Biology

    AQA
    A-Level

    Specification: 7402

    Biology examines how living organisms function, interact and evolve. From the molecular basis of life to complex ecosystems, you'll develop scientific enquiry skills while exploring topics like genetics, evolution, ecology and human biology.

    9

    Topics

    39

    Objectives

    0

    Exam Tips

    0

    Pitfalls

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    Key Features

    • Conduct required practicals
    • Analyse biological data
    • Understand inheritance and evolution
    • Apply knowledge to health and disease

    Assessment Objectives

    AO1
    35%-40%

    Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures

    AO2
    40%-45%

    Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures: in a theoretical context, in a practical context, when handling qualitative data, when handling quantitative data

    AO3
    28%-30%

    Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues, to: make judgements and reach conclusions, develop and refine practical design and procedures

    What Gets Top Grades

    A*/Grade 9

    Scientific Knowledge

    Precise use of scientific terminology and accurate recall

    • Uses correct scientific terms consistently
    • Accurately describes biological processes step-by-step
    • Links structure to function effectively
    • Shows understanding of scale (molecular to organism level)

    Data Analysis

    Sophisticated interpretation and evaluation of data

    • Identifies patterns and anomalies in data
    • Calculates rates and percentages correctly
    • Evaluates reliability and validity of methods
    • Suggests improvements to investigations

    Key Command Words

    AQA
    State
    1 mark

    Give a single fact or term

    Identify
    1 mark

    Name, select, or recognise

    Outline
    2 marks

    Set out main features briefly

    Describe
    2-4 marks

    Give an account of what something is like or what happens

    Explain
    3-6 marks

    Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

    Compare
    2-4 marks

    State similarities AND differences (both required)

    Analyse
    6-9 marks

    Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

    Evaluate
    6-12 marks

    Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

    Assess
    6-12 marks

    Make judgments about importance with justification

    Calculate
    2-4 marks

    Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

    Specification Topics

    9 topics

    Biological molecules

    19 objectives

    Cells

    6 objectives

    Organisms exchange substances with their environment

    2 objectives

    Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

    2 objectives

    Energy transfers in and between organisms (A-level only)

    2 objectives

    Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (A-level only)

    2 objectives

    Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems (A-level only)

    2 objectives

    The control of gene expression (A-level only)

    2 objectives

    Control of Gene Expression (A-Level Only)

    2 objectives

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