A Level in Biology (A2) 9BI01

This course is based on two approaches and builds on the knowledge gained from both AS and GCSE level:

The concept-led approach which includes study of the laws, theories and models of biology, exploring the practical application of these in both knowledge and with reference to everyday life.
The context-led approach considers applications of biological knowledge and looks at the underpinning concepts
This particular course will offer both these approaches in combination, so students will benefit from a ?mixed? approach; this is more appropriate for distance learning students as there is a need for flexibility. The assessment criteria and structure is the same for both approaches. After each topic there will be a tutor marked assignment, this can be emailed to your tutor as an attachment in Word, Works or RTF format.

There is a project element to the A2 award which expects distance learning students to reflect on practical biological knowledge as well as theoretical. This project will be based upon an individual experiment but does not require students to have laboratory access.

Your project will be marked externally and moderated by Edexcel
www.edexcel.org.uk

Your tutor will give you various resource sites to visit and there is extra material on the student common room (ODL). In addition there are several supporting texts books for this course but again this depends on which approach you are following and which book best suits your individual needs:

Biology for A2 by C.J.Cleg TBC ? expected date of publishing May 09

This book is for the context-led approach and comes with a CD-ROM for which there is a single user licence and this gives you extensive animated diagrams, material and an electronic glossary.

Edexcel A2 Biology (Student?s Book) TBC ? expected date of publishing ? early 09

This is for the concept-based approach and again has an accompanying CD-ROM which allows you to access additional material.

The whole course is assessment objectives based and combines a number of ?learning outcome? expectations. The assessment objective weightings for the A2 award are as follows:

AO1
 Knowledge and understanding of science and of
How Science Works
 26-30%
 
AO2
 Application of knowledge and understanding of
AO3 science and of How Science Works
 42-48%
 
AO3
How Science Works
26%
 
Total
100%
 

The units
A2 Unit 4: The Natural Environment and Species Survival - Unit code 6B104This unit carries 40% of the total A2 marks and 20% of the total GCE marks
The unit is externally assessed

Availability: January and June
First assessment January 2010

Content summary:
Photosynthesis; energy transfer within ecosystems
Evidence for global warming
Evolution through natural selection and speciation
Nutrient recycling
DNA profiling and PCR
Structure of bacteria and viruses
Infectious diseases and immunology
Assessment:

This unit is assessed by means of a written examination paper which lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes:
Objective questions
Structured questions
Short answer questions
How Science Works
Practical-related questions

Unit 5: Energy, exercise and coordination - Unit code 6B105This unit carries 40% of the total A2 marks and 20% of the total GCE marks
The unit is externally assessed

Availability: January and June
First assessment June 2010

Content summary:
ATP, glycolysis, anaerobic/aerobic respiration
Control and functioning of heart, ventilation and cardiac output
Homeostasis
The nervous system
Impact of exercise on body, and improving performance
Hormonal coordination
Brain structure and development
Imbalances in brain chemicals
Human Genome Project
Assessment:

This unit is assessed by means of a written examination paper which lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes:
Objective questions
Structured questions
Short answer questions
How Science Works
Practical-related questions

Unit 6: Practical Biology and Investigative Skills - Unit code 6B106This unit is worth up to 20% of the total A2 marks and 10% of the total GCE marks
The unit is externally assessed

Availability: June
First assessment June 2010

Summary:
You will write a report of between 2700 and 3300 words which will be about an experiment or investigation that you have designed and carried out. Your practical skills knowledge will be assessed within this unit but for distance learning students this will not be hands-on.

Assessment:
The report will be marked externally and moderated by Edexcel and the ?practical knowledge element will be authenticated by your tutor.

The full specification can be viewed and downloaded from the Edexcel website.

How Science Works
You may have noticed that this phrase comes up in assessment and objective criteria. This builds on from Key Stage 4 science and is related to the following:

The use of theories and models, ideas and clarifications
The ability to use knowledge and understanding to address scientific problems
The ability to use appropriate methodology and ICT to answer scientific questions
Practical knowledge and risk assessment
Analysis and interpretive skills
Evaluation skills
Be able to communicate information and ideas using appropriate approach and terminology

Summary
The introduction has covered the basic course content and assessment criteria. Further information can be obtained through Edexcel. The final assessment criteria and structure is the same regardless of which approach you choose.

Your tutor will support you with your project formulation and give you guidance with appropriate topics and ideas.

Entry Requirements
Basic English reading and writing skills, as full tutor support is given.

Study Hours
Approximately 300 hours.

Qualification
AS/A2 - A level in Biology. Both AS and A2 level courses and examinations must be successfully completed to gain a full A level.

Specification:
Edexcel (AS) 8BI01 and Edexcel (A2) 9BI01
www.edexcel.org.uk

What's Included
Learning documentation, Online Resources and Tutor support for 2 years.

Further Information
Your course is delivered online via the Oxford Learning On Campus website.

Please note that included in your course fee is your registration to the On Campus student community.

You will require Internet access. In the student 'On Campus' you are also able to take part in the student chat room and forums as part of our online student community.

After enrolling online you will receive your username and password to access the On Campus area within 5 working days. You will also receive your personal Oxford Learning student number via email.

Students are required to arrange and pay for their 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.