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Biology 9700 AS and A Level Ebooks

Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology (9700) Ebooks

PapaCambridge provides Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology (9700) Ebooks and resources which includes all the recommended ebooks of this subject and a many other books related to Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology (9700). Latest ebooks of Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology (9700) are available along with older versions of the same book. It’s the guarantee of PapaCambridge that you will find the latest ebooks and other resources of Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology (9700) like nowhere else. All the content offered here is absolutely for free and is provided in the most convenient way so that you don’t face any issue.

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AS & A Level Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology (9700) Ebooks

Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology (9700)

Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology builds on the skills acquired at Cambridge IGCSE (or equivalent) level. The syllabus includes the main theoretical concepts which are fundamental to the subject, some current applications of biology, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills. Practical skills are assessed in a timetabled practical examination. 

The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of biology ideas in novel contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills which are transferable to any future career path. Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology is ideal for learners who want to study biology or a wide variety of related subjects at university or to follow a career in science.

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Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology Coursebook with CD-ROM (Cambridge International Examinations) 4th Edition

• ISBN-10 1107636825
• ISBN-13 978-1107636828
• Edition 4th
• Publisher Cambridge University Press
• Publication date September 15, 2014
• Part of series Cambridge International AS and A Level
• Language English
• Dimensions 8.6 x 0.9 x 10.8 inches
• Print length 544 pages
• See all details

Editorial Reviews

Book description, product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cambridge University Press; 4th edition (September 15, 2014)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 544 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1107636825
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1107636828
• Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 - 17 years
• Grade level ‏ : ‎ 9 - 11
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.6 x 0.9 x 10.8 inches
• #186 in Teen & Young Adult Biology Books
• #1,228 in Biology (Books)

About the authors

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

Dennis Taylor

Richard Fosbery

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A Level Biology

Study A Level Biology from home and earn up to 56 UCAS points. We have a 97% pass rate ** with our A Levels!

Course duration

Up to two years.

Course outcome

A Level in Biology from AQA.

Entry requirements

It is recommended that you have at least a grade 4/C in GCSE Maths and Biology.

Three written exams and twelve practical assessments.

Course Options

Study options.

Hurry, get up to £300* off your course and start on your September goals

*Pay monthly option available via Snap Finance on payment page in checkout

Course overview

• Gain an official A Level Biology qualification from AQA.
• Achieve up to 56 UCAS points to help you land your dream place at university.
• Nationally recognised A Level qualification that is the same course offered in schools and colleges.
• No waiting around for term to start - you can enrol today and start studying as soon as you are ready.
• Study from home at your own pace.
• Benefit from the full support of your personal tutor via email.
• Choose to include exams and practicals and save up to £770 *.

Study the science behind life with our A Level Biology course. You’ll expand your knowledge of biological subject areas such as DNA, homeostasis, evolution, and gene technologies.

Depending on your future career plans, the A Levels we recommend studying alongside this online A Level Biology course are A Level Chemistry and A Level Maths .

You’ll gain the knowledge you need to prepare for a future career in the medical field and the university studies you’ll undertake to get you there, whether you want to work in medicine, midwifery, pharmaceuticals, or veterinary science, this course will help you get on track.

A Level Biology via distance learning

This A Level Biology course is exactly the same as an A Level you would study at school or college, meaning you will take the same exams and get the same qualification. The only difference is that our courses are designed to be studied from home at your own pace, and you will receive full tutor support via email.

Course content

Specification code: 7402

Topic 1 - Biological molecules

• Monomers and polymers
• Carbohydrates
• Many proteins are enzymes
• Nucleic acids are important information-carrying molecules
• Inorganic ions

Topic 2 - Cells

• Cell structure
• All cells arise from other cells
• Transport across cell membranes
• Cell recognition and the immune system

Topic 3 - Organisms exchange substances with their environment

• Surface area to volume ratio
• Gas exchange
• Digestion and absorption
• Mass transport

Topic 4 - Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

• DNA, genes and chromosomes
• DNA and protein synthesis
• Genetic diversity and adaptation
• Species and taxonomy
• Biodiversity within a community
• Investigating diversity

Topic 5 - Energy transfers in and between organisms

• Photosynthesis
• Respiration
• Energy and ecosystems
• Nutrient cycles

Topic 6 - Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments

• Stimuli, both internal and external
• Nervous coordination
• Skeletal muscles
• Homeostasis

Topic 7 - Genetics, population, evolution and ecosystems

• Inheritance
• Populations
• Evolution may lead to speciation
• Populations in ecosystems

Topic 8 - The control of gene expression

• DNA and the structure of proteins
• Gene expression
• Using genome projects
• Gene technologies
• Organism function
• Design of new industrial and medical processes

Exam details

• Type: written examination
• Duration: two hours
• Weighting: 35% of A Level
• Total marks: 91
• Assessed: any content from topics 1-4, including relevant practical skills
• Assessment format: short and long answer questions (76 marks) and extended response questions (15 marks)
• Assessed: any content from topics 5-8, including relevant practical skills
• Weighting: 30% of A Level
• Total marks: 78
• Assessed: any content from topics 1-8, including relevant practical skills
• Assessment format: structured questions, including practical techniques (38 marks), critical analysis of given experimental data (15 marks), and one essay from a choice of two titles (25 marks)

Practical assessments

These take place at our centre in Birmingham and will be conducted across 2 consecutive weekends. Sessions will run from September to April. These must be attended prior to sitting your examinations within the same academic year. There are limited weekday sessions available which take place across 5 days Monday to Friday.

Extra information

You will have two years to complete your A Level Biology course.

The only deadlines involved in studying this course are concerning the A Level exam timetables. Please see the exams and assessments section for more information on this.

Exams and assessments

To achieve your A Level Biology qualification, you must complete the exams. There are three written exams and twelve practical assessments for this course which will cover the topics studied on this course. A breakdown of the exam papers and assessments can be found in the following section.

When you enrol on your course, you will have the option to add your exams to your enrolment, or you can select the course-only option.

Choosing to add the exams and practicals packages

If you choose to add your exams and practical assessments to your enrolment, all you need to do is contact us when you are ready to sit your exams and practicals, and we will book and pay for them on your behalf.

Please note that if you book your exams with us, but do not add the practical option to your enrolment, you will be responsible for sourcing a centre and booking your practical assessments directly with the centre.

Please note, our A Level exam centre locations for this course are as follows:

• St Neots, Cambridgeshire
• High Wycombe

Please note, if you choose to add your practical sessions to your enrolment, you will need to complete both your practicals and written exams at our Birmingham centre.

The course-only option

The A Level exam timetable typically takes place during May and June each year. You are advised to contact us well in advance of when you intend to sit your exams so that we can confirm your place with the exam board - cut-off dates apply.

If you do not add your exams and assessments to your enrolment, you will be responsible for booking and paying for your exams and practical assessments yourself. If you select this option, you must source and liaise with your chosen exam centre in order to book your exams, Open Study College will not be able to book your exams or practicals for you.

Study method

This course will be studied entirely via distance learning, meaning you will complete your learning either from home or a place that suits you. Full tutor support will be available via email, so if you have any questions or need some guidance, your tutor will be here to help. Your course materials will include a series of self-assessment exercises and tutor-marked questions to allow both yourself and your tutor to monitor your progress.

The study method you choose depends on your personal learning style. Your options are:

• Study pack: if you choose the study pack option, you will be sent a set of printed course materials.
• Study online: if you choose this option, you will be sent your login details to our online portal through which you will access your course materials digitally. You can access your course via a desktop/laptop computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Upon successful completion of your exams, you will be awarded an A Level qualification in Biology issued by AQA . You will also receive UCAS points relevant to the grade you achieved to support your university application.

The final grade you achieve in your A Level will be translated into UCAS points. Based on your grade, you will be awarded up to 56 points per A Level which can then be added together to reach the UCAS points you need to be accepted by your chosen university.

To help you achieve the best possible grade from home, we recommend that you complete the tutor-marked assessments included in your course materials. These are designed to provide you with detailed feedback to help you fine-tune your technique before you sit your exam. Completing your tutor-marked assessments will also help your tutor to provide you with a predicted grade if this is required for your UCAS application.

Download our A Level prospectus

To find out more about Open Study College, the A Levels we offer and how they work, download our  A Level prospectus .

Degrees this subject could lead to

For students who have completed this A Level Biology course, you may want to consider studying a university degree in one of the following subject areas:

• Veterinary medicine
• Pharmaceuticals

Future career options

You’ll gain the knowledge you need to prepare for a future career in the medical field, whether you want to work in medicine, midwifery, pharmaceuticals, or veterinary science, this course will help you get on track.

Is this A Level the same qualification as an A Level I would achieve at a school or college?

Yes, you will study the same course, take the same exams and get the same qualification. The only difference is that our courses are designed to be studied from home at your own pace, and you will receive full tutor support via email.

What previous knowledge do I need to enrol onto an A Level course?

We recommend that you have a minimum of GCSE grade 4/C or above in biology. You are also required to have a grade 4/C or above in GCSE mathematics as up to 10% of the marks awarded in this course will be related to mathematical principles.

In addition to this, you should also be familiar with the following:

• Arithmetic and computation
• Handling data

What is included in the cost of this A Level course?

When you enrol on an A Level course with OSC, you will receive:

• Dedicated personal tutor support with unlimited email access.
• Dedicated learner services from our learner services team.
• Course materials with learning activities.
• Assignment marking and feedback from your personal tutor.
• A predicted grade on completion of your tutor-marked assignments, if required for your university application.
• A free CV critique service and employability guide if you’re focusing on career advancement.
• A free Student Discounts membership to save you money on your favourite brands.
• A study pack including a pen, study planner, and notebook*.
• If you choose to add exams to your enrolment with an A Level package, then your exam fees will be included. We will also handle the booking on your behalf. Otherwise, we can refer you to one of our partner exam centres located throughout the UK so you can book your exam yourself.
• You can also opt to add your practical assessments to your enrolment. If you choose this option, we will book and pay for your practical assessments for you.

* Not included with the online study option

Is there a required reading list for my A Level course?

There is no required reading for this A Level, however, you will need to conduct your own research using the internet during your studies.

Do I have to sit an exam?

Yes, in order to achieve your A Level qualification, you must complete the exams required by the course’s exam board. A Level exams take place during the summer exam period which typically falls in May and June each year.

You can choose to add your exams to your enrolment with us, in which case we will book and pay for your exams for you when you are ready. Alternatively, if you choose the course-only option, you will be responsible for booking and paying for your exams which can be done directly with your local exam centre.

Please note, if you add on exams you will need to sit these exams in either the Birmingham, Coventry, Doncaster, Bolton, Wimbledon, Taunton, or St Neots (Cambridgeshire) examination centre.

Are there any additional costs?

If you select the course-only option when enrolling on your A Level, you will need to book your exams and practical assessments directly with the exam centre and pay for them yourself. We highly recommend researching your options before enrolling as costs can vary between centres. However, if you choose to add your exams and practical assessments to your enrolment, we will take care of booking and paying for your exams for you when you are ready.

What if I live outside the UK?

You are still able to study our A Level courses abroad, however, you must sit your exams and practical assessments within the UK at an official exam centre.

What if I still have questions?

That's not a problem. We want to make sure you're 100% confident about enrolling on the course and starting your study. So, just give our team of education specialists a call on 03300 563 100 and they'll do their best to help.

What happens if I lose my course pack?

It's not a problem. We offer a course replacement service, so if you get into trouble and your course pack is lost or damaged, our Learner Services Team can provide you with a new set of materials for a one-time additional fee.

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Tutor Support Included

Learning remotely doesn’t mean you’re on your own! You’ll be able to message your tutor through our industry-leading learning platform.

Flexible Payment Options

Enrol today from £9.99 deposit & spread the cost over 24 months

Learn At Your Own Pace

Study wherever and whenever you want. You’ll have access to your course for two years so you can fit your learning around your other commitments.

Study wherever and whenever you want. You’ll have access to your course for one year so you can fit your learning around your other commitments.

A-Level / IA-Level Biology - exams not included

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This course at a glance

• Study the human body and the building blocks of life
• Develop a deep understanding of biological principals
• Learn about pioneering research
• Complete this A-level in as little as 6 months
• Allows you to progress to university level study
• Study around your existing commitments

Studying your A-Level

Biology at A-Level is a chance to significantly extend your biological knowledge. You will take a deeper look at some of the core ideas covered at GCSE level while covering a range new material.

During your studies you will cover the basic components of living systems, biological molecules, biodiversity, homeostasis and much more.

You will study ecosystems and their inhabitants, the impact of human society and the changing world.

You will be encouraged to gain a superior understanding of biological principles, including genetics, patterns of inheritance, cloning and biological processes.

Upon completion of the course you will be a capable and competent biologist, with a developed understanding of core principals. All of which will give you the level of competence required to progress to study at degree level. 

Should you decide to take the exams, you can choose between A-Level and the International A-Level. 

Getting Started

learndirect is a leading UK distance learning institute, which means we take a person-centred approach to learning. We provide the tools to learn and you do the rest.

This means no physical classes or prohibitive timetables. You learn when you will be at your most effective, in an environment you will be most comfortable in.

You still get the academic support from your dedicated tutor. They will provide advice, guidance and feedback on your assignments. This allows you to progress in a structured, positive way.

Ultimately this allows you to study and complete your A-level in Biology in a manner that reflects your lifestyle, commitments and your approach to learning.

You can start learning from the moment you have enrolled with us. We don’t have term times, just an online portal with all your course material ready and waiting. The only specific deadline to work towards is your exam – exam sittings are held once per year in May or June.

That means you can get your A Level in Biology as quickly as you choose.

During your studies you will cover the following modules:

• Introduction to Science
• Biological Molecules
• How organisms exchange substances with their environment
• Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
• Energy transfers in and between organisms
• How organisms respond to changes in their environments
• Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
• The control of gene expression
• Requirements

Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements required to enrol on this course.

Average completion timeframe

The average time it takes to complete the course is 18 months.

Exams required

Exams are not included.

Is Membership Required?

No membership is required to enrol on this course.

Course Fees

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

At the end of each unit you will find a Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA). This is completed online and submitted to your tutor. Once assessed your tutor will return your work complete with its final grade and feedback. Once you’ve successfully passed each assignment you’ll be ready to take your exam!

Qualifications

If you decide to take the exams at the end of this course and pass, you will have gained either an A-Level or IA-Level in Biology. This will enable you to progress to further and higher education programmes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is biology a-level hard, how to revise for a-level biology, what degrees favour a-level biology, what jobs does a-level biology lead to, is the exam included in this a-level biology course.

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A-level Biology

A-level biology online course.

Through varied and engaging learning materials , you’ll study life itself in this A-level Biology course online, from microscopic organisms  to entire food chains and ecosystems. You’ll delve into the structure of plant and animal cells in minute detail, explore evolution and natural selection , investigate the ground-breaking science of gene therapy, and much more.

Biology is one of the most fascinating scientific disciplines, providing essential skills for many careers. Fancy becoming a forensics expert , examining the crime scene, looking for vital evidence? Perhaps you’d love to play a role in tackling climate change and avoiding environmental catastrophes. If so, one subject will be instrumental to your success: biology.

Studying Edexcel’s A-level Biology course online through distance learning with our fun and engaging online platform is an ideal choice if you want the freedom to study in your own time and space. You’ll develop strong analytical and evaluative skills as you interpret, manipulate, and present data . It’s perfect for those wanting a career in healthcare, scientific research, or the social, environmental, and forensic science sectors , and it’ll also stand you in good stead if you plan to go to university to study science, medicine, physiotherapy, or similar.

You’ll get all this too:

• Fast Track – In a rush? You’ll have the option to complete this course within a year.
• Guaranteed Exam Venue – Finding exam spaces can be tough, so with Oxbridge, you’ll get guaranteed access to our network of partnership exam centres around the UK
• Exam Pass Guarantee – We’re so confident if you don’t pass the first time, we’ll support you to the next exam for free

There’s never been a better time to understand Biology. Through an award-winning online college experience with Oxbridge, you’ll pass your A-level Biology course with higher grades on average than traditional colleges.

This is a brand new course. You can enrol now, and this course will appear in your MyOxbridge Portal on the 5th August, 2024.

What you will learn

Unit 1 - biological molecules .

This topic introduces the chemicals of life: the organic and inorganic molecules and ions that are fundamental to the structure and physiology of living organisms. It considers the role of monomers in the synthesis of polymers and how the structure and properties of these relate to their functions. The practical investigation of enzyme action develops an understanding of the scientific method.

Unit 2 - Cells, viruses & reproduction

This topic considers the ultrastructure of prokaryotes, eukaryotes and viruses. Details of the types of nuclear division are included and how these are involved in animal and plant reproduction. Microscopy and observational skills are developed through the preparation of stained plant tissue.

Unit 3 - Classification & biodiversity

This topic considers the evidence used in developing models for the classification of organisms. It also considers the limitations of these models. The topic includes the principles underlying natural selection and how this can lead to speciation.

Unit 4 - Exchange & transport

This topic considers the requirements for cell transport mechanisms and mass flow systems in organisms. The roles of the components of the mammalian circulatory system and the vascular system in plants are studied. Practical skills are developed by investigating factors that affect membrane permeability and water potential of plant tissues.

Unit 5 - Energy for biological processes

This topic builds on knowledge of carbohydrates and enzymes. It considers the energy sources in living organisms and how energy transfers occur. Details of the stages in respiration and photosynthesis, the roles of co-enzymes and electrons along with the uses of intermediates are included. Practical skills are developed in the investigations of photosynthetic pigments and the factors that affect respiration rates and photosynthesis.

Unit 6 - Microbiology & pathogens

This topic builds on knowledge of prokaryotes, eukaryotes, viruses and transport systems. It considers how some microorganisms act as pathogens. Details of how the human body responds to infection are included. The social, economic and ethical implications of the methods of treatment and control of the spread of infection are discussed. Microbial techniques are used in the isolation of bacteria and the investigation of the factors that affect their rate of growth.

Unit 7 - Modern genetics

This topic builds on the knowledge of nucleic acids and proteins and how they are involved in gene expression. It also considers epigenetics, the use of stem cells, and how these are contributing to medical advances. Finally, it discusses the ethical implications of the use of gene technology in scientific developments.

Unit 8 - Origins of genetic variation

This topic builds on the knowledge of meiosis and natural selection. It considers the dihybrid inheritance of alleles and genes, studying the inheritance of unlinked and linked genes. The effect of selection pressures on the allele frequencies in gene pools and their impact on speciation are discussed.

Unit 9 - Control systems

This topic builds on knowledge of transport mechanisms and considers the processes of chemical and nervous coordination. Details of the role of plant growth substances and hormonal control in mammals are included. Osmoregulation in mammals adapted to dry environments is considered. Details of the effect of drugs on the transmission of nerve impulses are studied. Practical skills are developed in the investigation of the effect of gibberellin on germination.

Unit 10 - Ecosystems

This topic considers the interactions between the organisms and the environment within an ecosystem. It includes details of how biotic and abiotic factors are involved in the development of ecosystems over time. Human influences on ecosystems and the need for conservation are also discussed.

Awarding Body

Edexcel is the UK’s largest awarding organisation offering academic and vocational qualifications in schools, colleges and workplaces in the UK and abroad. Edexcel is a multinational education and examination body covering A-Level Courses and GCSE Courses .

Endorsed by

This course carries UCAS points . This means that it can be used to gain direct access to university courses and other higher education qualifications, through the UCAS system.

Course Outcome

Upon successfully passing your exams, you will receive an A-level in Biology (9BI0), issued by the Edexcel exam board  to their Biology (B) specification. Your certificate is identical to those issued to students at any other school or college and can help you to progress onto a university degree and, from there, a  career in environmental management, conservation, health, and more.

We have a 98% pass rate, so you can be sure that Oxbridge and our leading team of tutors will take care of you expertly.

How is this course assessed or examined?

• Paper 1 : Advanced Biochemistry, Microbiology and Genetics (1 hour 45 mins written exam, 30% of the qualification)
• Paper 2: Advanced Physiology, Evolution and Ecology (1 hour 45 mins written exam, 30% of the qualification)
• Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Biology (2 hours 30 mins written exam, 40% of the qualification)

These exams contain a mixture of short and long answer questions and extended response questions.

Optional practical endorsement

Are you thinking about going into Veterinary Science or Medicine? You will need to consider the practical endorsement, as most of these courses will likely require it. Oxbridge provides this service.

Check out this guide to practical endorsements and find your nearest A-level exam centre.

Entry requirements

It is strongly recommended that learners who enrol on this course have a GCSE or equivalent in Biology (minimum grade 5-6 / grade B) and chemistry (minimum grade 4 / grade C) OR Double or Triple Science (minimum grade 5-6 / grade B) and Maths (minimum grade 4 / grade C). This course is a difficulty level three: the equivalent difficulty of an A-level or BTEC, usually suitable for most learners of all ages

Who is this course for?

This course is perfect for anyone looking to turn an interest in the natural world into a career . You might have taken a previous biology course and now feel ready to take the next step towards working in environmental management or conservation.

You can use this course to get onto a particular university degree . A-levels are worth up to 56 UCAS points, so getting a good mark in A-level Biology can put you in a great position to get a place on your first-choice degree. Because the course is delivered online, you can fit study around your other commitments from wherever you work best.

How long will it take to complete?

The course takes between one and two years to complete. Fast-track options are available. You’ll also have a personal tutor to help you stay on track and access past papers and other revision tools.

Where will my exam take place?

As an Oxbridge student, you will be guaranteed access to one of our exam centres located across the country. You may also want to consider taking a Practical Endorsement to apply the theoretical knowledge you’ll gain from studying our online A-level Biology course in a practical, lab-based setting, though this is completely optional.

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• Biological Molecules   
• Cells, Viruses & Reproduction   
• Exchange & Transport  
• Energy for Biological Processes  
• Microbiology & Pathogens   
• Modern Genetics   
• Origins of Genetic Variation  
• Control Systems  
• Ecosystems  

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Wondering what to do next? There are so many options available, it's important to get the right advice. Whether your choice is to continue onto further education, go into job training or get an apprenticeship and whether your grades are high or low - there are always options! Speak to an adviser today to see how we can support you on your next steps...

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A-level Biology 7402

AS and A-level Biology Specification Specifications for first teaching in 2015

PDF | 1.24 MB

7.0 Practical assessment

Practical work is at the heart of biology, so we have placed it at the heart of this specification.

Practical assessments have been divided into those that can be assessed in written exams and those that can only be directly assessed whilst students are carrying out experiments.

A-level grades will be based only on marks from written exams.

A separate endorsement of practical skills will be taken alongside the A-level. This will be assessed by teachers and will be based on direct observation of students’ competency in a range of skills that are not assessable in written exams.

7.1 Use of apparatus and techniques

All students taking an A-level Biology qualification are expected to have had opportunities to use the following apparatus and develop and demonstrate these techniques. These apparatus and techniques are common to all A-level Biology specifications.

Carrying out the 12 required practicals in section 7.2 means that students will have experienced use of each of these apparatus and techniques. However, teachers are encouraged to develop students’ abilities by inclusion of other opportunities for skills development, as exemplified in the right-hand column of the content section of this specification.

7.2 Required practical activities

The following practicals must be carried out by all students taking this course. Written papers will assess knowledge and understanding of these, and the skills exemplified within each practical.

Teachers are encouraged to vary their approach to these practical activities. Some are more suitable for highly structured approaches that develop key techniques. Others allow opportunities for students to develop investigative approaches.

This list is not designed to limit the practical activities carried out by students. A rich practical experience for students will include more than the 12 required practical activities. The explicit teaching of practical skills will build students’ competence. Many teachers will also use practical approaches to the introduction of content knowledge in the course of their normal teaching. Students’ work in these activities can also contribute towards the endorsement of practical skills.

7.3 Practical skills to be assessed in written papers

Overall, at least 15% of the marks for an A-level Biology qualification will require the assessment of practical skills.

In order to be able to answer these questions, students need to have been taught, and to have acquired competence in, the appropriate areas of practical skills as indicated in the table of coverage below.

7.3.1 Independent thinking

7.3.2 Use and application of scientific methods and practices

7.3.3 Numeracy and the application of mathematical concepts in a practical context

7.3.4 Instruments and equipment

7.4 Practical skills to be assessed via endorsement

7.4.1 cross-board statement on practical endorsement.

The assessment of practical skills is a compulsory requirement of the course of study for A-level qualifications in biology, chemistry and physics. It will appear on all students’ certificates as a separately reported result, alongside the overall grade for the qualification. The arrangements for the assessment of practical skills will be common to all awarding organisations. These arrangements will include:

• A minimum of 12 practical activities to be carried out by each student which, together, meet the requirements of Appendices 5b (Practical skills identified for direct assessment and developed through teaching and learning) and 5c (Use of apparatus and techniques) from the prescribed subject content, published by the Department for Education (DfE). The required practical activities will be defined by each awarding organisation.
• Teachers will assess students against Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC) issued jointly by the awarding organisations. The CPAC (see below) are based on the requirements of Appendices 5b and 5c of the subject content requirements published by the DfE, and define the minimum standard required for the achievement of a pass.
• Each student will keep an appropriate record of their practical work, including their assessed practical activities.
• Students who demonstrate the required standard across all the requirements of the CPAC will receive a ‘pass’ grade.
• There will be no separate assessment of practical skills for AS qualifications.
• Students will answer questions in the AS and A-level exam papers that assess the requirements of Appendix 5a (Practical skills identified for indirect assessment and developed through teaching and learning) from the prescribed subject content, published by the DfE. These questions may draw on, or range beyond, the practical activities included in the specification.

7.4.2 Criteria for the assessment of practical competency in A-level Biology, Chemistry and Physics