specification overview
AQA A-Level Biology (7402) is a two-year linear qualification covering eight topics from biological molecules to gene expression. Students complete 12 required practicals plus a separate Practical Endorsement, with all three papers sat at the end of year 13. Paper 3 features a 25-mark synoptic essay drawing content from across the whole specification.
subject content
1. Biological molecules
Paper 1- Monomers and polymers
- Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and enzymes
- Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and ATP
- Water and inorganic ions
2. Cells
Paper 1- Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure
- Methods of studying cells (microscopy techniques)
- Cell membranes and transport across membranes
- Cell recognition, the immune system and vaccination
3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment
Paper 1- Surface area to volume ratio and gas exchange
- Digestion and absorption in animals
- Mass transport in animals (heart, circulation, haemoglobin)
- Mass transport in plants (xylem, phloem, translocation)
4. Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms
Paper 1- DNA, genes and protein synthesis
- Meiosis and genetic diversity
- Natural selection and adaptation
- Classification, phylogeny and biodiversity
5. Energy transfers in and between organisms
Paper 2- Photosynthesis (light-dependent and light-independent reactions)
- Aerobic and anaerobic respiration
- Energy transfer through ecosystems and food chains
- Nutrient cycles (nitrogen and phosphorus)
6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
Paper 2- Nervous coordination (neurones, synapses, reflexes)
- Hormonal control and homeostasis
- Control of heart rate, blood glucose and water potential
- Muscle contraction and the sliding filament theory
7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
Paper 2- Inheritance patterns and genetic crosses
- Population genetics and the Hardy-Weinberg principle
- Speciation and evolution in populations
- Communities, ecosystems and succession
8. The control of gene expression
Paper 2- Mutations and their consequences
- Gene expression and stem cells
- Epigenetic control of gene expression
- Gene technology, sequencing and DNA fingerprinting
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Topics 1-4: biological molecules, cells, exchange of substances, and genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms | 2h | 91 | 35% | 76 marks of short and long structured questions, plus 15 marks of extended-response questions |
| Paper 2 | Topics 5-8: energy transfers, organism response, genetics/populations/evolution/ecosystems, and control of gene expression | 2h | 91 | 35% | 76 marks of short and long structured questions, plus 15 marks of comprehension |
| Paper 3 | Any content from Topics 1-8, plus practical skills and data analysis | 2h | 78 | 30% | 38 marks on practical techniques and data analysis, 15 marks of critical analysis of given experimental data, plus one 25-mark synoptic essay from a choice of two |
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures. | 30-35% |
| AO2 | Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures. | 40-45% |
| AO3 | Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues, to make judgements and reach conclusions and develop and refine practical design and procedures. | 25-30% |
required practicals
| Practical | What it involves |
|---|---|
| RP1 Rate of an enzyme-controlled reaction | Investigate the effect of a named variable on the rate of an enzyme-controlled reaction. |
| RP2 Mitosis in a root tip | Preparation of a stained squash of a root tip to observe mitosis. |
| RP3 Water potential | Production of a dilution series of a solute to produce a calibration curve, used to investigate water potential of plant tissue. |
| RP4 Membrane permeability | Investigation into the effect of a named variable on the permeability of cell-surface membranes. |
| RP5 Dissection of a gas exchange or mass transport system | Dissection of an animal or plant gas exchange or mass transport system. |
| RP6 Aseptic technique and antimicrobials | Use of aseptic techniques to investigate the effect of antimicrobial substances on microbial growth. |
| RP7 Chromatography of plant pigments | Use of chromatography to investigate the pigments isolated from leaves of different plants. |
| RP8 Dehydrogenase activity in chloroplasts | Investigation into the effect of a named factor on the rate of dehydrogenase activity in extracts of chloroplasts. |
| RP9 Rate of respiration | Investigation into the effect of a named variable on the rate of respiration of cultures of single-celled organisms. |
| RP10 Animal behaviour and choice | Investigation into the effect of an environmental variable on the movement of an animal. |
| RP11 Glucose colorimetry | Production of a dilution series of a glucose solution and use of colorimetric techniques to produce a calibration curve. |
| RP12 Species distribution fieldwork | Investigation into the effect of a named environmental factor on the distribution of a given species. |
key tips for success
Master the required practicals early
Twelve required practicals appear across all three papers plus feed into the Practical Endorsement. Learn the method, apparatus and expected results for each in class rather than cramming later.
Plan for the 25-mark synoptic essay
Paper 3's essay asks you to draw content from multiple topics under one theme. Practise past essay titles and build linked topic maps to spot synoptic connections.
Build maths fluency
Statistical tests (chi-squared, standard deviation, Student's t-test), Hardy-Weinberg, magnification calculations and Rf values all come up. Practise them cold so they're automatic in the exam.
Use past papers by paper number
Papers 1 and 2 are topic-locked; Paper 3 pulls from everywhere. Practise Paper 3 specifically as a distinct revision task rather than just working through Papers 1 and 2.
Understand rather than memorise
A-Level rewards conceptual links (how ATP powers muscle contraction, how DNA sequencing enables genetic engineering). Build the concept before drilling the recall.
Track your Practical Endorsement progress
Your teacher assesses your competence through the year. Check in periodically to make sure you're on track for a Pass, since some university science courses require it.
Where to next
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