Course at a glance
Examining Board: Edexcel
Next Examination Period: May / June 2024
Exam Specification Code: 8BIO
Coursework Element: None
Practical Element: No
Course Fee Includes: Online course materials and tutor support. Additional materials available at extra cost.
Edexcel A Levels are available for study anywhere in the world. Examinations can be taken at any registered examination centre in the world. It is recommended students check with examining centres that the chosen exam is available.
Introduction
Biology is essentially the science of life – the very thing that keeps us alive, and keeps alive all the wonderful creatures with whom we share our planet. Its broadness is also really quite magnificent – encompassing ecology, microbiology, molecular biology, botany, zoology & anatomy. It is not surprising then that Biology is one of the most popular A-Level courses in the UK. Biology is of course essential study for anyone interested in a career in medicine, microbiology, veterinary sciences and many other very popular fields of work. Equally, though, its standing as a strongly academic subject commands great respect from any university admissions tutor and it will no doubt boost your chances of a place at many further education institutions both in the UK and globally.
AS Level Biology 8BIO/01 (2015 Specification) Entry Requirements
Although the AS Level Biology 8BIO/01 (2015 Specification) programmes build on the course content of GCSE, it is not necessary to have this qualification before undertaking an AS Level. However, in order to meet the demands of the course, it is recommended that candidates have literacy and communication skills equivalent to C or higher at GCSE. Please note that full tutor support is still provided throughout your course duration.
All students must be 16 years of age or above.
Course Duration
1 year.
Study Hours Required
Approximately 150 hours.
Awarding Body
Edexcel A Levels are available for study anywhere in the world. Examinations can be taken at any registered examination centre in the world. It is recommended students check with examining centres that the chosen exam is available.
Examination Information
Students are required to arrange and pay for their AS Level Biology 8BIO/01 (2015 Specification) examinations and manage the course work element if the subject requires this. Students must check the relevant examination board website for further information and final examination sitting dates for the specification.
All examinations are held during the May / June exam period of every year.
Further information on exam centres can be found here: https://www.oxfordcollege.ac/examination-centres/
AS Level Biology 8BIO/01 (2015 Specification) Course Content
The full A-Level consists of ten different topics, the AS consists of 4:
Topic 1 Biological Molecules
Topic 2 Cells, viruses and Reproduction of
Living Things
Topic 3 Classification & Biodiversity
Topic 4 Exchange & Transport!
AS Level Biology 8BIO/01 (2015 Specification) Topic Summaries
Biological Molecules – The first topic of the course is focussed 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 topic 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 topic 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 topic 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 topic 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.
AS Level Biology 8BIO/01 (2015 Specification) Assessment
The whole AS course is assessed in two exams:
AS Level Biology 8BIO/01 (2015 Specification) Paper 1: Core Cellular Biology & Microbiology Code: 8BIO/01
80 marks – 1 hour 30 minutes – 50% of total qualification
Question types: Multiple-choice, short open questions, open-response, calculations and extended writing question
Topics examined:
Topic 1: Biological Molecules
Topic 2: Cells, Viruses and Reproduction of Living Things
The paper will include questions that target mathematics at Level 2 or above. Overall, a minimum of 10% of the marks across both papers will be awarded for mathematics at Level 2 or above.
The paper will include questions that target the conceptual and theoretical understanding of experimental methods.
AS Level Biology 8BIO/01 (2015 Specification) Paper 2: Core Physiology & Ecology: 8BIO/02
80 marks – 1 hour 30 minutes – 50% of total qualification
Question types: Multiple-choice, short open questions, open-response, calculations and extended writing question
Topics examined:
Topic 3: Classification and Biodiversity
Topic 4: Exchange and Transport
The paper will include questions that target mathematics at Level 2 or above. Overall, a minimum of 10% of the marks across both papers will be awarded for mathematics at Level 2 or above.
The paper will include questions that target the conceptual and theoretical understanding of experimental methods.
AS Level Biology 8BIO/01 (2015 Specification) Further Reading
CGP Revision Guide – New 2015 A-Level Biology: Edexcel B Year 1 & 2 Complete Revision & Practice with Online Edition – Due for release in September 2015, ISBN currently unavailable.
Fullick, Ann – Edexcel AS/A Level Biology B Student Book 1 + Activebook (Edexcel A Level Science (2015)) – Pearson 2015 – ISBN: 978-1447991144 AS Textbook
Progression
Our AS Level Biology 8BIO/01 (2015 Specification) programmes are eligible for UCAS points, making them a great choice for students aiming to progress to University. UCAS points are awarded according to the grade earned, please see below for details.
AS levels are also widely recognised by employers and are useful for students looking to progress their careers or meet requirements for promotion.
UCAS Points Table
A = 20
B = 16
C = 12
D = 10
E = 6
