A-Level Biology (AQA 7402)

Course Overview 课程介绍

AQA A-Level 生物，线性结构，覆盖分子、细胞、生理、遗传与进化，医学院核心科目。

A-Level Biology (AQA 7402) is a linear qualification covering biological molecules, cells, exchange, genetics, energy transfers, response, evolution and gene expression, examined by three terminal papers at the end of two years. Practical skills are developed through 12 required practicals and the separately reported Practical Endorsement. It is a core subject for biology, medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, biomedical science, neuroscience and many health-related degrees.

Key Facts 基本信息

Exam Board (考试局)	Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) · Oxford International AQA
Specification Code	AQA 7402 · OxfordAQA 9650
Structure	Linear structure, terminal exams at end of 2 years
Grading (评分)	A* - E (A* only for full A-Level)
Exam Papers	Paper 1 + Paper 2 + Paper 3 (3 written papers)
Practical Endorsement	Non-exam, teacher-assessed across 12 required practicals, reported as Pass / Not Reported

AS / Year 1 Syllabus AS 阶段章节

AS1. Biological molecules

Monomers and polymers, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and enzymes, nucleic acids, ATP, water and inorganic ions
AS2. Cells

Cell structure, eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, cell division, transport across membranes, the immune system, monoclonal antibodies
AS3. Organisms exchange substances with their environment

Surface area to volume ratio, gas exchange in insects/fish/mammals, digestion and absorption, mass transport in animals (heart, blood) and plants (xylem, phloem)
AS4. Genetic information, variation and relationships

DNA, genes and chromosomes, protein synthesis, genetic diversity and adaptation, species and taxonomy, biodiversity, investigating variation

A2 / Year 2 Syllabus A2 阶段章节

A25. Energy transfers in and between organisms

Photosynthesis, respiration, energy and ecosystems, nutrient cycles (nitrogen, phosphorus)
A26. Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments

Stimuli and responses, nervous coordination, receptors, control of heart rate and breathing, skeletal muscle, homeostasis and blood glucose control
A27. Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems

Inheritance (monohybrid, dihybrid, epistasis, chi-squared), populations, evolution may lead to speciation, ecosystems, succession, conservation
A28. The control of gene expression

Alteration of the sequence, gene expression is controlled, recombinant DNA technology, differences in DNA and proteins between individuals, stem cells

Exam Structure (AQA 7402) 考试结构

Paper 1	Sections 1-4 (Biological molecules, Cells, Exchange, Genetic information) + relevant practical skills · 2h · 91 marks · 35% of A-Level
Paper 2	Sections 5-8 (Energy, Response, Genetics and evolution, Gene expression) + relevant practical skills · 2h · 91 marks · 35% of A-Level
Paper 3	All content and practical skills, including synoptic essay · 2h · 78 marks · 30% of A-Level
Practical Endorsement	Non-exam assessment, teacher-assessed across 12 required practicals, reported separately as Pass / Not Reported

Suitable Majors & Pathway 适用专业与衔接

生物、医学、生物医学、神经科学等方向的核心前置科目，医学院常要求必修。

A-Level Biology (AQA) is a core prerequisite for biology, biomedical science, medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, neuroscience, biochemistry, genetics, ecology, pharmacology and sports science. Many UK medical schools require Biology (often with Chemistry) as a mandatory A-Level. The linear terminal exams reward conceptual integration from molecules to ecosystems, plus analytical practical skills, providing a strong foundation for university cell biology, physiology, genetics and bioinformatics modules.