Course Overview

Understand the systems of life from cells to ecosystems with our flexible online International A level Biology course—designed for students worldwide.

International A level Biology is a fascinating and flexible subject that takes you deep into the science of living things, wherever you are in the world.

This course explores a wide range of biological topics, including cells, enzymes, genetics, biodiversity, ecology, and human physiology. It’s designed to develop your understanding of how organisms function and interact with their environments—giving you a global outlook on health, the environment, and biological innovation.

Studying this course online through NEC helps you build essential skills in analysis, interpretation, and scientific communication. Whether you’re aiming for university or a science-based career, International A level Biology offers the academic depth and flexibility needed to succeed.

  • elearning icon

    Interactive course

  • 1:1 tutor support

International A level Biology at a glance

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Exam board

Edexcel YBI11

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Resources

Set textbooks – included as a free ebook with your course:

  • Fullick, A, Sochacki, F, (2020) Pearson Edexcel International AS Level Biology Student Book, Vital Source
  • Fullick, A, Sochacki, F, (2020) Pearson Edexcel International A level Biology Student Book, Vital Source

Set textbooks (not included with the course):

  • Penny J and Leftwich P, Maths Skills for A Level Biology, 2nd Edition, OUP 2018
course requirements icon
Requirements

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

course assignments icon
Assignments
  • 10 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade
  • 18 core practicals
course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

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UCAS points

Earn up to 56 UCAS points

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

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Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

course assessment icon
Assessment

Exams (six):

Unit 1, 2 and 3 (Paper 1, 2 and 3 below) are IAS Units. Units 4, 5 and 6 (Paper 4, 5 and 6 below) are IAL Units. Students must sit all six units to gain the A level qualification.

  • Paper 1: Molecules, diet, transport and health
  • Paper 2: Cells, development, biodiversity and conservation
  • Paper 3: Practical skills in Biology I
  • Paper 4: Energy, environment, microbiology and immunity
  • Paper 5: Respiration, Internal, Environment, Coordination and Gene Technology
  • Paper 6: Practical skills in Biology II
course exam board icon
Exam board

Edexcel YBI11

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

course requirements icon
Requirements

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

course assessment icon
Assessment

Exams (six):

Unit 1, 2 and 3 (Paper 1, 2 and 3 below) are IAS Units. Units 4, 5 and 6 (Paper 4, 5 and 6 below) are IAL Units. Students must sit all six units to gain the A level qualification.

  • Paper 1: Molecules, diet, transport and health
  • Paper 2: Cells, development, biodiversity and conservation
  • Paper 3: Practical skills in Biology I
  • Paper 4: Energy, environment, microbiology and immunity
  • Paper 5: Respiration, Internal, Environment, Coordination and Gene Technology
  • Paper 6: Practical skills in Biology II
course assignments icon
Assignments
  • 10 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade
  • 18 core practicals
course resources icon
Resources

Set textbooks – included as a free ebook with your course:

  • Fullick, A, Sochacki, F, (2020) Pearson Edexcel International AS Level Biology Student Book, Vital Source
  • Fullick, A, Sochacki, F, (2020) Pearson Edexcel International A level Biology Student Book, Vital Source

Set textbooks (not included with the course):

  • Penny J and Leftwich P, Maths Skills for A Level Biology, 2nd Edition, OUP 2018
course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

education icon
UCAS points

Earn up to 56 UCAS points

course exam board icon
Exam board

Edexcel YBI11

course resources icon
Resources

Set textbooks – included as a free ebook with your course:

  • Fullick, A, Sochacki, F, (2020) Pearson Edexcel International AS Level Biology Student Book, Vital Source
  • Fullick, A, Sochacki, F, (2020) Pearson Edexcel International A level Biology Student Book, Vital Source

Set textbooks (not included with the course):

  • Penny J and Leftwich P, Maths Skills for A Level Biology, 2nd Edition, OUP 2018
course requirements icon
Requirements

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

course assignments icon
Assignments
  • 10 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade
  • 18 core practicals
course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

education icon
UCAS points

Earn up to 56 UCAS points

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

course assessment icon
Assessment

Exams (six):

Unit 1, 2 and 3 (Paper 1, 2 and 3 below) are IAS Units. Units 4, 5 and 6 (Paper 4, 5 and 6 below) are IAL Units. Students must sit all six units to gain the A level qualification.

  • Paper 1: Molecules, diet, transport and health
  • Paper 2: Cells, development, biodiversity and conservation
  • Paper 3: Practical skills in Biology I
  • Paper 4: Energy, environment, microbiology and immunity
  • Paper 5: Respiration, Internal, Environment, Coordination and Gene Technology
  • Paper 6: Practical skills in Biology II

Why study International A level Biology

Future opportunities

  • employers are crying out for candidates with science-based skills – such as enquiry, accuracy, initiative and inventiveness
  • studying biology or STEM subjects at university
  • a range of rewarding careers in medicine, physiotherapy, nursing, veterinary science, zoology, microbiology, marine biology, pharmacology, forensic science, ecology, conservation and teaching.
Course content

What you’ll learn…

Section 1

Lifestyle, health and risk

  • What is cardiovascular disease?
  • Who is at risk of cardiovascular disease?
  • Risk factors of cardiovascular disease
  • Biochemistry involved in cardiovascular disease
  • Molecular structures
  • 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
  • Structure and function of nucleic acids
  • Enzymes
  • Genetics
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 the 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
  • Natural selection and evolution
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
  • Succession
  • Photosynthesis
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?
  • The immune response
SECTION 7

Run for your life

  • Getting moving
  • Energy for action
  • Peak performance
  • Breaking out in a sweat
  • Overdoing it
  • Improving on nature
  • Respiration and the Krebs cycle
  • Control of heart rate
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 modification: risks and benefits

    Affordable study

    Flexible payments and financial help

    • As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you plan for any additional costs.
    • NEC’s fees for A levels offer some of the best value on the market, with multi-buy options, special offers, personal discounts, and affordable finance options.
    • Used responsibly, finance is a great way to spread the cost of your course. We’ve teamed up with Omni, one of the UK’s leading finance specialists.
    • Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help to fund your course.

    Visit our Fee information page or

    Talk to an advisor
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    Monthly instalments

    Study now, pay your way

    It’s your choice: you can pay in full at the point of enrolment, or you can spread the cost over monthly instalments with our finance offer. We offer a choice of six or 12 month repayment plans, with 0% APR as standard.

    To pay in instalments you will need to enrol by telephone.

    The National Extension College (NEC) work with finance company OMNI. For more information on our relationship with OMNI and repayment plans see our Fee Information page.

    Course fee £730
    Deposit £73
    Amount of credit £657
    Monthly payment £54.75
    Duration 12 months
    Total repayment £730
    Cost of credit £0.00
    Rate of interest 0% APR representative

    Purchasing more than one A level? Use voucher code ALMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.

    Help when you need it

    Additional support for under 18s

    We understand younger students often need an extra helping hand with their studies. NEC’s unique Progress Tracker makes it easy for parents and guardians to follow their child’s progress, access assignment grades and view tutor feedback to ensure effective learning.

    Our approach to home study
    Need help choosing?

    Talk to one of our course advisors

    Still unsure whether online distance learning is right for you?

    Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.

    • Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
    • Or contact us today by phone or email.

    We’re waiting to help you get ahead and achieve your goals, your way.

    Talk to a course advisor

    Frequently asked questions

    Your common questions and concerns answered. Read more FAQs.

    NEC offers flexible, online GCSEs, A levels, and vocational courses that you can study anytime, anywhere. When you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details for learn@nec, our virtual learning platform.

    You’ll be supported by a qualified subject tutor who provides feedback on your assignments and helps guide your progress. Our expertly designed courses include engaging materials, interactive learning activities, and selected online resources — all created by experienced teachers, examiners, and learning designers.

    Our courses are designed to let you study at your own pace — all within a clearly defined enrolment period to help keep you on track. Many courses let you study your way, with flexible assignment deadlines to suit your schedule. Others may include set dates — especially for things like exams or NEAs (Non-Exam Assessment) — to help you stay on track.

    Yes! You can connect with other learners in your course’s online forum. Many students find discussing topics with peers helps reinforce their learning — and helps them feel part of a wider learning community.

    Yes. Most NEC courses, including all GCSEs and A levels, lead to qualifications awarded by major UK exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Cambridge International. You’ll earn exactly the same qualification as students in school or college.

    We’re also approved to offer CMI qualifications for management, as well as TQUK-accredited courses and Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths. These nationally recognised qualifications are designed to help learners build practical skills and are ideal for both personal development and career progression.

    Some short courses, like those in the arts, are for personal development and enjoyment but don’t lead to formal accreditation.

    Yes, NEC is a JCQ-approved exam centre, which means we can support your exam entry, provide verified access arrangements, and oversee non-exam assessments (NEAs) — essential for subjects like English, Science and Geography.

    Yes. Many students complete a one-year fast track option, especially if working towards university or career deadlines. You’ll need to commit regular study time and plan carefully around assignment deadlines and exams.

    If you’re unsure whether fast track is realistic, we’ll advise you.

    Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you. However, if your course involves an exam, you’ll need to complete all assignments and assessments (also known as coursework or NEA — Non-Exam Assessment) in time for set exam dates — so don’t leave it too late!

    If you’re planning to apply to university, please also be aware of UCAS deadlines. For example, to receive predicted grades through our UCAS Application Service, you’ll need to have completed a certain number of assignments by specific dates.

    Check the individual course pages for guidance, or book a call with an advisor to discuss your timeline and study plans.

    Yes — NEC is ideal for international students. Many of our courses are available worldwide, but there are a few things to check before enrolling:

    Exams: You’ll need to arrange a local exam centre. AQA does not offer international exams, so you’ll need to travel to the UK for those.

    Qualification recognition: Ensure your chosen qualification is recognised in your country.

    Our team is happy to help you explore your options.

    We teach you the core practicals that you need to be familiar with for your exam. This varies by course, but each core practical typically includes a method, list of equipment and some sample results. You can have a go at some of these practicals safely at home – we will let you know when this is the case. If the experiment is not safe to complete at home, or if you don’t want to complete the experiment yourself, our detailed description of the investigation will give you the information you need. Where appropriate, we also link videos demonstrating the experiment.

    People who study International A level Biology also take…

    Purchasing more than one A level? Use voucher code ALMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.