OCR A Level Biology A (H420)
OCR A Level Biology A (H420) is assessed by Paper 1 and Paper 2 (2 hours 15 minutes, 100 marks, 37% each) and Paper 3, Unified biology (1 hour 30 minutes, 70 marks, 26%). Our OCR A-Level Biology A course follows the H420 specification across all six modules: development of practical skills, foundations in biology, exchange and transport, biodiversity, evolution and disease, communication, homeostasis and energy, and genetics, evolution and ecosystems. You prepare for biological processes, biological diversity and unified biology, plus the practical endorsement. Lessons are live and one-to-one with a verified subject tutor, who sets exam-style questions, marks them against the mark scheme and plans revision around your weakest topics. Suitable for Year 12 and Year 13 students, private candidates and resits.
Reviewed by N. Kanik, Master's in Biology / Life SciencesLast updated
$15 – $26
per hour
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What you will learn
Learning outcomes
- Understand cell structure and microscopy
- Understand biological molecules
- Explain nucleic acids and protein synthesis
- Understand enzymes and biological membranes
- Explain cell division and organisation
- Understand exchange and transport systems
- Explain biodiversity and classification
- Understand evolution and natural selection
- Explain disease prevention and immune responses
- Understand communication and homeostasis
- Explain neuronal and hormonal communication
- Understand photosynthesis and respiration
- Explain genetics and inheritance
- Understand ecosystems and populations
- Understand biotechnology and gene technologies
- Analyse biological data
- Interpret graphs and experimental results
- Apply mathematical skills in biology
- Plan and evaluate biological investigations
- Develop practical laboratory skills
- Evaluate scientific evidence
- Apply biological knowledge to unfamiliar contexts
- Answer OCR-style examination questions
- Develop effective exam technique
Prerequisites
- GCSE Biology or Combined Science knowledge
- Basic chemistry knowledge
- Basic mathematics skills
- Understanding of cells and biological processes
- Basic scientific investigation skills
Tags
Course structure
Syllabus(6 modules)
- Experimental Design
- Identification of Variables
- Evaluating Experimental Methods
- Using Units Presenting Experimental Data
- Mathematical Analysis of Results
- Drawing Conclusions
- Practical: Ethical Use of Organisms
- Practical: Aseptic Techniques
- Practical: Dissection of Gas Exchange Surfaces in Fish & Insects
- Drawing Cells From Blood Smears
- Practical: Investigating Biodiversity Using Sampling
- Practical: Data loggers & Computer Modelling
- Practical: Investigating the Rate of Diffusion
- Practical: Investigating Water Potential
- Practical: Factors Affecting Membrane Structure & Permeability
- Biochemical Tests: Reducing Sugars & Starch
- Biochemical Tests: Lipids
- Biochemical Tests: Proteins
- Chromatography
- Serial Dilutions
- Practical: Investigating the Rate of Transpiration
- Practical: Using a Light Microscope
What is OCR A Level Biology A (H420)?
In short: this course gives one-to-one online tutoring for OCR A Level Biology A (H420). A verified biology tutor teaches all six modules, the practical skills behind the PAGs, statistics and level-of-response answers, using OCR past papers and mark schemes.
OCR A Level Biology A (H420) is a linear A Level from OCR, taken over two years. Content is organised into six modules, and it is assessed by three written papers at the end of the course, graded A* to E, with a separately reported practical endorsement.
This course covers all six modules one to one with a verified biology tutor.
Official specification: OCR A Level Biology A H420.
For wider support, see our biology tutoring page, or the AQA A-Level Biology course if your school follows AQA.
What are the OCR A Level Biology A papers?
| Paper | Modules | Time and marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Biological processes | Modules 1, 2, 3 and 5 | 2 hours 15 minutes, 100 marks | 37% |
| Paper 2: Biological diversity | Modules 1, 2, 4 and 6 | 2 hours 15 minutes, 100 marks | 37% |
| Paper 3: Unified biology | All modules | 1 hour 30 minutes, 70 marks | 26% |
Papers 1 and 2 include multiple-choice questions. The science practical endorsement is assessed by your teacher and reported separately as Pass or Not classified.
What are the A-level biology assessment objectives?
A-level biology assessment objectives are set nationally: roughly 30–35% knowledge and understanding (AO1), 40–45% application (AO2) and 25–30% analysis, interpretation and evaluation (AO3). All OCR components include synoptic assessment, so links across modules matter.
| Objective | What it tests | Weighting range |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Knowledge and understanding | 30–35% |
| AO2 | Applying knowledge and understanding | 40–45% |
| AO3 | Analysing, interpreting and evaluating | 25–30% |
Which modules does H420 cover?
| Module | Content |
|---|---|
| 1 Development of practical skills in biology | Planning, implementing, analysis and evaluation |
| 2 Foundations in biology | Cells, biological molecules, nucleotides and nucleic acids, enzymes, membranes, cell division |
| 3 Exchange and transport | Exchange surfaces, transport in animals and plants |
| 4 Biodiversity, evolution and disease | Disease and the immune system, biodiversity, classification and evolution |
| 5 Communication, homeostasis and energy | Communication, excretion, neuronal and hormonal communication, plant and animal responses, photosynthesis, respiration |
| 6 Genetics, evolution and ecosystems | Cellular control, patterns of inheritance, manipulating genomes, cloning and biotechnology, ecosystems, populations and sustainability |
How do you answer OCR level of response questions?
Six-mark level of response questions, marked with an asterisk, reward a well-organised answer that covers all parts of the question with accurate scientific detail.
- Identify each part of the question.
- Plan a logical sequence.
- Use precise biological terms.
- Support points with data from the question.
- Reach a clear conclusion where asked.
Practical skills (PAGs)
OCR practical activity groups (PAGs) build the skills for the practical endorsement, and practical skills are tested in all three papers. Tutors cover microscopy, dissection, enzyme experiments, chromatography and statistical tests such as the t-test, chi-squared and Spearman's rank.
What does a worked OCR biology statistics question look like?
Here is a typical chi-squared test: a genetic cross is expected to give a 3 : 1 ratio. Out of 120 offspring, 84 show the dominant phenotype and 36 the recessive one. Is the result consistent with 3 : 1?
| Step | Working |
|---|---|
| Expected values | 3/4 × 120 = 90; 1/4 × 120 = 30 |
| (O − E)² ÷ E | (84 − 90)² ÷ 90 = 0.4; (36 − 30)² ÷ 30 = 1.2 |
| χ² | 0.4 + 1.2 = 1.6 |
| Degrees of freedom | 2 categories − 1 = 1 |
| Compare | 1.6 < 3.84 (critical value at p = 0.05) |
| Conclusion | Accept the null hypothesis: the difference is due to chance, consistent with 3 : 1 |
Where do students lose marks in OCR A Level Biology?
Students most often lose marks with imprecise terminology, level-of-response answers that lack logical structure, statistical tests misapplied, data described without analysis and weak practical evaluations.
| Mark-loser | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Imprecise terminology | Use specification terms exactly |
| Unstructured level-of-response answers | Plan a logical sequence and cover every part |
| Statistical tests misapplied | Match the test to the data and state the conclusion |
| Data described, not analysed | Quote values and explain trends |
| Weak practical evaluation | Identify specific errors and improvements |
How the lessons work
Lessons are live and one to one on video with a shared whiteboard. Your tutor uses OCR past papers and mark schemes. See also AQA A-Level Biology, Edexcel A-Level Biology A (SNAB) and our Biology subject page.
OCR A Level Biology past papers and tutoring: who this H420 course is for and study plan
OCR A Level Biology past papers show you how H420 is examined, and this course pairs them with live 1-to-1 lessons on all six modules, the PAGs and statistics.
This course suits Year 12 and Year 13 students taking OCR A Level Biology A, and resit students.
Prerequisites: GCSE Biology or Combined Science, basic chemistry and maths.
Course length: 50 one-hour lessons across 6 modules.
| Stage | Topics | What you can do afterwards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Development of practical skills; foundations in biology | Plan practicals and explain cells and molecules |
| 2 | Exchange and transport; biodiversity, evolution and disease | Explain transport, classification and immunity |
| 3 | Communication, homeostasis and energy | Explain body control, photosynthesis and respiration |
| 4 | Genetics, evolution and ecosystems | Solve genetics and statistics problems |
Where it leads: see the AQA A-Level Biology course if your school follows AQA, or our biology tutoring page.
OCR A Level Biology A (H420): frequently asked questions
Where can I find OCR A Level Biology A past papers?
OCR publishes recent OCR A Level Biology A past papers, mark schemes and examiner reports on its website, and schools can access more through their secure portals. Use them under timed conditions, then mark your answers carefully with the mark scheme. Your tutor sets past-paper questions topic by topic, then full timed papers closer to your exam.
How many papers are in OCR A Level Biology A?
Three: Biological processes, Biological diversity and Unified biology.
How long are the OCR Biology papers?
Papers 1 and 2 are 2 hours 15 minutes; Paper 3 is 1 hour 30 minutes.
What is unified biology?
Paper 3, which can test content from all six modules, worth 26%.
What are PAGs?
Practical activity groups used to build and assess skills for the practical endorsement.
What is the practical endorsement?
A teacher-assessed endorsement reported separately as Pass or Not classified.
How do I get an A* in OCR Biology?
Use precise terminology, practise six-mark questions, master practical skills and work through past papers.
Do you use OCR past papers?
Yes. Tutors use OCR past papers and mark schemes.
How much does an A Level Biology tutor cost?
The price depends on the tutor and session length. You see the hourly rate before booking, with no subscription.
Do you help resit students?
Yes. Tutors target the topics that will lift your grade most.
What are the OCR A Level Biology A grade boundaries?
OCR publishes grade boundaries for OCR A Level Biology A after each exam series, and they change from year to year with paper difficulty. They show the raw marks needed for each grade. Your tutor marks full past papers and compares your scores with recent boundaries to estimate your grade and target the topics that matter most.
What modules are in OCR Biology A?
Six modules: practical skills, foundations in biology, exchange and transport, biodiversity, evolution and disease, communication, homeostasis and energy, and genetics, evolution and ecosystems.
How do I do a chi-squared test?
Calculate expected values, add (O − E)² ÷ E for each category, find the degrees of freedom and compare with the critical value at p = 0.05.
What is synoptic assessment?
Questions that draw on knowledge from across different modules. All OCR Biology A components include it.
What are level-of-response questions?
Extended questions marked by level, rewarding scientific content and a clear, logical line of reasoning.
Does OCR Biology have multiple choice?
Yes. Papers 1 and 2 include multiple-choice questions.
How do I revise for OCR A Level Biology?
Use retrieval practice by module, practise statistics and data questions, and do timed past papers marked against mark schemes.
Do you offer lessons in my time zone?
Yes. Lessons are online, so you can book times that suit your time zone.
How often should I have lessons?
Weekly lessons suit most students; add extra sessions before mocks and final exams.
Can I book a single lesson first?
Yes. You can book one session to see if the tutor suits you, with no subscription.
How should I use OCR A Level Biology past papers?
Start with questions on one topic while you are learning it, then move to full timed OCR A Level Biology past papers near your exam. Mark each answer with the mark scheme and note where marks were lost. Your 1-to-1 tutor uses those notes to plan your next lessons.
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