Switching to AQA from OCR A
If you’re thinking of switching to AQA from OCR GCSE Biology A (J243) for
teaching from September 2016, this resource will provide a helpful comparison
of the subject content and assessment for each awarding body. It directly
compares the current OCR specification, with our new specification (8461) for
2016 onwards.
Comparison overview
The two specifications are quite different in terms of content and organisation.
AQA
Our specification contains more detail on culturing microorganisms, digestion,
heart treatments, leaf structure, monoclonal antibodies, fertility, modern cloning
techniques, the brain and eye, historical background on genetics, evolution and
classification systems, predator-prey cycles, decay processes and deforestation.
The content can be delivered in a variety of ways. Suggestions for learning
activities are given in the scheme of work. These provide many opportunities to
develop practical, working scientifically and mathematical skills.
There is flexibility to co-teach the Biology and Combined Science: Trilogy
courses.
OCR
The OCR specification is set out for three examination papers. In addition to the
coursework requirements, there are some suggested practical activities.
This specification contains more detail on the skeletal system and exercise,
conditioned reflexes, nitrogen cycle, indicator species and stability within
ecosystems.
Assessment
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Two externally assessed written
papers (1 hour 45 minutes).
Three externally assessed written
papers (1 hour) + controlled
assessment(s) to internally assess
practical skills.
'Fundamental biological concepts
and principles', listed at the
beginning of the subject content,
highlights knowledge that could be
used in either paper.
Eight required practicals should be
carried out by students and may be
examined in the written papers to
assess practical skills.
Content
Overview
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
The content is organised into seven The content is organised into seven
topics:
modules:


Topics 1-4: Cell biology,
Organisation, Infection and
response, Bioenergetics
(assessed in Paper 1).
Topics 5-7: Homeostasis
and response, Inheritance,
variation and evolution,
Ecology (assessed in Paper
2).



Modules B1 to B3: You and
your genes, Keeping healthy
and Life on Earth (assessed in
Paper 1).
Modules B4 to B6: The
processes of life, Growth and
development and Brain and
mind (assessed in Paper 2).
Module 7: Further biology
(assessed in Paper 3).
Practicals
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
The required practicals are clearly
listed, as are opportunities for
development of skills identified in
the right-hand column of the
Opportunities for practical work are
included at the beginning of each of
the seven modules.
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
specification. These should
encourage more practical work
which will motivate students and
encourage the transfer of skills
across the subject.
Working scientifically
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference: WS 1.1 to
WS 4.6
Specification reference: Ideas about
science
'Working scientifically' encompasses
all the activities that scientists do. It
is woven throughout the
specification and written papers.
There are cross-references to
relevant activities in the content.
The specification has interpreted the
principles of 'How science works' into
a series of 'Ideas about Science'.
Each module overview identifies
relevant issues. Including
opportunities for practical work,
mathematics and ICT.
Cell biology
4.1.1 Cell structure
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference: 4.1.1.1 to
4.1.1.6
Specification reference:



Plant cells: B4.2
Animal, bacterial and yeast
cells: B4.3
Specialised cells: B1.4 and
B5.1
Both specifications cover plant, animal and bacterial cell structure and cell
specialisation.
More detail on cell differentiation.
The functions of cell structures are
related to respiration and to
photosynthesis in plant cells.
Ribosomes are not mentioned.
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
A comparison of light and electron
microscopes.
Using a microscope to observe cells
and leaf structure is mentioned, but
there is no other reference to
microscopy.
Calculations involving
magnification, real size and image
size.
Comparison of eukaryotic and
prokaryotic cells.
Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells are
not mentioned.
Culturing microorganisms is
covered in more detail. Required
practical investigates the effect of
antiseptics or antibiotics on
bacterial growth.
A similar investigation is referred to
in relation to B2.2, antibiotics.
4.1.2 Cell division
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference: 4.1.2.1 to
4.1.2.3
Specification reference:



Chromosomes: B1.1
Stem cells: B1.4, B5.1, B5.3
and B7.5
Mitosis and the cell cycle:
B5.2
Both specifications cover chromosome structure, mitosis, the cell cycle and
stem cells. The risks, benefits and ethical issues have to be considered in
relation to the use of stem cells.
N/A
Up to the eight cell stage in a
human embryo the cells are
unspecialised stem cells.
Stem cells could be used to replace
damaged tissues and treat
leukaemia.
4.1.3 Transport in cells
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference: 4.1.3.1 to
4.1.3.3
Specification reference:


Diffusion and osmosis: B4.2
Active transport: B4.2 and
B4.3
Both specifications cover diffusion, osmosis and active transport.
Factors affecting the rate of
diffusion.
N/A
The need for specialised exchange
surfaces in multicellular organisms.
Factors affecting the effectiveness
of exchange surfaces.
There is a required practical to
investigate the effect of salt or
sugar solutions on plant tissue.
A similar investigation using potato
cells is included. There is also an
investigation of the rate of diffusion
in different media.
Active transport is linked to mineral
ion absorption, kidney function and
absorption of sugar from the gut.
Specification includes active
transport and nitrate uptake in
roots.
Organisation
4.2.1 Principles of organisation
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference: 4.2.1.1
Specification reference:
Organisation: B5.1
Organisation is present in both specifications, but the new AQA
specification includes definitions of cells, tissues and organs.
4.2.2 Animal tissues, organs and organ systems
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference: 4.2.2.1 to
4.2.2.7
Specification reference:

Enzymes: B4.1
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification

Heart and blood: B2.1, B2.3
and B7.2

Lifestyle: 2.3 and 7.3

Biomedical engineering: B7.5

Movement and exercise: B7.1
This section of the new AQA specification covers digestive system and
enzyme activity, the heart and circulatory system, non-communicable
diseases such as CHD, Type 2 diabetes, cancer and some lung and liver
diseases and their associated risk factors.
Both specifications cover properties of enzymes and an understanding of
the 'lock and key theory', including the investigation of enzyme activity.
Both specifications cover the structure and functions of the heart, blood
vessels and the blood. They include risk factors for heart disease and the
effect of lifestyle on health.
AQA specification assumes
knowledge of the digestive system
from KS3 and describes the action
of digestive enzymes, including the
role of bile.
The digestive system and digestion
are not covered.
There is a required practical to
investigate the effect of a factor on
the rate of an enzyme-controlled
reaction.
OCR specification suggests an
investigation into the effects of an
enzyme on biological processes.
The relationship between the heart
and lungs, the role of coronary
arteries.
Blood pressure is covered in detail.
This includes the effect of drug
misuse on the heart and blood
pressure.
There is much more focus on heart
The role of biomedical engineering in
disease and treatments including
pacemakers, stents, valves, artificial pacemakers and heart valves.
hearts, transplants and drugs.
The use of epidemiological and large
scale genetic studies to identify risk
factors.
The formation of tissue fluid and its
role in exchange of chemicals by
diffusion.
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Factors affecting mental health.
N/A
There is a section about cancers
and how they spread in the body.
N/A
Section B7.1 covers the skeletal
system: support of the body,
antagonistic muscle action and the
structure of joints.
Changes to the body during exercise
and BMI as a measure of fitness.
Common injuries caused by
excessive exercise and their
treatment.
4.2.3 Plant tissues, organs and systems
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference: 4.2.3.1 to
4.2.3.2
Specification reference: Xylem,
phloem and meristems: B5.1
Xylem and phloem as specialised tissues.
The role of meristems.
Leaf structure, including the names
and functions of tissues, is covered
in detail.
The only reference to plant tissues
and organs is in the suggested
practical to use a microscope to look
at the structure of leaves.
Structure of xylem and phloem is
covered in detail.
Xylem and phloem are only referred
to as examples of specialised tissues.
The term translocation.
OCR specification doesn’t refer to
root hair cells.
Factors affecting the rate of
transpiration and the role of
stomata and guard cells to control
gas exchange and water loss.
N/A
There are several investigations
and activities to develop skills in
transpiration.
Infection and response
4.3.1 Communicable diseases
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference: 4.3.1.1 to
4.3.1.9 and 4.6.3.7
Specification reference:



Infection and immunity: B2.1
Vaccinations and antibiotics:
B2.2
Drug testing: B2.2
Viruses, bacteria and fungi can cause infectious diseases.
Both specifications cover:



Immunity and vaccinations.
The use of antibiotics and the development of antibiotic resistant
organisms.
The testing of new drugs, including double-blind trials and
placebos.
A definition of pathogen and the
causes, transmission, symptoms
and prevention or treatment of
several viral, bacterial, fungal and
protist diseases of humans and
plants. These include:

measles

HIV

tobacco mosaic virus

salmonella

gonorrhoea

rose black spot

malaria.
Specific diseases or protists are not
included.
The cause of symptoms.
OCR specification considers
conditions affecting the population
growth of microorganisms.
Methods to reduce the spread of
diseases.
How the body defends itself against
the entry of pathogens.
The role of white blood cells in
N/A
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
defence against pathogens is
covered in more detail. It includes
antitoxins and phagocytosis.
Vaccinations, antibiotics and
painkillers.
Vaccinations and antibacterials,
including antibiotics.
Antibiotic resistance is covered in
detail in section 4.6.3.7. It includes
how resistant strains evolve and
how to reduce the rate at which
they develop.
The discovery of drugs from plants
and microorganisms as well as the
synthesis of new drugs.
The risks associated with drugs.
The work of Fleming.
N/A
4.3.2 Monoclonal antibodies
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference: 4.3.2.1 to
4.3.2.2
Specification reference: N/A
A definition, which includes the
purpose of monoclonal antibodies.
N/A
The production and uses of
monoclonal antibodies, as well as
the side effects.
Uses include pregnancy testing,
detection of chemicals and
pathogens, location of specific
chemicals and the treatment of
cancer.
N/A
4.3.3 Plant disease
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference: 4.3.3.1 to
4.3.3.2
Specification reference: Nitrates:
B4.2
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Both specifications cover the use of nitrates in plants to make proteins.
How plant diseases can be detected
and identified.
N/A
In addition to the diseases covered
in section 4.3.1, specification
includes aphids as a pest and
nitrate and magnesium ion
deficiencies.
Examples of physical and chemical
plant defence responses and
mechanical adaptations of plants.
N/A
Bioenergetics
4.4.1 Photosynthesis
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference: 4.4.1.1 to
4.4.1.3
Specification reference:

Photosynthesis: B4.2

Phytoplankton: B4.1
Both specifications cover the word and symbol equations for
photosynthesis, factors affecting and limiting the rate of photosynthesis,
and the interpretation of related data.
There is a required practical in the AQA specification about the effect of a
factor on the rate of photosynthesis. A similar investigation is suggested in
OCR specification.
The use of glucose produced by photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis is an endothermic
reaction.
N/A
Factors affecting the rate of
photosynthesis also include the
amount of chlorophyll.
How limiting factors affect the rate
of photosynthesis only refers to
temperature, carbon dioxide
concentration and light intensity.
Use of the inverse square law in
relation to light intensity (HT).
The economics of enhancing
Photosynthesis builds large food
molecules in plant cells and some
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
conditions in a greenhouse, while
maintaining a profit.
microorganisms (phytoplankton).
N/A
Within the module, fieldwork
techniques to investigate the effect
of light on plants include use of a
light meter, a quadrat, an
identification key and a transect.
4.4.2 Respiration
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference: 4.4.2.1 to
4.4.2.3
Specification reference:



Energy use: B4.1 and B4.3
Aerobic and anaerobic
respiration: B4.3
Exercise: B4.3 and B7.1
The use of energy in organisms.
Comparison of aerobic and anaerobic respiration. Specification covers word
and symbol equations for aerobic respiration, and the word equations for
anaerobic respiration in animals, plants and yeast.
Investigating the effect of exercise on the body.
The importance of fermentation is covered in relation to the production of
biogas and in bread and alcohol production.
Respiration is an exothermic
reaction.
N/A
Word and symbol equation for
anaerobic respiration in yeast and
plants.
The section on exercise also
includes reference to lactic acid
build up and breakdown of lactic
acid in the liver, oxygen debt and
muscle fatigue.
Anaerobic respiration in plants in
waterlogged soil and bacteria in
puncture wounds.
The effect of exercise on blood
pressure and recovery rate.
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
There is a summary section on
metabolism. Aspects of metabolism
are covered in more detail in topic
4.2.2.1, 4.4.1.3, 4.4.2.1, 4.5.3.3.
N/A
Biogas generators are covered in
section 4.7.2.3
Biogas as a useful product of
anaerobic respiration.
Homeostasis and response
4.5.1 Homeostasis
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference: 4.5.1.1
Specification reference: Homeostasis
and control systems: B2.4
Both specifications define the term homeostasis and refer to blood glucose
regulation, body temperature regulation and osmoregulation which are
covered in detail in glucose (4.5.3.2), temperature (4.5.2.4) and
osmoregulation (4.5.3.3).
Automatic control systems are described in terms of receptors,
coordination centres and effectors.
Nervous and chemical examples.
4.5.2 The human nervous system
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference: 4.5.2.1 to
4.5.2.4
Specification reference:





Detection of stimuli and
responses: B6.1
Nervous system, reflexes,
drugs and the brain: B6.2
Conditioned reflexes: B6.3
Learning, memory and
behaviour: B6.4
Thermoregulation: B7.3
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Both specifications cover the structure and functions of the nervous
system, including reflex arc, and include investigations into reaction time.
The basic structure and function of the brain, including the techniques
used by neuroscientists to map regions of the brain.
OCR specification covers thermoregulation in slightly more detail.
There is a required practical to
investigate the effect of a factor on
human reaction time.
Examples of simple reflexes,
including newborn reflexes.
There is more detail about the
structure of neurons, including the
terms axon and fatty sheath.
There is a section about the basic
structure of the brain, which
includes the functions of the
cerebral cortex, cerebellum and
medulla.
Specification only covers cerebral
cortex.
N/A
The effects of some toxins and
drugs, including Ecstasy, beta
blockers and Prozac on the
transmission of impulses across
synapses.
There is detailed content relating to
the structure of the eye. It covers
accommodation, the treatment of
eye defects and ray diagrams.
N/A
The thermoregulatory centre in the
brain.
There is reference to the
hypothalamus regulating body
temperature, and the effect of
exercise on sweating and body
temperature.
N/A
OCR specification covers conditioned
reflexes in detail.
N/A
There is a large section on how
humans develop complex behaviour,
including the process of learning,
memory and how to improve it and
the use and limitations of models
used to describe memory.
4.5.3 Hormonal coordination in humans
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference: 4.5.3.1 to
4.5.3.7
Specification reference:



Hormones: B6.1;
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes:
B7.3
Kidney function and ADH:
B2.4
Both specifications define hormone and cover control of blood glucose
levels, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes (their causes, treatments and risk
factors).
They also cover kidney function in relation to excretion of wastes and
osmoregulation and the negative feedback mechanism of ADH.
More detail on the position of
endocrine organs.
N/A
There is an overview of the role of
the lungs, skin and kidneys in
relation to the loss of water, ions
and urea. Formation of urea is
covered in detail.
The effect of alcohol and Ecstasy on
ADH secretion and urine production.
Description of treatments for
kidney failure should be evaluated.
The development of secondary
No content related to fertility.
sexual characteristics and hormonal
control of the menstrual cycle.
Hormonal and non-hormonal
methods of contraception and the
use of hormones in IVF treatment.
Content includes negative aspects
of fertility treatment.
The roles of adrenaline and
thyroxine as negative feedback
systems.
N/A
4.5.4 Plant hormones
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference: 4.5.4.1 and
4.5.4.2
Specification reference: Auxins and
phototropism: B5.1
Both specifications cover phototropism and have similar investigations.
AQA required practical investigates the effect of light on shoots.
Auxins and rooting powders.
Gravitropism (geotropism).
N/A
AQA specification covers the effects
of gibberellins and ethene in detail.
Other uses of hormones:


auxins are used as weed
killers, they promote growth
in tissue culture
gibberellins end seed
dormancy, they promote
flowering and increase fruit
size.
Inheritance, variation and evolution
4.6.1 Reproduction
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference: 4.6.1.1 to
4.6.1.8
Specification reference:





Mitosis, meiosis and
fertilisation: B5.1 and B5.2
Asexual reproduction: B1.4
DNA and protein synthesis:
B1.1 and B 5.3
Genetic inheritance and
inheritance of sex: B1.2
Inherited disorders: B1.3
Descriptions of mitosis and meiosis are covered in relation to gamete
formation, the restoration of the normal number of chromosomes at
fertilisation and formation of an embryo.
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Both specifications describe the structure of DNA in terms of base pairs
and how the sequence of bases codes for amino acids and proteins. The
functions of non-coding parts of DNA are covered.
Genetic inheritance is covered in a similar way, including the terminology
associated with genetic crosses. Both specifications require analysis and
calculations of outcomes of crosses.
Specifications consider inherited disorders, including the analysis of family
trees, and the use and implications of genetic screening.
Sex determination is covered in both specifications.
Sexual and asexual reproduction
are described and compared in
terms of their advantages. The
content includes some organisms
that can use both sexual and
asexual reproduction.
Asexual reproduction is only
mentioned in terms of clones.
Description of the structure of a
nucleotide, examples of the
functions of proteins.
Details of nucleotide structure,
transcription and translation are not
covered.
The function of ribosomes.
The function of mRNA.
In specialised cells, only the genes
needed by the cell are switched on,
but in stem cells any gene can be
switched on.
The importance of the human
genome in linking genes to
particular diseases, treatment of
inherited disorders and tracing
migration patterns.
There is no reference to the human
genome.
AQA specification covers polydactyly
and cystic fibrosis as examples of
inherited disorders.
OCR specification covers
Huntington's disease and cystic
fibrosis as examples of inherited
disorders.
There is more detail about the types
of genetic screening that can be
carried out and the implications of
its use by individuals, employers and
insurance companies.
4.6.2 Variation and evolution
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference: 4.6.2.1 to
4.6.2.5
Specification reference:




Variation: B1.1 and B3.2
Evolution, natural selection
and selective breeding: B3.2
Genetic modification and DNA
technology: B7.5
Cloning: B1.4 and B5.1
Genetic and environmental variation, including the effect of mutations.
Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection and selective breeding.
The process of genetic engineering (with examples).
A definition of clone.
The process of adult cell cloning and the risks and benefits of cloning.
N/A
Many characteristics are determined
by several genes working together,
eg eye colour.
AQA specification covers the
process of selective breeding with
examples and the problems of inbreeding in more detail.
The similarities and differences
between natural selection and
selective breeding.
Genetic engineering examples
include disease, pest and pesticide
resistance in plants, human insulin
production and research exploring
the use of genetic modification to
overcome some inherited diseases.
Golden rice is referred to in topic
4.7.5.4.
Genetic engineering examples
include herbicide resistant crops and
human insulin production.
OCR specification covers in detail the
use of DNA technology in genetic
testing.
The advantages and disadvantages
of the process.
AQA specification names and
describes examples of cloning in
plants (tissue culture, cuttings) and
animals (embryo transplants, adult
OCR specification describes but
doesn’t name adult cell cloning.
Cloning in plants is limited to bulbs,
runners and cuttings.
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
cell cloning).
Identical twins are natural clones.
There are links with section 4.1.2.3
Stem cells.
4.6.3 The development and understanding of genetics and evolution
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference: 4.6.3.1 to
4.6.3.7
Specification reference:


Darwin, natural selection and
Lamarck: B3.2
Extinction: B3.1 and B3.3
Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection and evidence for
evolution, including the fossil record.
Lamarck's theory.
The causes of extinction.
Much of the content of this section OCR specification refers to Darwin
relates to: Darwin, evolution
and Lamarck only.
(4.6.2.1 to 4.6.2.3), Mendel (4.6.1.6
to 4.6.1.8), resistant bacteria
(4.1.1.6 and 4.3.1.8). The focus
here is, however, on a historical
background.
The work of Darwin, Lamarck,
Wallace and Mendel.
Speciation.
There is no reference to speciation.
Evidence for evolution includes
genetic inheritance, the fossil
record and antibiotic resistant
bacteria.
Evidence for evolution includes the
fossil record and analysis of DNA.
How fossils can be formed.
N/A
The rate of extinction is increasing
and is likely to be due to human
activity.
The development of strains of
OCR specification refers only to the
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
bacteria resistant to antibiotics.
How we could reduce their rate of
development and why we do not
have antibiotics to treat them.
misuse of antibiotics.
4.6.4 Classification of living organisms
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference: 4.6.4.1
Specification reference:

Species: B3.1

Classification: B3.3
Organisms can be classified into groups based on their physical features
and DNA. Organisms are classified into smaller and smaller groups, from
kingdoms to species.
There is much more focus on why
and how new models of
classification have been developed
due to improvements in
microscopes and chemical analysis.
The Linnaean system classifies
organisms into: kingdom, phylum,
class, order, family, genus and
species.
OCR specification requires only the
taxa kingdom and species. The
definition of species is given in B3.1
Organisms are named by the
binomial system of genus and
species.
The three-domain system
developed by Woese.
How evolutionary trees are used to
show how organisms are related.
Classification helps to make sense of
the diversity of organisms and to
show evolutionary relationships.
Ecology
4.7.1 Adaptations, interdependence and competition
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference: 4.7.1.1 to
4.7.1.4
Specification reference:


Adaptations, interdependence
and competition: B3.1
Ecosystems: B7.4
How organisms are adapted to survive in their habitats and the
interdependence of organisms.
Competition for resources.
A wider range of terms related to
ecology.
Explain interdependence using food
webs.
The effect of changes in biotic and
abiotic factors on communities.
Structural, behavioural and
functional adaptations.
Extremophiles are adapted to
survive high temperature, pressure
or salt concentration.
Definition of stable community.
There is a large section about
ecosystems as closed loop systems.
Stable ecosystems include rain
forests. Vegetation in a rain forest
prevents soil erosion and extremes
of temperature, and promotes cloud
formation. Humans depend on
natural ecosystems for resources.
Human systems are not closed loop
systems because wastes are lost
from the system, eg non-recycled
wastes and emissions from
combustion. Some non-recycled
wastes can accumulate in food
chains.
4.7.2 Organisation of an ecosystem
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference: 4.7.2.1 to
4.7.2.4
Specification reference:



Energy transfer in food
chains and ecosystems: B3.1
Fieldwork: B4.2
Carbon and nitrogen cycles:
3.1
Feeding relationships, use of quadrats and the carbon cycle.
There is a required practical to
investigate the population size of a
common species in a habitat. The
practical mentions to use transect,
but it doesn’t specify other
techniques.
Measurement of environmental
factors.
Interpreting predator-prey cycles.
The carbon, water and decay cycles
are covered, but not the nitrogen
cycle.
OCR specification covers in detail the
carbon and nitrogen cycles.
Factors affecting decay. Anaerobic
decay to produce methane and the
use of biogas generators.
There is a required practical to
investigate the effect of a factor on
the rate of decay.
The role of microorganisms in the
carbon and nitrogen cycles.
Evaluating the effect of
environmental changes on the
distribution of species (links to:
4.7.3.1 to 4.7.3.6 and 4.7.5.1).
4.7.3 Biodiversity and the effect of human interaction on ecosystems
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference: 4.7.3.1 to
4.7.3.6
Specification reference:


Biodiversity: B3.3
Ecosystems and human
activities: B7.4
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification

Eutrophication: B7.4
The importance of maintaining biodiversity for future generations.
Sustainable development can be improved by reducing pollution and
conserving resources.
This section focuses mainly on the
effect of an increasing population
on waste management in order to
reduce pollution from a range of
sources.
Land use and maintaining peat
bogs and other habitats.
Deforestation and global warming,
including how they impact on
biodiversity.
Eutrophication.
Environmental change can be
measured using living and non-living
indicators.
Protecting ecosystems is covered in
detail.
Programmes to maintain
biodiversity.
4.7.4 Trophic levels in an ecosystem
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference: 4.7.4.1 to
4.7.4.3
Specification reference:


Terminology associated with food
chains.
The construction and interpretation
of pyramids of biomass, including
why biomass is lost at each trophic
level.
Energy transfers in food
chains: B3.1
Biomass in ecosystems: B7.4
Energy transfers between each
trophic level in a food chain and how
this limits the length of a food chain.
Calculation of the efficiency of
energy transfers.
The environmental impact of
removing biomass from systems for
human use, eg timber and fishing.
4.7.5 Food production
New AQA specification
Current OCR specification
Specification reference: 4.7.5.1 to
4.7.5.4
Specification reference:


Biodiversity and food crops:
B3.3
Unsustainability of
monoculture: B3.3

Effects of farming: B7.4

Biotechnology: B7.5
The impact of human population growth on global food security.
Sustainable methods of food production, such as fishing and agriculture.
The role of biotechnology in food production. The cultivation of
microorganisms for the production of biomolecules on a large scale.
Factors that have led to food
security threats in some countries.
The need to develop sustainable
methods of food production.
N/A
Modern farming techniques, such
as factory farming, fish grown in
cages and sustainable fishing by
controlling net sizes and fishing
quotas.
N/A
N/A
The features of microorganisms that
make them suitable for industrial
and genetic processes. Their use in
the production of antibiotics,
medicines, single-cell protein,
enzymes for food processing and for
commercial products such as
washing powders and biofuels.
GM crops are covered in more
detail in section 3.6.2.4
The use of GM crops and the
application of nanotechnology in the
food industry.
The use of land to grow plants for
biofuels is covered in the section on
Deforestation, 3.7.3.4