How am I Assessed in the AQA GCSE Biology Exam?

The GCSE Biology AQA exam is part of the AQA GCSE Science suite, and it is structured into two main papers. These papers assess students' understanding of biological concepts, practical skills, and the ability to apply their knowledge to various scenarios. The exam covers topics from cell biology to ecosystems and human biology.

See:

How am I Assessed in AQA GCSE Chemistry?

How am I Assessed in AQA GCSE Physics?

How am I Assessed in AQA GCSE Combined Science?

The AQA GCSE Biology Exam

Paper 1: Topics 1–4

Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Marks: 100 marks
Weighting: 50% of the overall GCSE

Topics Covered:

1. Cell Biology:
• Structure and function of cells (including plant, animal, bacterial, and specialized cells).
• Cell division (mitosis and the cell cycle).
• Transport in cells (diffusion, osmosis, and active transport).
2. Organisation:
• Principles of organization in living organisms.
• The digestive system and enzymes.
• The human circulatory system, including the heart, blood, and blood vessels.
• Health issues related to the circulatory and digestive systems, including lifestyle impacts.
• Plant tissues and the structure and function of plant organs.
3. Infection and Response:
• Communicable diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists.
• The human immune system, including vaccination.
• Antibiotics, painkillers, and the development of new drugs.
• Plant diseases and defenses.
4. Bioenergetics:
• Photosynthesis, including factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis.
• Respiration (aerobic and anaerobic).
• The use of energy in living organisms.

Question Types:

• Multiple Choice: Testing basic knowledge and understanding.
• Short Answer: Requires concise responses, often involving key terminology and concepts.
• Structured Questions: May include interpreting data, completing diagrams, or explaining biological processes.
• Extended Response: Involves longer, detailed answers requiring analysis and explanation.

Paper 2: Topics 5–7

Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Marks: 100 marks
Weighting: 50% of the overall GCSE

Topics Covered:

5. Homeostasis and Response:
• The concept of homeostasis and its importance in maintaining stable internal conditions.
• The nervous system, including the structure and function of neurons and reflex actions.
• The endocrine system, including hormones, the control of blood glucose, and the menstrual cycle.
• Plant hormones and their roles in growth and development.
6. Inheritance, Variation, and Evolution:
• Asexual and sexual reproduction, including meiosis and mitosis.
• DNA structure and function, including genetic inheritance and the basics of genetics.
• Evolution by natural selection, selective breeding, and genetic engineering.
• The evidence for evolution and the impact of fossil records.
7. Ecology:
• Interactions in ecosystems, including food chains, food webs, and energy transfer.
• The carbon cycle, the water cycle, and the impact of human activity on ecosystems.
• Biodiversity, conservation efforts, and the effects of pollution.

Question Types:

• Multiple Choice: Focusing on quick recall and understanding of key facts.
• Short Answer: Involving specific questions on biological concepts and processes.
• Structured Questions: Requiring data interpretation, explanations, and application of knowledge to scenarios.
• Extended Response: Demanding a deeper analysis and synthesis of information across topics.

Required Skills:

• Knowledge and Understanding: Demonstrating a solid grasp of biological concepts, processes, and terminology.
• Application: Applying learned concepts to new or unfamiliar scenarios, including experimental contexts.
• Analysis and Interpretation: Interpreting data from graphs, tables, and diagrams, and drawing conclusions.
• Practical Skills: Understanding and applying principles from required practical’s, including methods, analysis, and evaluation of experiments.
• Maths Skills: Performing calculations, understanding proportions, and interpreting statistical data in biological contexts.

Practical Assessments:

• While there is no separate practical exam, the understanding of practical work is assessed through questions in both papers. These questions will be based on the required practical activities that students must complete during the course.

The GCSE Biology AQA exam is comprehensive, requiring students to demonstrate both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of a wide range of biological concepts.