Command words matter in Biology. We know the difference between describe and explain. We check for causal links in explain answers. Level of response marking for 6-mark questions. Specific scientific terminology checked.
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Complete specification map
Everything you learn in Biology
Accredited headings from spec 8461 (AQA), mapped topic-by-topic. Track progress topic-by-topic when you join Examevo.
7spec units
63topics mapped
5exam boards
Intro · 22Standard · 20Advanced · 21
01
Cell Biology
4 topics in this unit
1Cell structureIntro
Cell structure — structures, functions and specialised cells
Microscopy and observation techniques for Cell structure
Explaining Cell structure using correct biological terminology (AO2)
Interpreting data, graphs and magnifications on Cell structure
Required practical skills linked to Cell structure
2Cell divisionIntro
Cell division — structures, functions and specialised cells
Microscopy and observation techniques for Cell division
Explaining Cell division using correct biological terminology (AO2)
Interpreting data, graphs and magnifications on Cell division
Required practical skills linked to Cell division
3Transport in cellsIntro
Transport in cells — structures, functions and specialised cells
Microscopy and observation techniques for Transport in cells
Explaining Transport in cells using correct biological terminology (AO2)
Interpreting data, graphs and magnifications on Transport in cells
Required practical skills linked to Transport in cells
4MicroscopyIntro
Microscopy — structures, functions and specialised cells
Microscopy and observation techniques for Microscopy
Explaining Microscopy using correct biological terminology (AO2)
Interpreting data, graphs and magnifications on Microscopy
Required practical skills linked to Microscopy
02
Organisation
10 topics in this unit
1Principles of organisationIntro
Principles of organisation — organisation from cells to organ systems
Structure–function relationships in Principles of organisation
Explaining processes involving Principles of organisation step by step
Linking Principles of organisation to health, disease or plant transport
Exam questions: describe, explain and compare Principles of organisation
2Animal tissues and organsIntro
Animal tissues and organs — organisation from cells to organ systems
Structure–function relationships in Animal tissues and organs
Explaining processes involving Animal tissues and organs step by step
Linking Animal tissues and organs to health, disease or plant transport
Exam questions: describe, explain and compare Animal tissues and organs
3The digestive systemIntro
The digestive system — organisation from cells to organ systems
Structure–function relationships in The digestive system
Explaining processes involving The digestive system step by step
Linking The digestive system to health, disease or plant transport
Exam questions: describe, explain and compare The digestive system
4The heart and blood vesselsIntro
The heart and blood vessels — organisation from cells to organ systems
Structure–function relationships in The heart and blood vessels
Explaining processes involving The heart and blood vessels step by step
Linking The heart and blood vessels to health, disease or plant transport
Exam questions: describe, explain and compare The heart and blood vessels
5BloodIntro
Blood — organisation from cells to organ systems
Structure–function relationships in Blood
Explaining processes involving Blood step by step
Linking Blood to health, disease or plant transport
Exam questions: describe, explain and compare Blood
6Coronary heart diseaseIntro
Coronary heart disease — organisation from cells to organ systems
Structure–function relationships in Coronary heart disease
Explaining processes involving Coronary heart disease step by step
Linking Coronary heart disease to health, disease or plant transport
Exam questions: describe, explain and compare Coronary heart disease
7Health issuesIntro
Health issues — organisation from cells to organ systems
Structure–function relationships in Health issues
Explaining processes involving Health issues step by step
Linking Health issues to health, disease or plant transport
Exam questions: describe, explain and compare Health issues
8CancerIntro
Cancer — organisation from cells to organ systems
Structure–function relationships in Cancer
Explaining processes involving Cancer step by step
Linking Cancer to health, disease or plant transport
Exam questions: describe, explain and compare Cancer
9Plant tissues and organsIntro
Plant tissues and organs — organisation from cells to organ systems
Structure–function relationships in Plant tissues and organs
Explaining processes involving Plant tissues and organs step by step
Linking Plant tissues and organs to health, disease or plant transport
Exam questions: describe, explain and compare Plant tissues and organs
10Transpiration and translocationIntro
Transpiration and translocation — organisation from cells to organ systems
Structure–function relationships in Transpiration and translocation
Explaining processes involving Transpiration and translocation step by step
Linking Transpiration and translocation to health, disease or plant transport
Exam questions: describe, explain and compare Transpiration and translocation
03
Infection and Response
9 topics in this unit
1Communicable diseasesIntro
Communicable diseases — pathogens, transmission and defences
How the body responds to Communicable diseases
Preventing and treating infections related to Communicable diseases
Evaluating vaccination, drugs and medical research on Communicable diseases
Data and case studies involving Communicable diseases
2Viral diseasesIntro
Viral diseases — pathogens, transmission and defences
How the body responds to Viral diseases
Preventing and treating infections related to Viral diseases
Evaluating vaccination, drugs and medical research on Viral diseases
Data and case studies involving Viral diseases
3Bacterial diseasesIntro
Bacterial diseases — pathogens, transmission and defences
How the body responds to Bacterial diseases
Preventing and treating infections related to Bacterial diseases
Evaluating vaccination, drugs and medical research on Bacterial diseases
Data and case studies involving Bacterial diseases
4Fungal and protist diseasesIntro
Fungal and protist diseases — pathogens, transmission and defences
How the body responds to Fungal and protist diseases
Preventing and treating infections related to Fungal and protist diseases
Evaluating vaccination, drugs and medical research on Fungal and protist diseases
Data and case studies involving Fungal and protist diseases
5Human defence systemsIntro
Human defence systems — pathogens, transmission and defences
How the body responds to Human defence systems
Preventing and treating infections related to Human defence systems
Evaluating vaccination, drugs and medical research on Human defence systems
Data and case studies involving Human defence systems
6VaccinationIntro
Vaccination — pathogens, transmission and defences
How the body responds to Vaccination
Preventing and treating infections related to Vaccination
Evaluating vaccination, drugs and medical research on Vaccination
Data and case studies involving Vaccination
7Antibiotics and painkillersIntro
Antibiotics and painkillers — pathogens, transmission and defences
How the body responds to Antibiotics and painkillers
Preventing and treating infections related to Antibiotics and painkillers
Evaluating vaccination, drugs and medical research on Antibiotics and painkillers
Data and case studies involving Antibiotics and painkillers
8Discovery of drugsIntro
Discovery of drugs — pathogens, transmission and defences
How the body responds to Discovery of drugs
Preventing and treating infections related to Discovery of drugs
Evaluating vaccination, drugs and medical research on Discovery of drugs
Data and case studies involving Discovery of drugs
9Developing drugsStandard
Developing drugs — pathogens, transmission and defences
How the body responds to Developing drugs
Preventing and treating infections related to Developing drugs
Evaluating vaccination, drugs and medical research on Developing drugs
Data and case studies involving Developing drugs
04
Bioenergetics
6 topics in this unit
1PhotosynthesisStandard
Photosynthesis — inputs, outputs and balanced equations
Factors affecting the rate of Photosynthesis
Explaining Photosynthesis at molecular and organism level
Linking Photosynthesis to exercise and metabolism
Required practical and graph skills for Photosynthesis
2Factors affecting photosynthesisStandard
Factors affecting photosynthesis — inputs, outputs and balanced equations
Factors affecting the rate of Factors affecting photosynthesis
Explaining Factors affecting photosynthesis at molecular and organism level
Linking Factors affecting photosynthesis to exercise and metabolism
Required practical and graph skills for Factors affecting photosynthesis
3Uses of glucoseStandard
Uses of glucose — inputs, outputs and balanced equations
Factors affecting the rate of Uses of glucose
Explaining Uses of glucose at molecular and organism level
Linking Uses of glucose to exercise and metabolism
Required practical and graph skills for Uses of glucose
4Aerobic respirationStandard
Aerobic respiration — inputs, outputs and balanced equations
Factors affecting the rate of Aerobic respiration
Explaining Aerobic respiration at molecular and organism level
Linking Aerobic respiration to exercise and metabolism
Required practical and graph skills for Aerobic respiration
5Anaerobic respirationStandard
Anaerobic respiration — inputs, outputs and balanced equations
Factors affecting the rate of Anaerobic respiration
Explaining Anaerobic respiration at molecular and organism level
Linking Anaerobic respiration to exercise and metabolism
Required practical and graph skills for Anaerobic respiration
6Response to exerciseStandard
Response to exercise — inputs, outputs and balanced equations
Factors affecting the rate of Response to exercise
Explaining Response to exercise at molecular and organism level
Linking Response to exercise to exercise and metabolism
Required practical and graph skills for Response to exercise
05
Homeostasis and Response
12 topics in this unit
1HomeostasisStandard
Homeostasis — receptors, coordinators and effectors
Negative feedback and control of Homeostasis
Explaining Homeostasis with named examples
Linking Homeostasis to hormones, nerves or reproduction
Evaluating treatments and lifestyle factors for Homeostasis
2The nervous systemStandard
The nervous system — receptors, coordinators and effectors
Negative feedback and control of The nervous system
Explaining The nervous system with named examples
Linking The nervous system to hormones, nerves or reproduction
Evaluating treatments and lifestyle factors for The nervous system
3Synapses and reflexesStandard
Synapses and reflexes — receptors, coordinators and effectors
Negative feedback and control of Synapses and reflexes
Explaining Synapses and reflexes with named examples
Linking Synapses and reflexes to hormones, nerves or reproduction
Evaluating treatments and lifestyle factors for Synapses and reflexes
4The brainStandard
The brain — receptors, coordinators and effectors
Negative feedback and control of The brain
Explaining The brain with named examples
Linking The brain to hormones, nerves or reproduction
Evaluating treatments and lifestyle factors for The brain
5The eyeStandard
The eye — receptors, coordinators and effectors
Negative feedback and control of The eye
Explaining The eye with named examples
Linking The eye to hormones, nerves or reproduction
Evaluating treatments and lifestyle factors for The eye
6ThermoregulationStandard
Thermoregulation — receptors, coordinators and effectors
Negative feedback and control of Thermoregulation
Explaining Thermoregulation with named examples
Linking Thermoregulation to hormones, nerves or reproduction
Evaluating treatments and lifestyle factors for Thermoregulation
7The endocrine systemStandard
The endocrine system — receptors, coordinators and effectors
Negative feedback and control of The endocrine system
Explaining The endocrine system with named examples
Linking The endocrine system to hormones, nerves or reproduction
Evaluating treatments and lifestyle factors for The endocrine system
8Blood glucose regulationStandard
Blood glucose regulation — receptors, coordinators and effectors
Negative feedback and control of Blood glucose regulation
Explaining Blood glucose regulation with named examples
Linking Blood glucose regulation to hormones, nerves or reproduction
Evaluating treatments and lifestyle factors for Blood glucose regulation
9DiabetesStandard
Diabetes — receptors, coordinators and effectors
Negative feedback and control of Diabetes
Explaining Diabetes with named examples
Linking Diabetes to hormones, nerves or reproduction
Evaluating treatments and lifestyle factors for Diabetes
10Reproduction hormonesStandard
Reproduction hormones — receptors, coordinators and effectors
Negative feedback and control of Reproduction hormones
Explaining Reproduction hormones with named examples
Linking Reproduction hormones to hormones, nerves or reproduction
Evaluating treatments and lifestyle factors for Reproduction hormones
11ContraceptionStandard
Contraception — receptors, coordinators and effectors
Negative feedback and control of Contraception
Explaining Contraception with named examples
Linking Contraception to hormones, nerves or reproduction
Evaluating treatments and lifestyle factors for Contraception
12Feedback systemsStandard
Feedback systems — receptors, coordinators and effectors
Negative feedback and control of Feedback systems
Explaining Feedback systems with named examples
Linking Feedback systems to hormones, nerves or reproduction
Evaluating treatments and lifestyle factors for Feedback systems
06
Inheritance, Variation and Evolution
11 topics in this unit
1Sexual and asexual reproductionStandard
Sexual and asexual reproduction — genes, alleles and inheritance patterns
Explaining Sexual and asexual reproduction using genetic diagrams
Variation and evolution linked to Sexual and asexual reproduction
Ethical issues surrounding Sexual and asexual reproduction
Applying Sexual and asexual reproduction to breeding, medicine or conservation
2MeiosisAdvanced
Meiosis — genes, alleles and inheritance patterns
Explaining Meiosis using genetic diagrams
Variation and evolution linked to Meiosis
Ethical issues surrounding Meiosis
Applying Meiosis to breeding, medicine or conservation
3DNA and the genomeAdvanced
DNA and the genome — genes, alleles and inheritance patterns
Explaining DNA and the genome using genetic diagrams
Variation and evolution linked to DNA and the genome
Ethical issues surrounding DNA and the genome
Applying DNA and the genome to breeding, medicine or conservation
4Genetic inheritanceAdvanced
Genetic inheritance — genes, alleles and inheritance patterns
Explaining Genetic inheritance using genetic diagrams
Variation and evolution linked to Genetic inheritance
Ethical issues surrounding Genetic inheritance
Applying Genetic inheritance to breeding, medicine or conservation
5Inherited disordersAdvanced
Inherited disorders — genes, alleles and inheritance patterns
Explaining Inherited disorders using genetic diagrams
Variation and evolution linked to Inherited disorders
Ethical issues surrounding Inherited disorders
Applying Inherited disorders to breeding, medicine or conservation
6Sex determinationAdvanced
Sex determination — genes, alleles and inheritance patterns
Explaining Sex determination using genetic diagrams
Variation and evolution linked to Sex determination
Ethical issues surrounding Sex determination
Applying Sex determination to breeding, medicine or conservation
7VariationAdvanced
Variation — genes, alleles and inheritance patterns
Explaining Variation using genetic diagrams
Variation and evolution linked to Variation
Ethical issues surrounding Variation
Applying Variation to breeding, medicine or conservation
8EvolutionAdvanced
Evolution — genes, alleles and inheritance patterns
Explaining Evolution using genetic diagrams
Variation and evolution linked to Evolution
Ethical issues surrounding Evolution
Applying Evolution to breeding, medicine or conservation
9Selective breedingAdvanced
Selective breeding — genes, alleles and inheritance patterns
Explaining Selective breeding using genetic diagrams
Variation and evolution linked to Selective breeding
Ethical issues surrounding Selective breeding
Applying Selective breeding to breeding, medicine or conservation
10Genetic engineeringAdvanced
Genetic engineering — genes, alleles and inheritance patterns
Explaining Genetic engineering using genetic diagrams
Variation and evolution linked to Genetic engineering
Ethical issues surrounding Genetic engineering
Applying Genetic engineering to breeding, medicine or conservation
11CloningAdvanced
Cloning — genes, alleles and inheritance patterns
Explaining Cloning using genetic diagrams
Variation and evolution linked to Cloning
Ethical issues surrounding Cloning
Applying Cloning to breeding, medicine or conservation
07
Ecology
11 topics in this unit
1EcosystemsAdvanced
Ecosystems — ecosystems, communities and abiotic factors
Food webs, cycles and energy transfer in Ecosystems
Human impact and sustainability related to Ecosystems
Fieldwork and sampling techniques for Ecosystems
Evaluating evidence and data on Ecosystems
2Abiotic and biotic factorsAdvanced
Abiotic and biotic factors — ecosystems, communities and abiotic factors
Food webs, cycles and energy transfer in Abiotic and biotic factors
Human impact and sustainability related to Abiotic and biotic factors
Fieldwork and sampling techniques for Abiotic and biotic factors
Evaluating evidence and data on Abiotic and biotic factors
3AdaptationsAdvanced
Adaptations — ecosystems, communities and abiotic factors
Food webs, cycles and energy transfer in Adaptations
Human impact and sustainability related to Adaptations
Fieldwork and sampling techniques for Adaptations
Evaluating evidence and data on Adaptations
4Food chains and websAdvanced
Food chains and webs — ecosystems, communities and abiotic factors
Food webs, cycles and energy transfer in Food chains and webs
Human impact and sustainability related to Food chains and webs
Fieldwork and sampling techniques for Food chains and webs
Evaluating evidence and data on Food chains and webs
5Carbon cycleAdvanced
Carbon cycle — ecosystems, communities and abiotic factors
Food webs, cycles and energy transfer in Carbon cycle
Human impact and sustainability related to Carbon cycle
Fieldwork and sampling techniques for Carbon cycle
Evaluating evidence and data on Carbon cycle
6Water cycleAdvanced
Water cycle — ecosystems, communities and abiotic factors
Food webs, cycles and energy transfer in Water cycle
Human impact and sustainability related to Water cycle
Fieldwork and sampling techniques for Water cycle
Evaluating evidence and data on Water cycle
7BiodiversityAdvanced
Biodiversity — ecosystems, communities and abiotic factors
Food webs, cycles and energy transfer in Biodiversity
Human impact and sustainability related to Biodiversity
Fieldwork and sampling techniques for Biodiversity
Evaluating evidence and data on Biodiversity
8Waste managementAdvanced
Waste management — ecosystems, communities and abiotic factors
Food webs, cycles and energy transfer in Waste management
Human impact and sustainability related to Waste management
Fieldwork and sampling techniques for Waste management
Evaluating evidence and data on Waste management
9Land useAdvanced
Land use — ecosystems, communities and abiotic factors
Food webs, cycles and energy transfer in Land use
Human impact and sustainability related to Land use
Fieldwork and sampling techniques for Land use
Evaluating evidence and data on Land use
10DeforestationAdvanced
Deforestation — ecosystems, communities and abiotic factors
Food webs, cycles and energy transfer in Deforestation
Human impact and sustainability related to Deforestation
Fieldwork and sampling techniques for Deforestation
Evaluating evidence and data on Deforestation
11Global warmingAdvanced
Global warming — ecosystems, communities and abiotic factors
Food webs, cycles and energy transfer in Global warming
Human impact and sustainability related to Global warming
Fieldwork and sampling techniques for Global warming
Evaluating evidence and data on Global warming
How we mark Biology
1. Identify command words
Describe vs explain vs evaluate. We know the difference and mark accordingly.
2. Check scientific terminology
Key terms must be present for marks. We identify exactly which terms were missing.
3. Level of response marking
6-mark questions marked holistically using level descriptors. Same as real AQA examiners.