“I found distance learning with NEC to be an ideal way to study and gain the knowledge needed to make the transition into a new career path.” – Darius, Structured Fast Track student

Our Structured Fast Track A level Biology course has been specifically designed to follow a carefully considered 36-week study programme, providing you with the extra support you need to gain the all-important grades you require. The A level takes approximately 250-300 hours to complete, which works out at about 15-20 hours per week over the 36-week study programme.

You and a small cohort of fellow students will attend regular live seminars with your course tutor and actively engage with the subject through tutor-led forums, interactive learning activities and quality course materials. 

The course is fully online and can be studied anywhere, anytime, to fit in with your lifestyle. Included within the course is a mid-course review, past-paper marking and UCAS service to make sure you are fully prepared for the exams and the next stage of your learning journey.

Find more FAQs here.

NEC’s Structured Fast Track A level Biology course will follow the same topics as Pearson Edexcel’s biology A level but has a set schedule, allowing you to complete the course within one academic year rather than two.

Start: Introduction to studying A level Biology

• Introduction and progress checker
• Introductory quiz
• Refresher topics
• Biology as a subject – scope, relationship with other sciences, studying biology as a distance learner

Section 1: Lifestyle, health and risk

• What is cardiovascular disease?
• Who is at risk of cardiovascular disease?
• Risk factors for cardiovascular disease?
• Biochemistry involved in cardiovascular disease?
• Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease

Section 2: Genes and health

• The effects of cystic fibrosis on the lungs
• Why is CF mucus so sticky?
• The roles of proteins and enzymes
• How is the CFTR protein made?
• How is cystic fibrosis inherited?
• Testing for CF

Section 3: Voice of the genome

• Cells and their components
• In the beginning
• From one to many: the cell cycle
• How development is controlled
• Genes and environment

Section 4: Biodiversity and natural resources

• Why are there so many different species?
• How did organisms become so well adapted?
• Classification and speciation
• Plant cells and tissues
• Making use of biodiversity in plants
• On the brink

Progress Review

Section 5: On the wild side

• What is an ecosystem?
• Ecosystems rely on energy transfer
• Global climate change
• Predicting and coping with future climate change
• Adapt or die
• Getting the balance right

Section 6: Infection, immunity and forensics

• Forensic biology
• Cause of death
• The body’s response to infection
• Could the infections have been prevented?
• Are there treatments for AIDS and TB?

Section 7: Run for your life

• Getting moving
• Energy for action
• Peak performance
• Breaking out in a sweat
• Overdoing it
• Improving on nature

Section 8: Grey matter

• The nervous system and nerve impulses
• Reception of stimuli
• The brain
• Visual development and making sense of what we see
• Learning and memory
• Problems with synapses
• Genetic modifications: risks and benefits

Past Paper Marking and Revision

• Three past papers
• Two revision seminars

There are two Ebooks included with the course:

• Salters-Nuffield AS/A level Biology Student Book 1, University of York Science Education Group, Pearson Education 2015, ISBN 978-1-447-99100-7
• Salters-Nuffield A level Biology Student Book 2, University of York Science Education Group, Pearson Education 2015, ISBN 978-1-447-99101-4

You will need to purchase the essential textbook Maths Skills for A level, Penny, J, OUP 2013, ISBN 978-1-408-52118-2

Assessment

Exams (three):

• 33.3% of marks  (2 hours)
• 33.3% of marks  (2 hours)
• 33.3% of marks  (2 hours)

The exams are written, with no practical element, but throughout the exam you will be expected to use your understanding of practical theory – gained through the 18 core practicals within your course – to answer questions.

Non-exam assessment (NEA):

There is an optional practical endorsement available for the A level Biology qualification. This NEA is an additional assessment providing an opportunity to demonstrate practical skills as well as knowledge. The endorsement is reported as a separate grade and does not contribute to the result of the A level qualification.

However, some universities require the completion of practical endorsements for STEM undergraduate courses, such as medicine. In these cases, we’ve got you covered. NEC can organise Practical Endorsements at one of our partnership centres. If you’re unsure, we recommend double-checking with your desired university.

Need help booking exams?

With our exam booking service, you are guaranteed an exam place at one of our partnership centres. When the time comes, simply fill out an application form and we’ll do the rest. Find out more.

We know that our younger students often need an extra helping hand with their studies. In our experience, learning online works best when the parents are involved, so when you enrol your child with NEC, you’ll have a unique set of services to help you to support your child.

This includes:

• Your own log in to learn@nec to access the course so you can view the course materials and other information for yourself.
• Access to your child’s gradebook to help you to monitor progress and provide appropriate and timely intervention and support.
• You’ll receive emails and forum posts so that you have all the examination and assessment updates/information provided by the NEC team.
• Dedicated Progress Portal Pages and targeted blogs with updates/information/help and advice on many aspects of home education.

Read more about how we work with young students who are studying at home or through a school.

Would you like to talk to our Course Advice Team about the best route for you? Visit our Contact Us page, fill in the form and a member of the team will get back to you!