When considering taking A levels as a distance learner, you may be wondering if it’s possible to study science. Can you do A level Science online? Thankfully, yes!

It is possible to study science subjects online, and in this blog post, we will explore how to do so at NEC.

NEC offers a range of science GCSEs and A level courses, including subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. This flexibility makes it easier for students who prefer distance learning or homeschooling to achieve their academic goals.

But what about the A level practical work? 

Can you really do this from home?

Let’s find out!

Why study A level science online?

Studying A level science online as a distance learner offers students a great deal of flexibility, allowing you to create a study schedule that suits you and fits around personal commitments such as work or family. This approach is ideal for those who need/would like more control over their learning pace, ensuring that you can fully absorb complex scientific concepts at your own speed.

As a distance learner, you also have access to a wide range of digital resources, interactive tutorials, and personalised tutor support, making it easier to achieve success without the need of a traditional classroom setting. Plus, studying remotely prepares you for independent learning, a skill that is highly valued by universities and employers alike.

The effectiveness of online education can be attributed to the increased flexibility of that education. Most online programs are self-paced, which allows students to complete their education in a time frame that suits their needs—especially those who are taking care of loved ones, such as young children or ageing parents. This autonomy in choosing a learning schedule has been shown to work particularly well for adults. – Forbes

What are the core practicals?

At A level, you’ll be expected to gain knowledge of certain practical procedures and processes. Throughout the course, you’ll come across core practicals which are designed to help you achieve this. These practicals form a crucial part of online A levels and ensure you’re fully prepared for exams.

In the course, the practicals that you need to understand will be explained in detail and have accompanying questions to help you comprehend the processes and techniques you’re using. 

We’ll always provide sample results, as part of what you’re expected to learn is how to present and analyse these. This approach helps students who pursue lifelong learning and want to explore subjects in a flexible manner.

In some cases, you will have your own results to analyse. Where possible, we’ll show you how you can do the practical at home. Below is an example – you might want to give it a try!

A level Chemistry: Making a standard solution

What you’ll learn:

This practical will help you develop the skill of making a solution with an accurately known concentration. Not as straightforward as it sounds, each operation must be done precisely.

• How to make a standard solution
• Taking a correct reading from the meniscus on a liquid surface
• Calibration of glassware

What you’ll need:

• Scales accurate to 0.01g – Your kitchen scales might work for this
• Volumetric flask – You can pick these up on Amazon for around £5
• Beaker and glass stirrer – You can use a clean cup and teaspoon (but only if your substance and solvent are things you would usually find in the kitchen)
• A substance such as citric acid or sodium hydrogen carbonate (sodium bicarbonate) or tartaric acid (cream of tartar)
• A solvent – Distilled water is ideal
• Container for weighing, such as a weighing boat or small container (it needs to be washable, so paper won’t work)

What you do:

1. Weigh your empty container.
2. Add your substance and weigh again, making a note of the weight.
3. Add the substance to your beaker (unless you’ve used the beaker as your empty container).
4. Add some of your solvent – about a third of the quantity you’ll need overall.
5. Transfer your solution to the volumetric flask.
6. Rinse the beaker and anything else used for the solid, then transfer the washings to the volumetric flask.
7. Add solvent to the flask until the lower edge of the meniscus reaches the mark on the neck.

You’re done! You now have enough data to calculate the concentration of the solution you’ve made.

What about practical exams?

The A level exam is written, with no practical element. However, throughout the exam, you will be expected to use your understanding of practical theory to answer questions. You’ll gain this knowledge through the core practicals discussed above, which are an integral part of studying A level science online.

For some university programmes, like medicine, you will need to demonstrate practical skills as well as theoretical knowledge. In addition to the A level, you will be able to gain a practical endorsement to showcase this. While the practical endorsement doesn’t form part of the full A level, it is an additional grade you can achieve, which is accepted by universities.

Through NEC’s unique combined assessment model, we are able to offer practical endorsements through several of our partnership exam centres. This allows our students to meet university entry requirements and pursue careers in science-related fields.

Find out more

To learn more about learning with NEC and our full range of flexible distance learning courses, including online A levels in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, click the links or speak to our expert course advice team on 0800 389 2839.