A Level Biology OCR Past Papers
AS and A Level Biology A Past Papers (New from 2015)
OCR A-Level Past Papers June 2022
OCR A-Level Past Papers November 2021
OCR A-Level Past Papers November 2020
OCR A-Level Past Papers June 2019
OCR A-Level Past Papers June 2018
OCR A-Level Past Papers June 2017
OCR A-Level Past Papers June 2016
Sample Assessment Materials
AS and A Level Biology A Past Papers (Old Specification)
OCR A-Level Past Papers June 2016
OCR A-Level Past Papers June 2015
OCR A-Level Past Papers June 2014
OCR A-Level Past Papers June 2013
OCR A-Level Past Papers January 2013
AS and A Level Biology B Past Papers (New from 2015)
OCR A-Level Past Papers June 2022
OCR A-Level Past Papers November 2021
OCR A-Level Past Papers November 2020
OCR A-Level Past Papers June 2019
OCR A-Level Past Papers June 2018
OCR A-Level Past Papers June 2017
OCR A-Level Past Papers June 2016
Sample Assessment Materials
OCR A-Level Past Papers June 2012 (Old Specification)
OCR A-Level Past Papers January 2012 (Old Specification)
OCR A-Level Past Papers June 2011 (Old Specification)
OCR A-Level Past Papers January 2011 (Old Specification)
OCR A-Level Past Papers June 2010 (Old Specification)
OCR Biology – Spec at a glance
The OCR A level Biology specification is demanding with a wide breadth of content, data analysis and mathematical skills forming major parts of the course. The following outlines the topics and exam structure.
The OCR A level Biology course is made up of 6 modules:
1.Development of practical skills in biology
2.Foundations in biology
3.Exchange and transport
4.Biodiversity, evolution and disease
5.Communication, homeostasis and energy
6.Genetics, evolution and ecosystems
OCR A level Biology Exam Structure
Paper 1: Biological processes
- 100 marks
- 2 hours 15 mins
- 37% of the course
- Assesses content from modules 1, 2, 3 and 5
Paper 2: Biological diversity
- 100 marks
- 2 hours 15 mins
- 37% of the qualification
- Assesses content from modules 1, 2, 4 and 6
Paper 3: Unified biology
- 70 marks
- 1 hour 30 mins
- 26% of the qualification
- Assesses content from all modules (1 to 6)
Students must complete all practical components (01, 02, 03, and 04) to be awarded the OCR A Level in Biology A. These required practicals are then assessed in all three exam papers either directly or through application of knowledge.
Course content overview:
The 6 modules contain the following content:
Module 1: Development of practical skills in biology
- Practical skills assessed in a written examination
- Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement
Module 2: Foundations in biology
- Cell structure
- Biological molecules
- Nucleotides and nucleic acids
- Enzymes
- Biological membranes
- Cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation
Module 3: Exchange and transport
- Exchange surfaces
- Transport in animals
- Transport in plants
Module 4: Biodiversity, evolution and disease
- Communicable diseases, disease prevention and the immune system
- Biodiversity
- Classification and evolution
Module 5: Communication, homeostasis and energy
- Communication and homeostasis
- Excretion as an example of homeostatic control
- Neuronal communication
- Hormonal communication
- Plant and animal responses
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration
Module 6: Genetics, evolution and ecosystems
- Cellular control
- Patterns of inheritance
- Manipulating genomes
- Cloning and biotechnology
- Ecosystems
- Populations and sustainability
OCR Biology B Spec at a glance
The OCR A level Biology B specification is demanding with a wide breadth of content, data analysis and mathematical skills forming major parts of the course. Make sure that you have chosen the correct OCR specification as there are 2 specifications for OCR A level Biology. The following outlines the topics and exam structure.
The OCR A level Biology B course is made up of 5 modules:
- Development of practical skills in biology
- Cells, chemicals for life, transport and gas exchange
- Exchange and transport
- Energy, reproduction, and populations
- Genetics, control, and homeostasis
OCR A level Biology Exam Structure
Paper 1: Biological processes
- 110 marks
- 2 hours 15 mins
- 41% of the course
- Assesses content from modules 1-5.
Paper 2: Biological diversity
- 60 marks
- 1 hour 30 mins
- 22% of the qualification
- Assesses content from modules 1-5.
Paper 3: Unified biology
- 70 marks
- 1 hour 30 mins
- 26% of the qualification
- Assesses content from all modules 1-5.
Students must complete all practical components (01, 02, 03, and 04) to be awarded the OCR A Level in Biology B, advancing Biology. These required practicals are then assessed in all three exam papers either directly or through application of knowledge.
Course content overview:
The 5 modules contain the following content:
Module 1: Development of practical skills in biology
- Practical skills assessed in a written examination
- Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement
Module 2: Cells, chemicals for life, transport and gas exchange
- Cells and microscopy
- Water and its importance in plants and animals
- Proteins and enzymes
- Nucleic acids
- The heart and monitoring heart function
- Transport systems in mammals
- Gas exchange in mammals and plants
- Transport systems in plants
Module 3: Exchange and transport
- The developing cell: cell division and cell differentiation
- The developing individual: meiosis, growth, and development
- The development of species: evolution and classification
- Pathogenic microorganisms
- The immune system
- Controlling communicable diseases
- The cellular basis of cancer and its treatment
- Respiratory diseases and treatment
Module 4: Energy, reproduction, and populations
- Cellular respiration
- Metabolism and exercise
- Fertility and assisted reproduction
- The effects of ageing on the reproductive system
- Photosynthesis, food production, and management of the environment
- The impact of population increase
- Plant reproduction
Module 5: Genetics, control, and homeostasis
- Patterns of inheritance
- Population genetics and epigenetics
- Gene technologies
- The nervous system and the identification and consequences of damage
- Monitoring visual function
- The effect of ageing on the nervous system
- The principles and importance of homeostasis
- The hormonal control of blood glucose and the management of diabetes
- Kidney functions and malfunctions