OCR A Level Biology specification (H420)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR A Level Biology exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official OCR A Level Biology specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official OCR A Level Biology (H420) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
The OCR A Level in Biology A aims to cultivate learners’ deep understanding of biological principles through a flexible, topic-based structure. Emphasis is placed on developing scientific thinking, practical competence, and mathematical application, alongside fostering curiosity about the biological world. The course encourages exploration of how scientific decisions are made, their societal impact, and the relevance of biology to the economy and medicine. It prepares students for further education and careers in the biological sciences by embedding practical skills and highlighting interconnections across sub-disciplines:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Module 1 – Development of practical skills in biology
- Planning, implementing, analysing, and evaluating experiments
- Use of apparatus, data handling, scientific drawing and software
- Practical Endorsement skills across 12+ practicals
Module 2 – Foundations in biology
- Cell structure and microscopy
- Biological molecules, enzymes, nucleic acids
- Membranes and cell transport
- Cell division and organisation
Module 3 – Exchange and transport
- Surface area to volume ratio
- Gas exchange in mammals, fish, insects
- Transport in animals (heart, blood) and plants (xylem, phloem)
Module 4 – Biodiversity, evolution and disease
- Pathogens and immunity
- Biodiversity and classification
- Evolution and natural selection
Module 5 – Communication, homeostasis and energy
- Nervous and endocrine systems, hormonal control
- Homeostasis (liver, kidney, blood glucose)
- Photosynthesis and respiration
Module 6 – Genetics, evolution and ecosystems
- Gene expression and regulation
- Inheritance and population genetics
- Manipulating genomes, biotechnology
- Ecosystems and sustainability:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Biological processes (H420/01)
- 2 hours 15 mins, 100 marks, 37% of A level
- Assesses Modules 1, 2, 3 and 5
- Section A: Multiple choice (15 marks)
- Section B: Structured, extended and data-based questions (85 marks)
Biological diversity (H420/02)
- 2 hours 15 mins, 100 marks, 37% of A level
- Assesses Modules 1, 2, 4 and 6
- Section A: Multiple choice (15 marks)
- Section B: Structured, extended and data-based questions (85 marks)
Unified biology (H420/03)
- 1 hour 30 mins, 70 marks, 26% of A level
- Assesses content across all six modules
- Includes synoptic and extended response questions
Practical Endorsement in biology (H420/04)
- Non-exam assessment, reported separately
- Based on 12+ assessed practical activities
- Centre-assessed and moderated for competency in CPAC skills
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding (31–34%)
- AO2: Apply knowledge in practical and theoretical contexts (40–43%)
- AO3: Analyse and evaluate information and data (25–28%):contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR A Level Biology isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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