If you’re studying AQA A-level Biology and starting to think seriously about exams, don’t panic! This guide breaks down how many papers there are, what each exam looks like and how to revise effectively so you can walk in feeling confident 💪
📑 How Many Papers Are There?
👉Paper 1
👉Paper 2
👉Paper 3
All three papers are sat at the end of Year 13 and all count equally towards your final grade.
📑 Paper 1 and Paper 2
⏰Duration of both papers: 1 hour 30 minutes
🏆Marks in both papers: 75 marks (each paper worth 50% of total grade)
📌Content: The AS course content is drawn from four key topic areas of the specification. You’ll be tested on any of these in both exams:
🧪 Topic 1: Biological Molecules
Monomers and polymers
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Proteins (structure, bonds, enzymes)
Enzyme action and factors affecting enzymes
DNA, RNA and ATP
Water and inorganic ions
🔬 Topic 2: Cells
Cell theory
Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
Cell ultrastructure
Microscopy (light and electron microscopes)
Cell membrane structure
Transport across membranes (diffusion, osmosis, active transport)
Cell recognition and the immune response (phagocytosis)
Cell cycle and mitosis
🌬️ Topic 3: Organisms Exchange Substances with Their Environment
Surface area to volume ratio
Gas exchange in single-celled organisms, insects, fish and mammals
Structure and function of the lungs
Digestion and absorption
Mass transport in plants (xylem and phloem)
Mass transport in animals (heart, blood vessels, blood)
🧬 Topic 4: Genetic Information, Variation and Relationships
DNA structure and replication
Protein synthesis (transcription and translation)
Mutations
Meiosis and genetic diversity
Genetic inheritance
Variation (genetic and environmental)
Classification and phylogeny
Biodiversity and adaptations
🔬 Practical Skills (Assessed in BOTH papers)
There is no separate practical exam, but practical knowledge is tested throughout both papers 🧠
You should be confident with:
Required practicals (aims, methods, variables, risks)
Data analysis (tables, graphs, calculations)
Drawing conclusions and evaluating experiments
Using correct units and scientific terminology
🧮 Maths in Biology
You’ll also be expected to apply maths skills (at least 10% of marks), including:
Calculations (rates, percentages, concentrations)
Graph plotting and interpretation
Using equations (e.g., for pH or enzyme kinetics)
❓Question Types: These are in BOTH papers.
✅Multiple-choice questions
Test key knowledge, definitions and simple application.
✍️Short answer questions
Definitions, descriptions, explanations and recall.
📊Data analysis and interpretation
Interpreting graphs, tables and trends, plus calculations.
🧪Practical-based questions
Required practicals, variables, methods, errors and evaluation.
🧮Maths and calculations
Percentages, rates, equations, graph skills and correct units.
✍️Longer answer questions
Explain processes clearly, link ideas and apply knowledge.
📑 Paper 1
⏰Duration: 2 hours
🏆Marks: 91 marks (35% if total grade)
📌Content: This paper covers topics 1-4 of the specification.
🧪 Topic 1: Biological Molecules
Monomers and polymers
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Proteins (structure, bonds, enzymes)
Enzyme action and factors affecting enzymes
DNA, RNA and ATP
Water and inorganic ions
🔬 Topic 2: Cells
Cell theory
Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
Cell ultrastructure
Microscopy (light and electron microscopes)
Cell membrane structure
Transport across membranes (diffusion, osmosis, active transport)
Cell recognition and the immune response (phagocytosis)
Cell cycle and mitosis
🌬️ Topic 3: Organisms Exchange Substances with Their Environment
Surface area to volume ratio
Gas exchange in single-celled organisms, insects, fish and mammals
Structure and function of the lungs
Digestion and absorption
Mass transport in plants (xylem and phloem)
Mass transport in animals (heart, blood vessels, blood)
🧬 Topic 4: Genetic Information, Variation and Relationships
DNA structure and replication
Protein synthesis (transcription and translation)
Mutations
Meiosis and genetic diversity
Genetic inheritance
Variation (genetic and environmental)
Classification and phylogeny
Biodiversity and adaptations
❓Question Types: In this paper, there is a focus on knowledge, application and data interpretation.
✅ Multiple choice questions
✍️ Short answer questions
🧠 Explain / Describe questions
📊 Data analysis questions: Interpreting graphs, tables and diagrams
📈 Calculations: e.g. percentages, rates, magnification
💡 Expect lots of questions where you must apply your knowledge to unfamiliar biological contexts.
📑 Paper 2
⏰Duration: 2 hours
🏆Marks: 91 marks (35% of total grade)
📌Content: This paper covers topics 5-8 of the specification.
🌱 Topic 5: Energy Transfers in and Between Organisms
Photosynthesis (light-dependent and light-independent reactions)
Limiting factors
Respiration (aerobic and anaerobic)
Energy flow through ecosystems
Nutrient Cycle
⚡ Topic 6: Organisms Respond to Changes in Their Environments
Nervous coordination
Structure of neurones and synapses
Muscle contraction
Hormonal communication
Homeostasis
Control of blood glucose
Receptors
Control of heart rate
🌍 Topic 7: Genetics, Populations, Evolution and Ecosystems
Inheritence
Populations
Evolution and speciation
Ecosystems and populations
Conservation of biodiversity
🧬 Topic 8: The Control of Gene Expression
Regulation of transcription and translation
Epigenetics
Gene mutations
Gene technologies (PCR, gel electrophoresis, sequencing)
Genetic engineering
Stem cells
Gene therapy
Genome projects
❓Question Types: these questions will demonstrate a deeper understanding.
✅ Multiple choice questions
✍️ Short and medium answer questions
🧠 Extended response questions
📊 Data and graph analysis
🧮 Mathematical questions - e.g. standard deviation, percentages, rate calculations
🧪 Practical-based questions - applying practical skills to new scenarios
💡 Paper 2 often tests processes and sequences, so clear explanations are key 🔑
📑 Paper 3
⏰Duration: 2 hours
🏆Marks: 78 marks (30% of total grade)
📌Content: This paper covers topics 1-8 from the specification.
What’s assessed:
Content from the entire specification
Required practicals and experimental techniques
Data analysis and interpretation
Graphs, calculations and experimental design
A 25-mark synoptic essay
🧠 This paper is about linking ideas across topics and applying biology in unfamiliar contexts.
❓Question Types: The focus is on practical skills, analysis and linking ideas across the entire course.
🧪 Practical-focused questions
Required practicals
Experimental design
Variables, controls, errors and improvements
📊 Data handling and interpretation
Large data sets
Unfamiliar experiments
📈 Graphs and calculations
🧠 Synoptic questions
Linking multiple topics together
✍️ 25-mark essay
Choice of titles
Requires breadth, depth and clear structure
💡 Paper 3 rewards students who can think like a biologist, not just recall facts.
✨Here are some top tips to make your revision more effective:
1. Learn the mark schemes✅
AQA are very specific about key terms.
Use past papers and mark schemes (the links are on this page!)
Highlight repeated phrases like “increase in concentration gradient” or “rate of diffusion”
🧠 Tip: Even correct biology won’t always score if it’s not worded clearly.
2. Revise practicals properly🧪
Practical skills are worth a significant number of marks!
Learn the aim, method, variables and risks of each required practical
Practise analysing graphs and tables
Be confident with units and calculations
3. Use active revision techniques🧩
Passive reading = limited results ❌
Try instead:
Flashcards for definitions and processes
Blurting (write everything you remember, then check)
Teaching a topic to someone else 👩🏫👨🏫
4. Practise under exam conditions⏱
Time yourself doing exam questions
Practise long-answer questions (especially 6-mark ones)
Review mistakes carefully – that’s where the learning happens!
5. Look after yourself😴
It sounds obvious, but it matters!
Sleep well 😴
Take breaks ☕
Eat and hydrate properly 💧
A calm brain remembers more than a stressed one.
🌱 Final thoughts
AQA Biology can feel content-heavy, but once you understand how the exams work, revision becomes much more manageable. Focus on exam technique, key terminology and practical skills, and you’ll put yourself in a great position for success 🎉
You’ve got this! 🧠
