CCEA
Level 3
QN: 601/8487/5
Curriculum Active
CCEA Level 3 Advanced GCE in Biology
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by CCEA. Classified as a GCE A Level.
Qualification Level
Level 3
Awarding Body
CCEA
Syllabus Units
6 Units
Guided Hours
Flexible
Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.
Course Syllabus & Study Modules
Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.
1
Biological Molecules
Carbohydrates
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the structure and functions of monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides
- Explain the formation and breakdown of glycosidic bonds
2
Biological Molecules
Enzymes
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the mechanism of enzyme action including the induced fit model
- Describe factors affecting enzyme activity
3
Biological Molecules
Lipids
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the structure and functions of triglycerides and phospholipids
- Explain the formation of ester bonds
4
Biological Molecules
Nucleic acids and ATP
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the structure of DNA and RNA
- Explain the role of ATP as an energy carrier
5
Biological Molecules
Proteins
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the structure of amino acids and the formation of peptide bonds
- Explain the four levels of protein structure
6
Biological Molecules
Water and its biological importance
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the structure of the water molecule and explain how it gives water its properties
- Explain the biological importance of water as a solvent, as a coolant, and as a medium for metabolic reactions
7
Biotechnology and Gene Technology
Biotechnology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the use of microorganisms in biotechnology
- Explain the principles of fermentation and industrial applications
8
Biotechnology and Gene Technology
Gene technology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the techniques of DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, and PCR
- Explain the principles of genetic engineering and gene therapy
9
Cell Structure and Function
Cell division and cell cycle
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the stages of mitosis and meiosis
- Explain the significance of cell division
10
Cell Structure and Function
Cell membranes
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the fluid mosaic model of membrane structure
- Explain the mechanisms of transport across membranes
11
Cell Structure and Function
Cell structure
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the structure and function of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
- Compare and contrast animal and plant cells
12
Genetics, Variation and Evolution
DNA and the genetic code
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the structure of DNA and the nature of the genetic code
- Explain DNA replication
13
Genetics, Variation and Evolution
Gene regulation and mutation
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the role of the lac operon in regulating lactose metabolism in E. coli.
- Compare the mechanisms of gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
- Classify gene mutations as substitution, insertion, or deletion and predict their outcomes on protein function.
- Evaluate the effect of frameshift mutations on amino acid sequences.
- Relate epigenetic changes to gene silencing in eukaryotic cells.
14
Genetics, Variation and Evolution
Inheritance
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Solve genetic crosses involving monohybrid and dihybrid inheritance
- Explain sex linkage and multiple alleles
15
Genetics, Variation and Evolution
Protein synthesis
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe transcription and translation
- Explain the roles of mRNA, tRNA, and ribosomes
16
Genetics, Variation and Evolution
Variation and evolution
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe sources of genetic variation
- Explain natural selection and speciation
17
Organisms and their Environment
Ecology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Define key ecological terms such as population, community, ecosystem, habitat, and niche, providing clear examples for each.
- Describe the flow of energy through food chains, webs, and trophic levels, including calculations of productivity and ecological efficiency.
- Explain the carbon cycle, detailing the processes of photosynthesis, respiration, combustion, decomposition, and the role of fossil fuels.
- Explain the nitrogen cycle, including the roles of microorganisms in nitrogen fixation, ammonification, nitrification, and denitrification.
- Analyze how human activities such as deforestation, fossil fuel combustion, and fertilizer use alter nutrient cycles and energy flow.
18
Organisms and their Environment
Photosynthesis
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the light-dependent and light-independent stages of photosynthesis
- Explain factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis
19
Organisms and their Environment
Respiration
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the stages of aerobic and anaerobic respiration
- Explain the role of ATP in respiration
20
Physiology and Coordination
Homeostasis
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the principles of homeostasis
- Describe temperature regulation and osmoregulation
21
Physiology and Coordination
Hormonal coordination
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the endocrine system and hormone action
- Explain the control of blood glucose concentration
22
Physiology and Coordination
Muscle contraction
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the hierarchical structure of skeletal muscle from whole muscle to myofilament level.
- Explain the sliding filament theory of muscle contraction, including the roles of actin and myosin.
- Analyze the sequence of events in the cross-bridge cycle and the importance of ATP hydrolysis.
- Evaluate the role of calcium ions and regulatory proteins (troponin and tropomyosin) in contraction.
- Interpret experimental evidence, such as electron micrographs, that supports the sliding filament model.
- Distinguish between the structural and functional characteristics of different muscle fiber types.
23
Physiology and Coordination
Nervous system
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the structural features and functions of sensory, relay, and motor neurons.
- Explain the ionic events underlying the resting and action potentials.
- Analyse the role of ion channels and the sodium-potassium pump in maintaining the resting potential.
- Evaluate factors that influence the speed of nerve impulse transmission, including myelination and axon diameter.
- Outline the sequence of events at a cholinergic synapse, including the role of neurotransmitters and receptor proteins.
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 601/8487/5
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- CCEA
- Qualification Type
- GCE A Level
- Operational Start
- Sept 2016
- Operational End
- Aug 2029