AQA GCSE Biology topics: the full list by paper
TutorAura guide · Updated
AQA GCSE Biology (8461) has two papers, each 1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks and worth 50% of the GCSE, at Foundation or Higher tier. Paper 1 covers topics 1 to 4: cell biology, organisation, infection and response, and bioenergetics; Paper 2 covers topics 5 to 7: homeostasis and response; inheritance, variation and evolution; and ecology. Below is every topic in the specification, with the ones that are only for separate Biology or only for the Higher tier marked.
Key takeaways
- Paper 1: cell biology, organisation, infection and response, bioenergetics.
- Paper 2: homeostasis, inheritance and evolution, ecology.
- Some topics, like plant disease and food production, are separate biology only.
- Required practicals are examined in the written papers.
4.1 Cell biology
| Section | Topic | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 4.1.1 | Cell structure | |
| 4.1.2 | Cell division | |
| 4.1.3 | Transport in cells |
4.2 Organisation
| Section | Topic | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 4.2.1 | Principles of organisation | |
| 4.2.2 | Animal tissues, organs and organ systems | |
| 4.2.3 | Plant tissues, organs and systems |
4.3 Infection and response
| Section | Topic | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 4.3.1 | Communicable diseases | |
| 4.3.2 | Monoclonal antibodies | Separate science, Higher only |
| 4.3.3 | Plant disease | Separate science only |
4.4 Bioenergetics
| Section | Topic | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 4.4.1 | Photosynthesis | |
| 4.4.2 | Respiration |
4.5 Homeostasis and response
| Section | Topic | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 4.5.1 | Homeostasis | |
| 4.5.2 | The human nervous system | |
| 4.5.3 | Hormonal coordination in humans |
4.6 Inheritance, variation and evolution
| Section | Topic | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 4.6.1 | Reproduction | |
| 4.6.2 | Variation and evolution | |
| 4.6.3 | The development of understanding of genetics and evolution | |
| 4.6.4 | Classification of living organisms |
4.7 Ecology
| Section | Topic | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 4.7.1 | Adaptations, interdependence and competition | |
| 4.7.2 | Organisation of an ecosystem | |
| 4.7.3 | Biodiversity and the effect of human interaction on ecosystems | |
| 4.7.4 | Trophic levels in an ecosystem | Separate science only |
| 4.7.5 | Food production | Separate science only |
Combined Science
If you take AQA Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) rather than separate biology, you study the same topics except those marked "separate science only". Combined Science has six papers (two each for biology, chemistry and physics), each 1 hour 15 minutes and 70 marks, and is worth two GCSEs. See combined science vs triple science.
Revising the list
Biology rewards precise keywords and well-sequenced explanations. Use flashcards for definitions, practise six-mark answers, and revise processes like photosynthesis, respiration and cell division. See GCSE biology revision.
How the papers are structured
Both papers are 1 hour 45 minutes and 100 marks, at Foundation or Higher tier. Questions are a mix of multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response (longer answers, such as six-mark questions). Required practical activities are assessed in the written papers too, so learn each method, its variables and how to analyse the results.
Topic 4.6 (inheritance, variation and evolution) has a lot of new vocabulary; flashcards help. Topic 4.7 (ecology) often includes data and graph questions.
Frequently asked questions
Are there practical exams in GCSE Biology?
No separate practical exam. The required practicals are assessed through questions in the two written papers.
What is on AQA GCSE Biology Paper 1?
Cell biology, organisation, infection and response, and bioenergetics (topics 1 to 4).
What is on AQA GCSE Biology Paper 2?
Homeostasis and response; inheritance, variation and evolution; and ecology (topics 5 to 7).
How long are the AQA GCSE Biology papers?
Each is 1 hour 45 minutes and 100 marks, worth 50% of the GCSE.
Sources
Keep reading
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