About A-level Biology
Biology is naturally the obvious choice of anyone contemplating studying Biology, Medicine or Biochemistry, for example, as an undergraduate degree. However, there are many other exciting degrees that require Biology as a GCE A-level requisite – for instance Bioengineering or Nanotechnology, which will undoubtedly figure large in the forthcoming years. In fact, Biology, in our opinion at the Tree Foundation Tutorial College, is arguably the most underdeveloped natural science with the most potential upside, not only from a research point of view but also for future employment prospects. We would therefore heartily encourage high school students to seriously consider studying Biology as a GCE A-level and, moreover, think about a career based on Biology.
At the Tree Foundation Tutorial College we offer tutoring for the International GCE A-level (IAL) in Biology and our preferred examination board is Pearson Edexcel, allowing the international student to sit the examination modules up to 3 times in an academic year. We also cater for the other examination boards such AQA, CIE and OCR. The IAL in Biology consists of six units:
Unit 1: Lifestyle, Transport, Genes and Health
Unit 2: Development, Plants and the Environment
Unit 3: Practical Biology and Research Skills
Unit 4: The Natural Environment and Species Survival
Unit 5: Energy, Exercise and Coordination
Unit 6: Practical Biology and Investigative Skills
You can find comprehensive details on the Pearson Edexcel site here.
FAQ
When and where can sit the modules for the IAL Biology?
The examinations for the IAL are held 3 times a year: in January, May/June and October. If your school is not an official test center then you can definitely make the necessary bookings at your nearest British Council.
How often can I sit the IALs?
Theoretically you can take them as often as you wish though most students prepare themselves properly so that they succeed on their first attempt. Most students sit Units 1 & 2 together and perhaps one more paper (most probably Unit 3, which is the substitute for the practical) in one sitting and then six months later they sit the remaining 3 modules. There are many though who do not succeed on their first attempt, or they do not attain the grade that they desired or deserved and therefore elect to re-sit the specific examination. A prospective test taker ought to be careful, however, not to sit the same examination too on too many occasions as the universities may take this into account when assessing the candidate’s application.
How long will it take me to complete a whole IAL?
With the correct preparation and timing a whole IAL in Biology and be managed in one year. Generally, the maximum amount of time a student will take is two years.
How many hours per week of tutoring would be ideal?
Generally, we recommend that a serious student does 2 hours per week. The tutorials can be organized so that the tutee has a whole week to prepare the relevant homework for the next relevant tutorial. This system maximizes the progress and performance.
How many hours will I have to study every week?
As a general guideline, we reckon that for every one-hour tutorial you, the tutee, will need to do approximately 5 hours of homework.
How many hours of tutorials will I need to cover a whole IAL Biology A-level?
This is a difficult question to answer accurately. The strong student can manage a whole IAL Biology A-level with 60 hours of tutoring. The maximum that someone should need is 100 hours.
What materials – textbooks will I require?
We always suggest that you acquire the recommended textbooks that Edexcel/Pearson endorse. These can be found here.
Where can I find past papers to practice?
There are numerous papers available for free at the Pearson/Edexcel website here.