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Version 1 1 © OCR 2020
,Specification overview
For more information please see the OCR A Level Biology specification.
Learners must complete all components (01,02, 03 and 04) to be awarded the OCR A Level in Biology A.
Content Overview Assessment Overview
● Biological processes
Content is split into six teaching modules:
(01)
● 100 marks 37%
● 2 hour 15 minutes of total A level
Module 1 – Development of practical skills in biology ● written paper
Module 2 – Foundations in biology ● Biological diversity
Module 3 – Exchange and transport
(02)
● 100 marks 37%
● 2 hour 15 minutes of total A level
Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution and disease ● written paper
● Unified biology
Module 5 – Communication, homeostasis and energy
Module 6 – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems
(03)
● 70 marks 26%
● 1 hour 30 minutes of total A level
● written paper
Component 01 assesses content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5.
Component 02 assesses content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6. ● Practical Endorsement Reported
in biology (04)
Component 03 assesses content from all modules (1 to 6). (non-exam assessment)
separately
(see section 5f of the specification)
Revision checklists
The tables below can be used as a revision checklist.
Version 1 2 © OCR 2020
,A checklist of the learning outcomes for this qualification and the content you need to cover and work on.
A comprehensive summary of the key concepts and topics in the OCR A-Level Biology specification, from Module 2- Module 6 covering AS and A2 content appropriately .
- The document is structured and focused around the specification, with the main goal of being accessible to all levels, whether it be Day 1 in Year 12 through to the month
before the exam.
- Contains detailed explanations, key terms, diagrams, and examples to reinforce learning and allow for quick reference.
- Use this alongside exam questions in order to facilitate effective revision and alongside practise questions for a deep understanding.
Version 1 3 © OCR 2020
,Module 1 Development of practical skills in biology
1. Planning
Learning outcomes
You will be required to show and apply knowledge and Comments
understanding of:
(a) experimental design, including to solve problems set
in a practical context
Including selection of suitable apparatus,
equipment and techniques for the proposed
experiment.
Learners should be able to apply scientific
knowledge based on the content of the
specification to the practical context.
(b) identification of variables that must be controlled,
where appropriate.
(c) evaluation that an experimental method is appropriate
to meet the expected outcomes.
Version 1 4 © OCR 2020
,Module 1 Development of practical skills in biology
2. Implementing
Learning outcomes
You will be required to show and apply knowledge and R A G Comments
understanding of:
(a) how to use a wide range of practical apparatus
and techniques correctly.
As outlined in the content of the specification
and the skills required for the Practical
Endorsement.
(b) appropriate units for measurements.
(c) presenting observations and data in an
appropriate format.
Version 1 5 © OCR 2020
,Module 1 Development of practical skills in biology
3. Analysis
Learning outcomes
You will be required to show and apply knowledge and R A G Comments
understanding of:
(a) processing, analysing and interpreting
qualitative and quantitative experimental results.
Including reaching valid conclusions, where
appropriate.
(b) use of appropriate mathematical skills for analysis
of quantitative data.
(c) appropriate use of significant figures.
(d) plotting and interpreting suitable graphs from
experimental results, including:
(i) selection and labelling of axes with appropriate
scales, quantities and units.
(ii) Measurement of gradients and intercepts.
Version 1 6 © OCR 2020
,Module 1 Development of practical skills in biology
4. Evaluation
Learning outcomes
You will be required to show and apply knowledge and R A G Comments
understanding of:
(a) how to evaluate results and draw conclusions.
(b) the identification of anomalies in experimental
measurements.
(c) the limitations in experimental procedures.
(d) precision and accuracy of measurements and
data, including margins of error, percentage errors and
uncertainties in apparatus.
(e) the refining of experimental design by suggestion
of improvements to the procedures and apparatus.
Version 1 7 © OCR 2020
,Module 1 Development of practical skills in biology
1.2.1 Practical skills
Learning outcomes
You will be required to show and apply knowledge and R A G Comments
understanding of:
Independent thinking
(a) apply investigative approaches and methods to
practical work.
Including how to solve problems in a practical
context.
Use and application of scientific methods and practices
(b) safely and correctly use a range of practical
equipment and materials.
Including identification of potential hazards.
Learners should understand how to
minimise the risks involved.
(c) follow written instructions.
(d) make and record observations/measurements.
Version 1 8 © OCR 2020
,Module 1 Development of practical skills in biology
1.2.1 Practical skills
Learning outcomes
You will be required to show and apply knowledge and R A G Comments
understanding of:
(e) keep appropriate records of experimental
activities.
(f) present information and data in a scientific way.
(g) use appropriate software and tools to process
data, carry out research and report findings.
Research and referencing
(h) use online and offline research skills including
websites, textbooks and other printed scientific
sources of information.
(i) correctly cite sources of information.
The Practical Skills Handbook provides
guidance on appropriate methods for citing
information.
Version 1 9 © OCR 2020
, Module 1 Development of practical skills in biology
1.2.1 Practical skills
Learning outcomes
You will be required to show and apply knowledge and R A G Comments
understanding of:
Instruments and equipment
(j) use a wide range of experimental and practical
instruments, equipment and techniques appropriate to
the knowledge and understanding including in the
specification.
Version 1 10 © OCR 2020
Version 1 1 © OCR 2020
,Specification overview
For more information please see the OCR A Level Biology specification.
Learners must complete all components (01,02, 03 and 04) to be awarded the OCR A Level in Biology A.
Content Overview Assessment Overview
● Biological processes
Content is split into six teaching modules:
(01)
● 100 marks 37%
● 2 hour 15 minutes of total A level
Module 1 – Development of practical skills in biology ● written paper
Module 2 – Foundations in biology ● Biological diversity
Module 3 – Exchange and transport
(02)
● 100 marks 37%
● 2 hour 15 minutes of total A level
Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution and disease ● written paper
● Unified biology
Module 5 – Communication, homeostasis and energy
Module 6 – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems
(03)
● 70 marks 26%
● 1 hour 30 minutes of total A level
● written paper
Component 01 assesses content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5.
Component 02 assesses content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6. ● Practical Endorsement Reported
in biology (04)
Component 03 assesses content from all modules (1 to 6). (non-exam assessment)
separately
(see section 5f of the specification)
Revision checklists
The tables below can be used as a revision checklist.
Version 1 2 © OCR 2020
,A checklist of the learning outcomes for this qualification and the content you need to cover and work on.
A comprehensive summary of the key concepts and topics in the OCR A-Level Biology specification, from Module 2- Module 6 covering AS and A2 content appropriately .
- The document is structured and focused around the specification, with the main goal of being accessible to all levels, whether it be Day 1 in Year 12 through to the month
before the exam.
- Contains detailed explanations, key terms, diagrams, and examples to reinforce learning and allow for quick reference.
- Use this alongside exam questions in order to facilitate effective revision and alongside practise questions for a deep understanding.
Version 1 3 © OCR 2020
,Module 1 Development of practical skills in biology
1. Planning
Learning outcomes
You will be required to show and apply knowledge and Comments
understanding of:
(a) experimental design, including to solve problems set
in a practical context
Including selection of suitable apparatus,
equipment and techniques for the proposed
experiment.
Learners should be able to apply scientific
knowledge based on the content of the
specification to the practical context.
(b) identification of variables that must be controlled,
where appropriate.
(c) evaluation that an experimental method is appropriate
to meet the expected outcomes.
Version 1 4 © OCR 2020
,Module 1 Development of practical skills in biology
2. Implementing
Learning outcomes
You will be required to show and apply knowledge and R A G Comments
understanding of:
(a) how to use a wide range of practical apparatus
and techniques correctly.
As outlined in the content of the specification
and the skills required for the Practical
Endorsement.
(b) appropriate units for measurements.
(c) presenting observations and data in an
appropriate format.
Version 1 5 © OCR 2020
,Module 1 Development of practical skills in biology
3. Analysis
Learning outcomes
You will be required to show and apply knowledge and R A G Comments
understanding of:
(a) processing, analysing and interpreting
qualitative and quantitative experimental results.
Including reaching valid conclusions, where
appropriate.
(b) use of appropriate mathematical skills for analysis
of quantitative data.
(c) appropriate use of significant figures.
(d) plotting and interpreting suitable graphs from
experimental results, including:
(i) selection and labelling of axes with appropriate
scales, quantities and units.
(ii) Measurement of gradients and intercepts.
Version 1 6 © OCR 2020
,Module 1 Development of practical skills in biology
4. Evaluation
Learning outcomes
You will be required to show and apply knowledge and R A G Comments
understanding of:
(a) how to evaluate results and draw conclusions.
(b) the identification of anomalies in experimental
measurements.
(c) the limitations in experimental procedures.
(d) precision and accuracy of measurements and
data, including margins of error, percentage errors and
uncertainties in apparatus.
(e) the refining of experimental design by suggestion
of improvements to the procedures and apparatus.
Version 1 7 © OCR 2020
,Module 1 Development of practical skills in biology
1.2.1 Practical skills
Learning outcomes
You will be required to show and apply knowledge and R A G Comments
understanding of:
Independent thinking
(a) apply investigative approaches and methods to
practical work.
Including how to solve problems in a practical
context.
Use and application of scientific methods and practices
(b) safely and correctly use a range of practical
equipment and materials.
Including identification of potential hazards.
Learners should understand how to
minimise the risks involved.
(c) follow written instructions.
(d) make and record observations/measurements.
Version 1 8 © OCR 2020
,Module 1 Development of practical skills in biology
1.2.1 Practical skills
Learning outcomes
You will be required to show and apply knowledge and R A G Comments
understanding of:
(e) keep appropriate records of experimental
activities.
(f) present information and data in a scientific way.
(g) use appropriate software and tools to process
data, carry out research and report findings.
Research and referencing
(h) use online and offline research skills including
websites, textbooks and other printed scientific
sources of information.
(i) correctly cite sources of information.
The Practical Skills Handbook provides
guidance on appropriate methods for citing
information.
Version 1 9 © OCR 2020
, Module 1 Development of practical skills in biology
1.2.1 Practical skills
Learning outcomes
You will be required to show and apply knowledge and R A G Comments
understanding of:
Instruments and equipment
(j) use a wide range of experimental and practical
instruments, equipment and techniques appropriate to
the knowledge and understanding including in the
specification.
Version 1 10 © OCR 2020
