OCR A-Level Biology A exam papers and weighting (H420)
Guide overview All 26 sections Sample questions Papers and weighting Look inside Questions and answers
What each OCR A-Level Biology A paper assesses
OCR A-Level Biology A (specification H420) is assessed by three written papers taken at the end of the two-year course. Biological Processes and Biological Diversity each run for 2 hours 15 minutes and carry 100 marks, and Unified Biology runs for 1 hour 30 minutes and carries 70 marks. The teaching content is arranged in six modules, which divide into the specification sections listed below, beginning with cell biology and ending with ecosystems. Practical work is also assessed through the Practical Endorsement, which is reported alongside the grade rather than counting towards it.
| Paper | Covers | Length | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Component 01 Biological Processes |
Module 1: Development of practical skills in biology Module 2: Foundations in biology Module 3: Exchange and transport Module 5: Communication, homeostasis and energy |
2 hours 15 minutes | 100 marks | 37% |
|
Component 02 Biological Diversity |
Module 1: Development of practical skills in biology Module 2: Foundations in biology Module 4: Biodiversity, evolution and disease Module 6: Genetics, evolution and ecosystems |
2 hours 15 minutes | 100 marks | 37% |
|
Component 03 Unified Biology |
All six modules | 1 hour 30 minutes | 70 marks | 26% |
|
Component 04 Practical Endorsement in Biology |
Practical activities carried out across the course | Non-exam assessment | Reported separately | Pass or Not Classified |
Every section, and where it is examined
| Section | Module | Examined on | Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cell Structure | Module 2: Foundations in biology | Component 01, Component 02, Component 03 | 68 |
| Biological Molecules | Module 2: Foundations in biology | Component 01, Component 02, Component 03 | 113 |
| Nucleotides and Nucleic Acids | Module 2: Foundations in biology | Component 01, Component 02, Component 03 | 58 |
| Enzymes | Module 2: Foundations in biology | Component 01, Component 02, Component 03 | 43 |
| Biological Membranes | Module 2: Foundations in biology | Component 01, Component 02, Component 03 | 60 |
| Cell Division, Cell Diversity and Cellular Organisation | Module 2: Foundations in biology | Component 01, Component 02, Component 03 | 80 |
| Exchange Surfaces | Module 3: Exchange and transport | Component 01, Component 03 | 64 |
| Transport in Animals | Module 3: Exchange and transport | Component 01, Component 03 | 103 |
| Transport in Plants | Module 3: Exchange and transport | Component 01, Component 03 | 56 |
| Communicable Diseases, Disease Prevention and the Immune System | Module 4: Biodiversity, evolution and disease | Component 02, Component 03 | 88 |
| Biodiversity | Module 4: Biodiversity, evolution and disease | Component 02, Component 03 | 70 |
| Classification and Evolution | Module 4: Biodiversity, evolution and disease | Component 02, Component 03 | 52 |
| Communication and Homeostasis | Module 5: Communication, homeostasis and energy | Component 01, Component 03 | 32 |
| Excretion as an Example of Homeostatic Control | Module 5: Communication, homeostasis and energy | Component 01, Component 03 | 110 |
| Neuronal Communication | Module 5: Communication, homeostasis and energy | Component 01, Component 03 | 56 |
| Hormonal Communication | Module 5: Communication, homeostasis and energy | Component 01, Component 03 | 47 |
| Plant and Animal Responses | Module 5: Communication, homeostasis and energy | Component 01, Component 03 | 80 |
| Photosynthesis | Module 5: Communication, homeostasis and energy | Component 01, Component 03 | 58 |
| Respiration | Module 5: Communication, homeostasis and energy | Component 01, Component 03 | 74 |
| Cellular Control | Module 6: Genetics, evolution and ecosystems | Component 02, Component 03 | 62 |
| Patterns of Inheritance | Module 6: Genetics, evolution and ecosystems | Component 02, Component 03 | 89 |
| Manipulating Genomes | Module 6: Genetics, evolution and ecosystems | Component 02, Component 03 | 42 |
| Cloning and Biotechnology | Module 6: Genetics, evolution and ecosystems | Component 02, Component 03 | 120 |
| Ecosystems | Module 6: Genetics, evolution and ecosystems | Component 02, Component 03 | 52 |
| Populations and Sustainability | Module 6: Genetics, evolution and ecosystems | Component 02, Component 03 | 52 |
| Practical Skills and Mathematical Requirements | Module 1: Development of practical skills in biology | Component 01, Component 02, Component 03 | 104 |
Assessment details from the OCR A Level Biology A, specification H420. OCR specification at a glance.
Every paper is covered, because the guide runs the whole specification.Get the guide, £8
OCR A-Level Biology A Active Recall Guide
1,833 questions across every paper on the specification.