GCSE & A-Level Exam Centre
The AQA Biology A-Level (7401, 7402) 2016 (AS), 2017 (A-level)
course offers students the opportunity to explore the concepts of biology and the implications of biological developments in the world. The course has been designed to encourage students to appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how biology contributes to the success of the economy and society.
Here's a general breakdown of the A Level Biology content:
Biological molecules: This unit covers monomers and polymers, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, ATP, water, and inorganic ions.
Cells: This part of the course explores cell structure, cell division, cell recognition and the immune system.
Organisms exchange substances with their environment: This unit covers surface area to volume ratio, gas exchange, digestion and absorption.
Genetic information, variation, and relationships between organisms: This covers DNA, genes and chromosomes, DNA replication, protein synthesis, mutations, and meiosis, and species and taxonomy, biodiversity, evolution, and more.
Energy transfers in and between organisms: Topics include photosynthesis, respiration, energy and ecosystems, and nutrient cycles.
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments: This covers survival and response, receptors, control of heart rate, nerve impulses, synaptic transmission, skeletal muscles, homeostasis, and the kidney.
Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems: Topics include inheritance, populations, evolution, and ecosystems.
The control of gene expression: This covers alterations in the sequence of DNA, gene expression, cancer, and uses of gene sequencing.
The AQA A-Level Biology course is assessed by three exam papers:
Paper 1 (2 hours, 91 marks, 35% of A-Level): Covers any content from topics 1-4, including relevant practical skills. Consists of short answer questions, extended response questions, comprehension questions, and multiple choice questions.
Paper 2 (2 hours, 91 marks, 35% of A-Level): Covers any content from topics 5-8, including relevant practical skills. The exam format is similar to Paper 1.
Paper 3 (2 hours, 78 marks, 30% of A-Level): Covers any content from topics 1-8, including relevant practical skills. This exam consists of structured questions, including practical techniques; critical analysis of experimental data and methods; and one essay from a choice of two titles.
Here's a brief description of each paper:
1. **Paper 1:**
- Topics: Any content from topics 1–4, including relevant practical skills.
- Format: Written exam: 2 hours.
- Marks: 91 marks.
- Weighting: 35% of A-Level.
- Question Types: Mixture of short answer questions, extended response questions, comprehension questions, and structured questions including practical techniques.
2. **Paper 2:**
- Topics: Any content from topics 5–8, including relevant practical skills.
- Format: Written exam: 2 hours.
- Marks: 91 marks.
- Weighting: 35% of A-Level.
- Question Types: Mixture of short answer questions, extended response questions, comprehension questions, and structured questions including practical techniques.
3. **Paper 3:**
- Topics: Any content from topics 1–8, including relevant practical skills.
- Format: Written exam: 2 hours.
- Marks: 78 marks.
- Weighting: 30% of A-Level.
- Question Types: Structured questions, including practical techniques; critical analysis of given experimental data and methods; one essay from a choice of two titles.
In addition to the written exams, students are expected to carry out 12 required practical activities throughout the course.
Competency in these practicals will be assessed by teachers and will contribute to a separate practical endorsement, which doesn't contribute to the A-Level grade but is required by many universities for courses in the biological sciences. The knowledge and understanding gained during these practical activities could also be examined in the written papers.
Please remember to check the most recent information from the AQA's official website or your educational institution as these details might have changed since my last update.