Please check the examination details below before entering your candidate information
Candidate surname Other names
Centre Number Candidate Number
Edexcel Level 3 GCE
Tuesday 16 June 2026
Mark Scheme (Results)
Morning (Time: 2 hours) Paper
reference 9BN0/03
Biology A (Salters Nuffield)
Summer 2026
Advanced
PAPER 3: General and Practical Applications in Biology
You must have: Total Marks
Ruler, HB pencil, scientific calculator and a copy of the scientific
article adapted from Biological Sciences Review (enclosed)
Instructions
•• Use black ink or ball-point pen.
Fill in the boxes at the top of this page with your name,
Edexcel Advanced Level in Biology A (Salters Nuffield)
centre number and candidate number.
•• Answer all questions.
Show all your working out in calculations and include units where appropriate.
9BN0/03
• Answer the questions in the spaces provided
– there may be more space than you need.
Information
•• The total mark for this paper is 100.
The marks for each question are shown in brackets
– use this as a guide as to how much time to spend on each question.
•• You may use a scientific calculator.
In questions marked with an asterisk (*), marks will be awarded for your ability to
structure your answer logically, showing how the points that you make are related
or follow on from each other where appropriate.
Advice
•• Read each question carefully before you start to answer it.
Try to answer every question.
• Check your answers if you have time at the end.
Turn over
P79060RA Education Ltd.
P:1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/
*P79060RA0136*
, Answer ALL questions.
Edexcel and BTEC Qualifications
Write your answers in the spaces provided.
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
1 The heart is an organ that pumps blood around the circulatory system. Edexcel and BTEC qualifications are awarded by the UK’s
largest awarding body. We provide a wide range of qualifications
(a) Heart muscle is myogenic.
including academic, vocational, occupational and specific
State what is meant by the term myogenic. programmes for employers. For further information visit our
(1) qualifications websites at or .
Alternatively, you can get in touch with us using the details on our
................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................................................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
contact us page at
................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................................................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(b) The heart contains structures called the bundle of His and Purkyne fibres.
Explain the role of the bundle of His and Purkyne fibres in the cardiac cycle.
(2)
helping people progress, everywhere
................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................................................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
aspires to be the world’s leading learning company. Our aim is to help
................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................................................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
everyone progress in their lives through education. We believe in every kind of
................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................................................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . learning, for all kinds of people, wherever they are in the world. We’ve been involved in
education for over 150 years, and by working across 70 countries, in 100 languages,
................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................................................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
we have built an international reputation for our commitment to high standards and
raising achievement through innovation in education. Find out more about how we
................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................................................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
can help you and your students at:
................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................................................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................................................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................................................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Summer 2026
Question Paper Log Number P79060RA
Publication Code 9BN0_03_2606_MS
All the material in this publication is
2
*P79060RA0236*
, An electrocardiogram (ECG) shows the electrical activity of the heart.
The trace shows a normal ECG. General Marking Guidance
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
• All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners must mark the first candidate in
+1 exactly the same way as they mark the last.
P wave T wave
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be rewarded for what they have
shown they can do rather than penalised for omissions.
Electrical activity
0 • Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not according to their perception of
/ mV
where the grade boundaries may lie.
• There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the mark scheme should be used
QRS complex
appropriately.
–1
• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be awarded. Examiners should always
0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0
Time / seconds award full marks if deserved, i.e. if the answer matches the mark scheme. Examiners should
also be prepared to award zero marks if the candidate’s response is not worthy of credit
(i) Calculate the heart rate shown in this ECG. according to the mark scheme.
(1) • Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide the principles by which marks
will be awarded and exemplification may be limited.
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the mark scheme to a candidate’s
response, the team leader must be consulted.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has replaced it with an alternative
response.
....................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bpm
(ii) State which part of this ECG represents ventricular systole.
(1)
................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................................................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
*P79060RA0336* Turn over
, Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
number
1(a) An answer that makes reference to one of the following: Expert
(iii) The diagram shows the ECG traces from two individuals each with a different
heart condition. • ability (of the heart muscle) to contract without ALLOW ‘stimulus’ (1)
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
external stimulation (1)
Individual A
• heart generates its own electrical impulses which
DO NOT ALLOW signal in place of
leads to contraction (1) stimulation or impulse
Individual B
The table shows the drugs that could be used to treat these individuals.
Drug Condition treated Description of condition
slow heart rate associated with
Atropine Bradycardia
heart failure
β-blocker Atrial fibrillation fast heart rate with no P waves
Complete the table to identify the drug used to treat each individual.
(1)
Individual Drug
A
B
(Total for Question 1 = 6 marks)
4
*P79060RA0436*
Candidate surname Other names
Centre Number Candidate Number
Edexcel Level 3 GCE
Tuesday 16 June 2026
Mark Scheme (Results)
Morning (Time: 2 hours) Paper
reference 9BN0/03
Biology A (Salters Nuffield)
Summer 2026
Advanced
PAPER 3: General and Practical Applications in Biology
You must have: Total Marks
Ruler, HB pencil, scientific calculator and a copy of the scientific
article adapted from Biological Sciences Review (enclosed)
Instructions
•• Use black ink or ball-point pen.
Fill in the boxes at the top of this page with your name,
Edexcel Advanced Level in Biology A (Salters Nuffield)
centre number and candidate number.
•• Answer all questions.
Show all your working out in calculations and include units where appropriate.
9BN0/03
• Answer the questions in the spaces provided
– there may be more space than you need.
Information
•• The total mark for this paper is 100.
The marks for each question are shown in brackets
– use this as a guide as to how much time to spend on each question.
•• You may use a scientific calculator.
In questions marked with an asterisk (*), marks will be awarded for your ability to
structure your answer logically, showing how the points that you make are related
or follow on from each other where appropriate.
Advice
•• Read each question carefully before you start to answer it.
Try to answer every question.
• Check your answers if you have time at the end.
Turn over
P79060RA Education Ltd.
P:1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/1/
*P79060RA0136*
, Answer ALL questions.
Edexcel and BTEC Qualifications
Write your answers in the spaces provided.
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
1 The heart is an organ that pumps blood around the circulatory system. Edexcel and BTEC qualifications are awarded by the UK’s
largest awarding body. We provide a wide range of qualifications
(a) Heart muscle is myogenic.
including academic, vocational, occupational and specific
State what is meant by the term myogenic. programmes for employers. For further information visit our
(1) qualifications websites at or .
Alternatively, you can get in touch with us using the details on our
................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................................................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
contact us page at
................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................................................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(b) The heart contains structures called the bundle of His and Purkyne fibres.
Explain the role of the bundle of His and Purkyne fibres in the cardiac cycle.
(2)
helping people progress, everywhere
................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................................................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
aspires to be the world’s leading learning company. Our aim is to help
................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................................................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
everyone progress in their lives through education. We believe in every kind of
................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................................................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . learning, for all kinds of people, wherever they are in the world. We’ve been involved in
education for over 150 years, and by working across 70 countries, in 100 languages,
................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................................................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
we have built an international reputation for our commitment to high standards and
raising achievement through innovation in education. Find out more about how we
................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................................................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
can help you and your students at:
................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................................................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................................................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................................................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Summer 2026
Question Paper Log Number P79060RA
Publication Code 9BN0_03_2606_MS
All the material in this publication is
2
*P79060RA0236*
, An electrocardiogram (ECG) shows the electrical activity of the heart.
The trace shows a normal ECG. General Marking Guidance
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
• All candidates must receive the same treatment. Examiners must mark the first candidate in
+1 exactly the same way as they mark the last.
P wave T wave
• Mark schemes should be applied positively. Candidates must be rewarded for what they have
shown they can do rather than penalised for omissions.
Electrical activity
0 • Examiners should mark according to the mark scheme not according to their perception of
/ mV
where the grade boundaries may lie.
• There is no ceiling on achievement. All marks on the mark scheme should be used
QRS complex
appropriately.
–1
• All the marks on the mark scheme are designed to be awarded. Examiners should always
0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0
Time / seconds award full marks if deserved, i.e. if the answer matches the mark scheme. Examiners should
also be prepared to award zero marks if the candidate’s response is not worthy of credit
(i) Calculate the heart rate shown in this ECG. according to the mark scheme.
(1) • Where some judgement is required, mark schemes will provide the principles by which marks
will be awarded and exemplification may be limited.
• When examiners are in doubt regarding the application of the mark scheme to a candidate’s
response, the team leader must be consulted.
• Crossed out work should be marked UNLESS the candidate has replaced it with an alternative
response.
....................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bpm
(ii) State which part of this ECG represents ventricular systole.
(1)
................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................................................................................................................................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3
*P79060RA0336* Turn over
, Question Answer Additional guidance Mark
number
1(a) An answer that makes reference to one of the following: Expert
(iii) The diagram shows the ECG traces from two individuals each with a different
heart condition. • ability (of the heart muscle) to contract without ALLOW ‘stimulus’ (1)
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA DO NOT WRITE IN THIS AREA
external stimulation (1)
Individual A
• heart generates its own electrical impulses which
DO NOT ALLOW signal in place of
leads to contraction (1) stimulation or impulse
Individual B
The table shows the drugs that could be used to treat these individuals.
Drug Condition treated Description of condition
slow heart rate associated with
Atropine Bradycardia
heart failure
β-blocker Atrial fibrillation fast heart rate with no P waves
Complete the table to identify the drug used to treat each individual.
(1)
Individual Drug
A
B
(Total for Question 1 = 6 marks)
4
*P79060RA0436*
