowledge covered in this course.
Key Information
What you’ll study
Entry Requirements
Assessment Information
| Qualification | International AS Biology, International A level Biology |
| Exam board | Edexcel |
| Exams available | January, June and October |
Online school, full time or part time
| Course length | 1 year AS Biology, then 1 year A level Biology |
| Weekly study time | 2 x 45-minute live lessons, 5 x 45-minute self-study lessons, 1 x 45-minute teacher-marked homework |
| Class size | Maximum 10 |
| Course start | September |
Individual Tutoring
| Recommended | Approximately 100 x 45-minute individual tutoring lessons, 260 x 45-minute self-study lessons, 50 x 45-minute teacher-marked homework. Pace and level of commitment determined by individual needs. |
| Course start | Flexible |
AS Level
Unit 1: Molecules, Diet, Transport and Health
- Molecules, Transport and Health
- Membranes, Proteins, DNA and Gene Expression
Unit 2: Cells, Development, Biodiversity and Conservation
- Cell Structure, Reproduction and Development
- Plant Structure and Function, Biodiversity and Conservation
Unit 3: Practical Skills in Biology I
- Understanding of procedures and techniques from practical experiments covered in units 1 and 2
A2 Level
Unit 4: Energy, Environment, Microbiology and Immunity
- Energy Flow, Ecosystems and the Environment
- Microbiology, Immunity and Forensics
Unit 5: Respiration, Internal Environment, Coordination and Gene Technology
- Respiration, Muscles and the Internal Environment
- Coordination, Response and Gene Technology
Unit 6: Practical Skills in Biology II
- Understanding of procedures and techniques from practical experiments covered in units 4 and 5
For more information take a look at the Edexcel International Biology A level Specification: click here
Either
- A pass in the Highgrove Online School admissions test for Biology A level
Or
- A minimum grade 7 in GCSE Double Science or grade 6 in Biology and a strong set of GCSE grades, including several at grade 7 or above.
Year 12 International AS
| 3 Exams | |
|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Molecules, Diet, Transport and Health (90 minutes)(40% of the total of AS, 20% of the total of A level) |
| Paper 2 | Cells, Development, Biodiversity and Conservation (90 minutes)(40% of the total of AS, 20% of the total of A level) |
| Paper 3 | Practical Skills in Biology I (80 minutes)(20% of the total of AS, 10% of the total of A level) |
Year 13 International A level
| 3 Exams | |
|---|---|
| Paper 4 | Energy, Environment, Microbiology and Immunity (105 minutes)(20% of the total of A level) |
| Paper 5 | Respiration, Internal Environment, Coordination and Gene Technology (105 minutes)(20% of the total of A level) |
| Paper 6 | Practical Skills in Biology II (80 minutes)(10% of the total of A level) |
Progression to University
A Biology A level is an essential or highly desirable requirement for a range of university courses, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary science, biology, biochemistry, genetics, environmental science, and nursing. It serves as a foundational qualification for careers in healthcare, research, and life sciences. Additionally, a Biology A level can be beneficial for courses in fields like psychology, anthropology, and forensic science, as it provides a strong understanding of biological principles and scientific methods. Whether aspiring to become a doctor, researcher, or environmental scientist, a Biology A level opens doors to a wide array of academic and professional opportunities in the life sciences.
Pupils looking to study medicine at university may wish to combine Biology with a Chemistry A level, and will find that for some universities, a Chemistry A level is required, and Biology is optional.
We also offer the following A levels
Our core A level subjects are taught in group classes via a combination of interactive self-study lessons and live lessons led by an expert teacher:
We have an even wider selection of A levels available via our independent learning and tutoring programmes, including: