A level Biology Revision Courses
The main emphasis of A level Biology is on detailed subject understanding. Processes are not covered in depth at GCSE level, and the level of actual subject knowledge expected from students is rudimentary at best. The A level biology exam paper structure and expectations are based around a good grasp of the detail of biological processes. The students are usually asked to apply this subject knowledge to explain data from biological investigations and fieldwork. Most of the marks can be gained from recall of detail once the demands of the question have been interpreted. Missed marks normally stem from many possible sources:
- Misapplication of subject matter (answering questions on one topic using information from another)
- Lack of clarity in communication (student answers using colloquial terms or sloppy use of language fails to address the precise demands of the question)
- Repetition of the same point of subject knowledge simply using a different sentence (the multi mark questions usually require different points to be made for each mark to be gained)
- Insufficient detail (the molecular level explanation is the current default for Biology)
- Lack of data reference - when describing changes, students should always refer to data referred to in the question set, and describe the changes in a direct way (e.g. an increase of 55KPa) rather than a vague way (it will change...)
The sessions at A level should be structured in such a way as to cover core topics in sufficient detail. The students should have a textbook and many of the brighter students simply appreciate the opportunity to really get to know topics from the textbook independently in a distraction free atmosphere. Most of the other students expect reteaching as they have not understood topics at all or teacher absence has meant that the topic has not been covered. Occasionally, students require help with coursework, which in AS usually takes the form of formal experiment write up or case study/essay and at A2 usually takes the form of a write up for fieldwork undertaken at an outdoor field centre. The core topics for Biology are shared between most of the exam boards, with different distributions between the units. One exam syllabus, Edexcel SNAB, is case study based and contains unique topics (forensic investigation) but the others are more straight-forward.
AS level & A level Biology Revision
AS Biology Revision
Some topics may not be taught until A2 for some exam boards.
- Mitosis and Meiosis
- Cell Ultra-structure
- Membrane structure and transport across surfaces
- Transport systems in plants and animals
- Use of photometer to determine rate of water uptake by plants
- Biodiversity and classification
- Structure of Bio-molecules
- DNA replication, Protein synthesis and trafficking
- Mutation - causes and effects
- Sources of variation in plants and animals
- Cardiac cycle and exchange of substances at tissues
- Loading of Haemoglobin with oxygen
- Xerophytes - plant adaptations to conserve water
- Causes and impact of global warming on habitats, methods of conservation
- Hormonal control of reproduction
- Evolution and speciation
A2 Biology Revision
- Biochemistry of Respiration including RQ values and use of the respirometer to determine respiration rate
- Biochemistry of Photosynthesis including rate determination by photosynthometer and limiting factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis
- Homeostatic mechanisms including second messenger cell signalling pathway (OCR only)
- Control of blood sugar and osmoregulation
- Excretion including liver and kidney structure
- Genetics and inheritance including cellular control of division and death (OCR only)
- Nerves and nervous conduction including synaptic transmission
- Brain structure and types of behavioural response
- Ecological sampling techniques and investigation of biological habitats
- Succession
- Hormonal control of reproduction (some exam boards)
- Genetic engineering, profiling and PCR
- Photoreception in plants and animals
- Immunological defence and biology of medicine including vaccination
Possible revision session breakdown (2 hours)
- Subject detail via teaching or textbook (30-45 minutes)
- Past paper exercises (45 minutes)
- Essay/extended answer bullet point discussion task in groups (30 minutes)
Whether you are looking for AS biology revision or A level biology revision, Justin Craig Education can assist your learning increasing your chances of obtaining your ideal exam grades.
To book onto an A level or AS level biology revision course, simply complete our online booking form by clicking on the 'Book Online Now' button.
