WJEC A Level Biology specification (1400)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC 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 WJEC 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 WJEC A Level Biology (1400) 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 WJEC specification PDF.
Specification overview
The WJEC A Level Biology specification provides a broad, balanced and relevant course that enables learners to develop a deep understanding of fundamental biological concepts and scientific methods. It encourages learners to appreciate the relevance of biology to everyday life, society, and the environment, as well as to develop practical and investigative skills. The course supports progression to higher education in life sciences, biomedical science, or medicine. Emphasis is placed on scientific communication, analytical thinking, and understanding the ethical and technological impacts of biology on modern society:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
AS Unit 1: Basic Biochemistry and Cell Organisation
- Biological molecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids
- Cell structure and function: prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, organelles
- Membranes and transport, cell recognition, and immune response
AS Unit 2: Biodiversity and Physiology of Body Systems
- Classification and biodiversity
- Gas exchange systems, transport systems in animals and plants
- Nutrition and digestive systems, liver structure and function
A2 Unit 3: Energy, Homeostasis and the Environment
- Respiration and photosynthesis
- Ecosystems and energy transfer
- Population ecology and environmental monitoring
- Excretion, homeostasis, kidneys, hormonal regulation
A2 Unit 4: Variation, Inheritance and Options
- DNA, genes, chromosomes, protein synthesis
- Inheritance patterns, population genetics
- Evolution and speciation
- Application of reproduction and gene technologies
Practical skills
- Required practicals embedded within each unit
- Practical assessment is through written examination questions
- Understanding and application of experimental techniques, safety and accuracy
Mathematical skills
- Graphs and statistics, units and standard form, significant figures, percentages, ratios
- Included throughout the course and assessed within written papers
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Basic Biochemistry and Cell Organisation
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks
- 20% of AS qualification, 10% of full A level
Unit 2: Biodiversity and Physiology of Body Systems
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks
- 20% of AS qualification, 10% of full A level
Unit 3: Energy, Homeostasis and the Environment
- Written exam: 2 hours, 100 marks
- 25% of full A level
- Includes one essay (25 marks)
Unit 4: Variation, Inheritance and Options
- Written exam: 2 hours, 100 marks
- 25% of full A level
- Includes one option topic (e.g. immunology, neurobiology)
Unit 5: Practical Assessment
- Two practical-based tasks set and marked by the centre, externally moderated
- 10% of A level qualification
- Skills include planning, implementing, analysing and evaluating
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of biology
- AO2: Apply knowledge in familiar and unfamiliar contexts
- AO3: Analyse, interpret and evaluate data and evidence
- AO3 includes questions requiring extended responses and data interpretation
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC 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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