Basic Intro

📝 Exam Structure

• Linear assessment: All exams taken at the end of the course.
• Two papers (1h 30m each, 90 marks each):
  • Paper 1: Structured and open questions (covers all topics).
  • Paper 2: Structured and open questions (covers all topics).
• Assessment Objectives:
  • AO1: Knowledge & understanding (30%).
  • AO2: Application of knowledge (40%).
  • AO3: Data analysis & evaluation (20%).
  • AO4: Scientific procedures (10%).

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🌱 Key Topics & Concepts

1. Organisation

• Cell Structure:
  • Eukaryotic (animal/plant) vs. prokaryotic (bacteria) cells.
  • Specialised cells (e.g., root hair cells, red blood cells).
• Transport in Cells:
  • Diffusion, osmosis, active transport.
  • Adaptations of exchange surfaces (e.g., alveoli, villi).
• Organ Systems:
  • Digestive system (enzymes, bile, absorption).
  • Plant transport systems (xylem, phloem, transpiration).

Required Practical:
🔬 Investigate osmosis using partially permeable membranes.

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2. Bioenergetics

• Photosynthesis:
  • Equation: (6CO_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2).
  • Limiting factors (light, CO₂, temperature).
• Respiration:
  • Aerobic vs. anaerobic (lactic acid/ethanol production).
  • Role of mitochondria.
• Digestion:
  • Enzymes (amylase, protease, lipase).
  • Effect of pH and temperature on enzyme activity.

Required Practicals:
🔬 Investigate photosynthesis rate using light intensity/pH.
🔬 Test enzyme activity under varying conditions.

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3. Ecology

• Energy Transfer:
  • Pyramids of biomass (10% transfer rule).
  • Human impacts (deforestation, pollution).
• Carbon Cycle:
  • Roles of photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition.
• Adaptations:
  • Structural (e.g., cactus spines), behavioral (e.g., migration).

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4. Organisms & Environment

• Homeostasis:
  • Temperature regulation (vasodilation, sweating).
  • Blood glucose control (insulin, glucagon, diabetes).
• Nervous System:
  • Reflex arcs (sensory → relay → motor neurones).
  • Synapses and neurotransmitters.
• Infection & Immunity:
  • Pathogens (bacteria, viruses).
  • Vaccination, antibiotics, antibiotic resistance.

Required Practical:
🔬 Test antibiotic/disinfectant effectiveness on bacterial cultures.

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5. Inheritance & Variation

• DNA & Genes:
  • Structure (double helix, bases: A-T, C-G).
  • Protein synthesis (gene → amino acids).
• Genetic Crosses:
  • Punnett squares, dominant/recessive alleles.
  • Genetic disorders (e.g., cystic fibrosis).
• Evolution:
  • Natural selection (adaptation, speciation).
  • Evidence for common ancestry.

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6. Required Maths Skills

• Calculations: Percentages, ratios, means.
• Graphs: Plotting line/bar charts, interpreting trends.
• Units: Convert between units (e.g., mm → μm).
• Standard Form: Use for large/small numbers (e.g., (1.5 \times 10^3)).

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🧪 Practical Skills Checklist

1. Designing Experiments: Identify variables, controls, risks.
2. Data Analysis: Spot anomalies, calculate means.
3. Evaluations: Critique methods, suggest improvements.

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📚 Study Tips

• Active Recall: Use flashcards for key terms (e.g., osmosis, homeostasis).
• Past Papers: Practice interpreting data and graph questions.
• Diagrams: Label cell structures, heart chambers, and ecosystems.
• Mind Maps: Link topics (e.g., photosynthesis ↔ respiration).

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Good luck! 🌟

For resources and updates, visit OxfordAQA Biology (9201).