SUBJECT: Biology
EXAMINATION BOARD: OCR 21st Century Science
CHECKLIST OF KEY TOPICS AND ISSUES FOR THE EXAMINATION
Pupils have already sat Unit 1 and 2 for this qualification although some pupils may be resitting one or
both of these units.
Unit 1 (A221) - Includes modules B1, B2, B3 (40 mins, 42 marks, 16.7% of final mark)
** Objective style questions, CALCULATOR REQUIRED **
B1 – You and Your Genes • What are genes and how do they affect the way that organisms develop?
Why can people look like their parents, brothers and sisters but not be identical to them? How can and
should genetic information be used? How can we use our knowledge of genes to prevent disease? What
are stem cells, and why could they be useful in treating some diseases?
B2 – Keeping Healthy • How do our bodies resist infection? What are vaccines and how do they work?
What are antibiotics, and why can they become less effective? How are new drugs developed and
tested? What factors increase the risk of heart disease?
B3 – Life on Earth • How did life on Earth begin and evolve? How have scientists developed
explanations of evolution? How did humans evolve? How are our nervous systems organised? Why do
some species become extinct, and does it matter? What is the importance of biodiversity?
Unit 2 (A222) - Includes modules B4, B5, B6 (40 mins, 42 marks, 16.7% of final mark)
** Objective style questions, CALCULATOR REQUIRED **
B4 – Homeostasis • What is homeostasis? Why is homeostasis important for a cell? How is our body
temperature kept constant? How does the body control water balance?
B5 – Growth and Development • How does an organism produce new cells? How do genes control
growth and development within the cell? How do new organisms develop from a single cell?
B6 – Brain and mind • How do organisms respond to changes in their environment? How is information
passed through the nervous system? What are reflex actions? How do humans develop more complex
behaviour? What do we know about the way in which the brain co-ordinates our senses? How do drugs
affect our nervous system?
Unit 3 (A223) - Includes module B7 (42 marks) and an ‘Ideas in context’ section with pre release material
(13 marks). Initial preparation for ‘Ideas in context’ section will take place in lesson time. This could draw
on subject content from Unit 1 or 2. (60 mins, 55 marks, 33.3% of final mark)
** Short answer and open response style questions, CALCULATOR REQUIRED**
B7 – Further Biology
• Living organisms are interdependent
• Photosynthesis
• Heterotrophic nutrition
• New technologies
• Respiration
• Circulation
• The skeletal system
RECOMMENDED REVISION GUIDE
Oxford Twenty First Century Science – GCSE Biology. This includes revision material, quick tests and
examination style questions. This should be used in conjunction with module work books provided in
class. Revision guide available in school – cost £3.50
Intervention Revision Year 11 Subject based Top Tips
Intervention Revision Year 11 Subject based Top Tips