Introducing AQA A level biology

The certification for AQA A-level biology consists of three written examination papers plus an endorsement of practical competence.

The three papers are worth a total of 260 marks:

• Paper 1: 91 marks
• Paper 2: 91 marks
• Paper 3: 78 marks.

AQA Paper 1:

• Marks: 91
• Time: 2 hours
• Weighting: 35 of the total A level
• Content covered:
  • Any content from topics 1–4
  • Relevant practical skills

• 76 marks are a mixture of short and long answer questions.
• 15 marks are extended response questions.

AQA Paper 2:

• Marks: 91
• Time: 2 hours
• Weighting: 35 of the total A level
• Content covered:
  • Any content from topics 5–8
  • Relevant practical skills

• 76 marks are a mixture of short and long answer questions.
• 15 marks are a comprehension question.

AQA Paper 3:

• Marks: 78 marks
• Time: 2 hours
• Weighting: 30 of the total A level
• Content covered:
  • Any content
  • Any practical skills

• 38 marks of structured questions, including practical techniques.
• 15 marks of questions involving critical analysis of given experimental data.
• 25 marks for one essay question with a choice of two titles.

To gain practical endorsement with AQA, you must complete a series of required practicals.
You must demonstrate competence in:

1. Following written procedures correctly
2. Applying investigative approaches with instruments and equipment
3. Using practical equipment and materials safely
4. Making and recording accurate observations
5. Researching, referencing, and reporting findings

There is no grading in practical assessments – they are either passed or not classified.

Familiarity with the methods used in the required practicals is required within the written exam. It is worth reviewing the practicals you have completed and ensuring you understand the purpose of each step.

You may need to describe how to plan and complete a similar practical. You may also need to analyse or evaluate a practical described within a question.