AQA A-Level Biology exam papers and weighting (7402)
Guide overview All 8 topics Sample questions Papers and weighting Look inside Questions and answers
What each AQA A-Level Biology paper assesses
AQA A-Level Biology is sat as three written papers, with nothing optional. Topics 1 to 4 cover biological molecules, cells, exchange with the environment, and genetic information and variation; topics 5 to 8 cover energy transfers, how organisms respond to change, genetics and ecosystems, and the control of gene expression. Paper 1 examines the first four, paper 2 the second four, and paper 3 draws on all eight and adds an essay from a choice of two.
| Paper | Covers | Length | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Paper 1 Topics 1 to 4 |
Biological molecules, and cells Exchange of substances with the environment Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms |
2 hours | 91 marks | 35% of A level |
|
Paper 2 Topics 5 to 8 |
Energy transfers in and between organisms How organisms respond to internal and external change Genetics, populations and ecosystems, and the control of gene expression |
2 hours | 91 marks | 35% of A level |
|
Paper 3 Any content from topics 1 to 8 |
Structured questions, including practical techniques Critical analysis of given experimental data One essay from a choice of two titles |
2 hours | 78 marks | 30% of A level |
Every topic, and where it is examined
| Topic | Examined on | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Molecules | Paper 1, Paper 3 | 272 |
| Cells | Paper 1, Paper 3 | 313 |
| Organisms Exchange Substances with Their Environment | Paper 1, Paper 3 | 282 |
| Genetic Information, Variation and Relationships Between Organisms | Paper 1, Paper 3 | 219 |
| Energy Transfers in and Between Organisms | Paper 2, Paper 3 | 195 |
| Organisms Respond to Changes in Their Internal and External Environments | Paper 2, Paper 3 | 350 |
| Genetics, Populations, Evolution and Ecosystems | Paper 2, Paper 3 | 125 |
| The Control of Gene Expression | Paper 2, Paper 3 | 221 |
Assessment details from the AQA AS and A-level Biology, specification code 7402. AQA specification.
Every paper is covered, because the guide runs the whole specification.Get the guide, £8
AQA A-Level Biology Active Recall Guide
1,977 questions across every paper on the specification.