Summary of Eduqas A-Level Biology Course

AssessmentCore ConceptsChemical elements & biological compoundsCell Structure & organisationCell membranes & transportBiological reactions & EnzymesNucleic acids & their functionsComponent 1 - Energy for LifeImportance of ATPPhotosynthesisRespirationMicrobiologyPopulation size & EcosystemsHuman impact on the environmentComponent 2 - Continuity of LifeClassification & BiodiversityThe cell cycle & cell divisionSexual reproduction in humansSexual reproduction in plantsInheritanceVariation & evolutionApplication of reproduction & geneticsComponent 3 - Requirements for LifeAdaptations for gas exchangeAdaptations for transportAdaptations for nutritionHomeostasis & the kidneyThe nervous systemOption A: Immunology & disease

Assessment ObjectivesExaminations test not only your subject knowledge, but also skills associated with how you use that knowledge. These skills are described in Assessment objectives, and examination questions are written to reflect them. Each component is equivalent to 33.3% of the total marks available. You must meet these Assessment Objectives in the context of the subject content, which is given in detail in the specification. Assessment objective AO1 - 10% marks of each componentDemonstrate knowledge and understanding in the context of the subject moment, which is given in detail in the specification.Assessment objective AO2 - 15% marks of each componentApply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures:a) in a theoretical contextb) in a practical contextc) when handling quantitative datad) when handling qualitative dataAssessment objective AO3 - 8.3% marks of each componentAnalyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence to:a) make judgements and reach conclusionsb) develop and refine practical design and proceduresMathematical skills assessed will contribute to 10% of the marks, at a minimum. Practical skills assessed will contribute to 15% of the marks, at a minimum. Examination questions will present information in novel situations. You are not expected to be familiar with these new scenarios, but you will be tested on how well you apply your own knowledge to them. It is essential to select and communicate information and ideas concisely and accurately, using appropriate scientific terminology. This skill will be tested within all three assessment objectives.

The Examinations The A Level qualification has three written examinations, described below. No more than 10% of marks in a single paper will test simple recall (AO1). Most of the marks are awarded for the skills developed in application of scientific ideas (AO2) and analysis, interpretation and evaluation (AO3), as explained previously. You are expected to be able to link different parts of the specification together: there will be a small number of marks in each paper that require you to refer to information or concepts from other parts of the specification. Component 1 - Energy for LifeShort and longer structured compulsory questions, some in a practical context; includes assessment of Core Concepts. Exam length is 2 hours100 MarksAccounts for 33.3% of total marksComponent 2 - Continuity of Life Short and longer structured compulsory question, some in a practical context; includes assessment of Core Concepts. Exam length is 2 hours100 MarksAccounts for 33.3% of total marksComponent 3 - Requirements for LifeSection A: Short and longer compulsory questions, some in a practical context; includes assessment of Core Concepts. 80 Marks Section B: Short and longer structured questions from a choice of 1 out of 3 options. 20 MarksOverall accounts for 33.3% of total marks