AS and A-level Biology
June 2018
June 2017
June 2016
Specimen Papers
Jun-16 (Old Specification)
Jun-15 (Old Specification)
Jun-14 (Old Specification)
Jun-13 (Old Specification)
Jan-13 (Old Specification)
Jun-12 (Old Specification)
Jan-12 (Old Specification)
Jun-11 (Old Specification)
Jan-11 (Old Specification)
Jun-10 (Old Specification)
AQA Biology Spec at a glance
The AQA A level Biology specification is a challenging course with a wide range of content, data analysis and mathematical skills now a core part of the course. The following outlines the topics and exam structure.
1.Biological molecules
2.Cells
3.Organisms exchange substances with their environment
4.Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
5.Energy transfers in and between organisms (A-level only)
6.Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (A-level only)
7.Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems (A-level only)
8.The control of gene expression (A-level only)
AS Level Biology Exam Structure
Paper 1
·Any content from topics 1–4, including relevant practical skills
·written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
·75 marks
·50% of AS
·Questions are split up into 65 marks: short answer questions and 10 marks: comprehension question
Paper 2
·Any content from topics 1–4, including relevant practical skills
·written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes
·75 marks
·50% of AS
·Questions are split up into 65 marks: short answer questions and 10 marks: comprehension question
A Level Biology Exam Structure
Paper 1
·Any content from topics 1–4, including relevant practical skills
·written exam: 2 hours
·91 marks
·35% of A-level
·Questions are made up of two sections, 76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions and 15 marks: extended response questions.
Paper 2
·Any content from topics 5–8, including relevant practical skills
·written exam: 2 hours
·91 marks
·35% of A-level
·Questions are made up of
·76 marks: a mixture of short and long answer questions
·15 marks: comprehension question
Paper 3
·Any content from topics 1–8, including relevant practical skills
·written exam: 2 hours
·78 marks
·30% of A-level
·Questions are comprised of 38 marks: structured questions, including practical techniques,15 marks: critical analysis of given experimental data, 25 marks: one essay from a choice of two titles.