A-Level Biology Curriculum

“A-level Biology” is not one single curriculum. It varies somewhat by exam board, especially between AQA, OCR, and Edexcel. However, all of them cover a very similar biological core.

What A-level Biology usually includes

Most A-level Biology courses include the following broad areas:

• Biological molecules — carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, enzymes, DNA and RNA
• Cells — cell structure, membranes, transport, microscopy, and cell division
• Exchange and transport — gas exchange, circulation, and plant transport systems
• Genetics and inheritance — genes, variation, inheritance, and gene expression
• Evolution and biodiversity — natural selection, classification, and ecosystems
• Energy transfer — photosynthesis and respiration
• Homeostasis and response — the nervous system, hormones, kidneys, and regulation
• Disease and immunity — pathogens, immune responses, prevention, and treatment
• Practical skills — experiments, data analysis, graphing, evaluation, and scientific method

This means the course is typically a mixture of molecular biology, physiology, ecology, genetics, and laboratory work.

AQA example

AQA lists these main content sections:

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
6. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments
7. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems
8. The control of gene expression

OCR A example

OCR A organizes the course into six modules:

1. Development of practical skills in biology
2. Foundations in biology
3. Exchange and transport
4. Biodiversity, evolution and disease
5. Communication, homeostasis and energy
6. Genetics, evolution and ecosystems

OCR also makes practical work explicit: practical skills are assessed in written exams and through a practical endorsement.

Edexcel Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) example

Edexcel SNAB uses these topic titles:

1. Lifestyle, Health and Risk
2. Genes and Health
3. Voice of the Genome
4. Biodiversity and Natural Resources
5. On the Wild Side
6. Immunity, Infection and Forensics
7. Run for your Life
8. Grey Matter

This specification tends to frame biology in more applied, real-world contexts. It includes three externally examined papers and a Science Practical Endorsement, and students are expected to complete 18 core practicals.

How it is usually assessed

Across boards, A-level Biology is typically assessed through:

• written exams
• data handling and interpretation
• extended-response questions
• required practical work or a practical endorsement

So the course is not just about memorising facts. Students are also expected to interpret graphs, explain experiments, and apply biological knowledge to unfamiliar problems.

Sources