WJEC Eduqas A Level Biology specification (A400)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC Eduqas 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 Eduqas 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 Eduqas A Level Biology (A400) 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 Eduqas specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Eduqas A Level Biology course provides a wide and balanced foundation in biological principles, ranging from cellular structure and biochemistry to evolution and gene technologies. Learners explore topics with societal and environmental relevance, such as the ethical use of biotechnology, conservation, and health. Emphasis is placed on synoptic understanding, investigative skills, and the practical application of biology. Through integrated practicals and the development of scientific methods, students gain the skills and confidence necessary for university study and careers in biological and biomedical sciences:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Core Concepts
- Biological compounds and their functions
- Cell structure, membranes, enzymes, and nucleic acids
Component 1: Energy for Life
- ATP and chemiosmosis
- Photosynthesis and limiting factors
- Respiration (aerobic and anaerobic), including Krebs cycle
- Microbiology: classification, culturing, Gram stain
- Ecosystems: nutrient cycles, succession, human impact
Component 2: Continuity of Life
- Evolution, classification, and biodiversity
- Mitosis, meiosis, and the cell cycle
- Human and plant reproduction
- Genetics and inheritance (including epigenetics and Hardy-Weinberg)
- Evolutionary mechanisms and gene technologies
Component 3: Requirements for Life
- Gas exchange in animals and plants
- Transport in humans and plants (xylem, phloem, heart)
- Nutrition strategies: autotrophic and heterotrophic
- Homeostasis and excretion (kidney, hormones)
- Nervous system: structure, function, and neural transmission
Optional Topics (1 of 3)
- A. Immunology and Disease: pathogens, immune responses, vaccination, antibiotics
- B. Human Musculoskeletal Anatomy: bones, joints, muscles, diseases
- C. Neurobiology and Behaviour: brain structure, plasticity, types of behaviour, social evolution:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Component 1: Energy for Life
- Written exam: 2 hours, 100 marks
- 33⅓% of qualification
- Structured compulsory questions including Core Concepts
Component 2: Continuity of Life
- Written exam: 2 hours, 100 marks
- 33⅓% of qualification
- Structured compulsory questions including Core Concepts
Component 3: Requirements for Life
- Written exam: 2 hours, 100 marks
- 33⅓% of qualification
- Section A: Core content (80 marks)
- Section B: Optional topic from 1 of 3 (20 marks)
Practical Endorsement
- Reported separately; not graded
- Based on a minimum of 12 practicals assessed by the teacher
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 (30%): Knowledge and understanding
- AO2 (45%): Application in theoretical and practical contexts
- AO3 (25%): Analysis, interpretation and evaluation
Minimum Weightings
- Practical skills: ≥15%
- Mathematical skills: ≥10% across papers:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC Eduqas 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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