Assessment - A-Levels Biology
Summary of table of assessment Overview
Students must complete all assessment in May/June in any single year.
Papers and Endorsement Overview
| Paper | Weighting | Assessment Details |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Advanced Biochemistry, Microbiology and Genetics Paper code: 9BI0/01 | 30% of the total qualification | • Questions draw on content from Topics 1–7. • Questions are broken down into a number of parts. • Availability: May/June • First assessment: 2017 • The assessment is 1 hour 45 minutes. • The assessment consists of 90 marks. |
| Paper 2: Advanced Physiology, Evolution and Ecology Paper code: 9BI0/02 | 30% of the total qualification | • Questions draw on content from Topics 1–4 and Topics 8–10. • Questions are broken down into a number of parts. • Availability: May/June • First assessment: 2017 • The assessment is 1 hour 45 minutes. • The assessment consists of 90 marks. |
| Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Biology Paper code: 9BI0/03 | 40% of the total qualification | • Questions draw on content from across all topics, Topics 1–10. • Questions are broken down into a number of parts. • The paper will include synoptic questions that may draw on two or more different topics. • Availability: May/June • First assessment: 2017 • The assessment is 2 hours 30 minutes. • The assessment consists of 120 marks. |
| Science Practical Endorsement** Paper code: 9BI0/04 | • Internally assessed and externally moderated by Pearson. • Availability: May/June • First assessment: 2017 • The practical endorsement is teacher assessed against the Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC). |
Assessment Objectives and weightings
Assessment Objectives Structure
| Students must: | % in GCE |
|---|---|
| AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures | 31–33 |
| AO2 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 | 41–43 |
| AO3 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 | 25–27 |
| Total | 100% |
Breakdown of Assessment Objectives
AO Breakdown by Paper
| Paper | AO1 | AO2 | AO3 | Total for all Assessment Objectives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Advanced Biochemistry, Microbiology and Genetics | 11–13% | 12–14% | 5–7% | 30% |
| Paper 2: Advanced Physiology, Evolution and Ecology | 11–13% | 12–14% | 5–7% | 30% |
| Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Biology | 8–10% | 16–18% | 13–15% | 40% |
| Total for this qualification | 31–33% | 41–43% | 25–27% | 100% |