Specification - A-Levels Biology
OCR's A Level in Biology A
OCR's A Level in Biology A (H420) is designed with a content-led approach and provides a flexible way of teaching.
1c. What are the key features of this specification?
Our A Level in Biology A specification is designed with a content-led approach and provides a flexible way of teaching. The specification:
Key features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Updated OCR Biology A content | Retains and refreshes the popular topics from the legacy OCR Biology qualification (H421). |
| Teaching modules | Is laid out clearly in a series of teaching modules with additional guidance added where required to clarify assessment requirements. |
| Co-teachable structure | Is co-teachable with the AS level. |
| Practical requirements | Embeds practical requirements within the teaching modules. |
| Practical Endorsement | Identifies Practical Endorsement requirements and how these can be integrated into teaching of content. |
| Mathematical requirements | Exemplifies the mathematical requirements of the course. |
| Mathematical key requirements | Highlights opportunities for the introduction of key mathematical requirements and the additional guidance column for each module into your teaching. |
| How Science Works | Identifies, within the Additional guidance column, how the skills, knowledge and understanding of How Science Works (HSW) can be incorporated within teaching. |
2 The specification overview
Learners must complete all components (01, 02, 03 and 04) to be awarded the OCR A Level in Biology A.
All components include synoptic assessment.
2a. Overview of A Level in Biology A (H420)
| Content Overview | Assessment Overview |
|---|---|
| Content is split into six teaching modules: • Module 1 - Development of practical skills in biology • Module 2 - Foundations in biology • Module 3 - Exchange and transport • Module 4 - Biodiversity, evolution and disease • Module 5 - Communication, homeostasis and energy • Module 6 - Genetics, evolution and ecosystems Component 01 assesses content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5. Component 02 assesses content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6. Component 03 assesses content from all modules (1 to 6). | Biological processes (01) 100 marks 2 hour 15 minutes written paper 37% of total A level Biological diversity (02) 100 marks 2 hour 15 minutes written paper 37% of total A level Unified biology (03) 70 marks 1 hour 30 minutes written paper 26% of total A level Practical Endorsement in biology (04) (non exam assessment) Reported separately |
Assessment components
| Component | Content assessed | Marks and duration | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological processes (01) | Modules 1, 2, 3 and 5 | 100 marks; 2 hour 15 minutes written paper | 37% of total A level |
| Biological diversity (02) | Modules 1, 2, 4 and 6 | 100 marks; 2 hour 15 minutes written paper | 37% of total A level |
| Unified biology (03) | All modules (1 to 6) | 70 marks; 1 hour 30 minutes written paper | 26% of total A level |
| Practical Endorsement in biology (04) | Practical skills | Non exam assessment | Reported separately |