A Level Biology

Course Content

A Level Biology The full A-Level consists of ten different units:

Unit 1 Biological Molecules
Unit 2 Cells, viruses and Reproduction of Living Things
Unit 3 Classification & Biodiversity
Unit 4 Exchange & Transport
Unit 5 Energy for Biological Processes
Unit 6 Microbiology and Pathogens
Unit 7 Modern Genetics
Unit 8 Origins of Genetic Variation
Unit 9 Control Systems
Unit 10 Ecosystems

A Level Biology Unit Summaries

Biological Molecules – The first unit of the course is focused on the “chemistry of life” and the various chemical building blocks on which life is built. Organic molecules such as carbohydrates, lipids and proteins and their functions within living cells are covered as well as the synthesis of DNA and proteins; incredibly important functions that literally are the underlying “code” for the natural world. The unit also delves into the function and action of enzymes, natural catalysts of biological and cellular chemical reactions as well as how inorganic ions such as nitrates and calcium play their part in living systems before rounding off on why the characteristics and properties of water make it so incredibly important.

Cells, Viruses and Reproduction of Living Things – This unit goes deep within the cell to discover the difference in structures of eukaryotes, prokaryotes and viruses. Here you will also discover the various forms of cell division and how these work together within organisms to sustain life and promote growth as well as their role in the reproduction of plants and animals. This unit also takes a look at the microscope and how we can use them to observe at the cellular and intracellular level.

Classification and Biodiversity – This unit looks at the various models for classifying organisms according to their characteristics and considers the evidence used in the creation of these models. The important idea of natural selection is also discovered and why it can lead to the appearance of completely new species.

Exchange and Transport – In this unit we discover the various transport mechanisms found within the cells of living organisms that allows the movement of vital substances and waste products around the body and into and out of cells. These include the circulatory system, and how it functions and is controlled as well as the vascular system found in plants.

A Level Biology Assessment

The whole A Level course is assessed in three exams: –

A Level Biology Paper 1: Advanced Biochemistry, Microbiology & Genetics Code: 9BIO/01

90 marks – 1 hour 45 minutes – 30% of total qualification
Question types: Multiple-choice, short open questions, open-response, calculations and extended writing question
Units examined:
Unit 1: Biological Molecules
Unit 2: Cells, Viruses and Reproduction of Living Things
Unit 3: Classification and Biodiversity
Unit 4: Exchange and Transport
Unit 5: Energy for Biological Processes
Unit 6: Microbiology and Pathogens
Unit 7: Modern Genetics.

A Level Biology Paper 2: Advanced Physiology, Evolution & Ecology: 9BIO/02

90 marks – 1 hour 45 minutes – 30% of total qualification
Question types: Multiple-choice, short open questions, open-response, calculations and extended writing question
Units examined:
Unit 1: Biological Molecules
Unit 2: Cells, Viruses and Reproduction of Living Things
Unit 3: Classification and Biodiversity
Unit 4: Exchange and Transport
Unit 8: Origins of Genetic Variation
Unit 9: Control Systems
Unit  10: Ecosystems

A Level Biology Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Biology: 9BIO/03

120 marks – 2 hours 30 minutes – 40% of total qualification
Question types: Multiple-choice, short open questions, open-response, calculations and extended writing question as well as synoptic which can draw on a number of units and encourage you to apply your knowledge to unfamiliar problems.
Units examined: This particular exam examines across all ten units.

Practical Endorsement : 9BIO/04

The new A-Level gives students the opportunity to try out various techniques and apparatus in the practical investigation of biological concepts.

Throughout the course there are 16 core practicals of which at least 12 must be completed and successfully assessed in order to receive the practical endorsement, a measure of competency in practical skills. The A-Level can now be reported as a “Grade with practical endorsement” or a “Grade without practical endorsement.”

The A-Level can now be reported as a “Grade with practical endorsement” or a “Grade without practical endorsement.” This part of the course DOES impact on the final A-Level grade, by omitting this element, it may lead to being rejected by universities – students will have to check with their chosen or desired universities the ramifications of an A-Level without practical endorsement.

A Level Biology Qualification

Title of this qualification as will appear on certificates is the Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Biology B (Specification number: 9BIO)
All the exams must be taken and passed to achieve the full A-Level qualification
The AS-level title as will appear on certificates is the Edexcel Level 3 Advanced Subsidiary GCSE in Biology B (Specification number: 8BIO)

A Level Biology Further Reading

My Revision Notes on Amazon.co.uk – New A-Level Biology: Edexcel B
Fullick, Ann – Edexcel AS/A Level Biology B Student Book 1 + Activebook (Edexcel A Level Science (2015)) – Pearson 2015 – ISBN: 978-1447991144 AS Textbook