Edexcel AS Biology (A) SNAB specification (8BN0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel AS Biology (A) SNAB 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 Edexcel AS Biology (A) SNAB 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 Edexcel AS Biology (A) SNAB (8BN0) 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 Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Pearson Edexcel AS Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) aims to develop students’ understanding of biological concepts and their interrelationships. The course fosters deep appreciation of scientific methods, competence in practical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills, and enthusiasm for the subject. It encourages awareness of how science informs societal decisions and contributes to economic and social development. This qualification supports progression to higher education and scientific careers by emphasising rigorous content, practical application, and transferable skills development.Subject content breakdown
Topic 1: Lifestyle, Health and Risk
- Structure and function of the circulatory system and lifestyle factors affecting health.
- Water’s role as a solvent; structures of blood vessels; cardiac cycle.
- Atherosclerosis and blood clotting processes.
- Risk factors for cardiovascular disease and interpretation of health data.
- Structure and function of carbohydrates and lipids in energy storage.
- Analysis of cholesterol, lipoproteins, and health risk studies.
- Strategies to reduce cardiovascular risk.
- Core Practicals: Effect of caffeine on Daphnia, vitamin C content of food.
Topic 2: Genes and Health
- Gas exchange surfaces, membrane structure, and transport mechanisms.
- DNA, RNA structures, protein synthesis, and enzyme activity.
- Genetic inheritance patterns and cystic fibrosis implications.
- Genetic screening methods and associated ethical issues.
- Core Practicals: Membrane permeability, enzyme kinetics.
Topic 3: Voice of the Genome
- Cell structure, ultrastructure, and division (mitosis and meiosis).
- Gamete specialisation, fertilisation, gene linkage, and stem cell roles.
- Gene expression, cell differentiation, tissue organisation, and epigenetics.
- Interaction of genotype and environment in phenotype expression.
- Core Practical: Root tip squash for mitosis.
Topic 4: Biodiversity and Natural Resources
- Biodiversity concepts, adaptation, natural selection, and evolution.
- Measurement of biodiversity and Hardy-Weinberg principle.
- Classification systems, taxonomic groupings, and phylogeny.
- Plant cell structure, cellulose and starch, xylem and sclerenchyma properties.
- Drug development, bacterial growth, and antimicrobial properties.
- Conservation methods and sustainability of plant-derived products.
- Core Practicals: Plant anatomy, mineral deficiencies, tensile strength of fibres, antimicrobial properties of plants.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Lifestyle, Transport, Genes and Health
- 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks.
- Assesses Topics 1 and 2.
- Multiple-choice, short open, calculations, and extended writing.
- Includes maths skills and practical understanding questions.
- 50% of AS qualification.
Paper 2: Development, Plants and the Environment
- 1 hour 30 minutes, 80 marks.
- Assesses Topics 3 and 4.
- Same question types and skills focus as Paper 1.
- 50% of AS qualification.
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 (35–37%): Knowledge and understanding.
- AO2 (41–43%): Application in theory and practice.
AO3 (20–23%): Analysis, interpretation, and evaluation.
- Practical skills assessed within written papers based on nine core practicals.
- Minimum 10% of assessment targets mathematical skills at Level 2 or above.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel AS Biology (A) SNAB 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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