from Edexcel Switching to AQA

Switching to AQA from Edexcel

If you’re thinking of switching to AQA from Edexcel GCSE Biology (2Bl01) for

teaching from September 2016, this resource will provide a helpful comparison

of the subject content and assessment for each awarding body. It directly

compares the current Edexcel GCSE Biology specification, with our new Biology

specification (8461) for 2016 onwards.

Comparison overview

The content of the two specifications is similar but is organised differently.

AQA

Our specification contains more detail on the brain and eye, historical

background on genetics, evolution and classification systems, predator-prey

cycles, decay and farming techniques. The content can be delivered in a variety

of ways. Suggestions for learning activities are given in the scheme of work.

These provide many opportunities to develop practical, working scientifically and

mathematical skills.

There is flexibility to co-teach the Biology and Combined Science: Trilogy (8464)

courses.

Edexcel

The Edexcel specification is set out for three examination papers. In addition to

the coursework requirements, there are some additional investigations. This

specification contains more detail on protein synthesis, sex-linked disorders,

vertebrate groups, behaviours, the nitrogen cycle, fieldwork techniques, indicator

species and food biotechnology.

Assessment

New AQA specification Current Edexcel specification

Two externally assessed written

papers (1 hour 45 minutes).

'Fundamental biological concepts

and principles', listed at the

beginning of the subject content,

highlights knowledge that could be

used in either paper.

Eight required practicals should be

carried out by students and may be

Three externally assessed written

papers (1 hour) + controlled

assessment(s) to internally assess

practical skills.


examined in the written papers to

assess practical skills.

The content is organised into seven

topics:

Topics 1-4: Cell biology,

Organisation, Infection and

response, Bioenergetics

(assessed in Paper 1).

Topics 5-7: Homeostasis

and response, Inheritance,

variation and evolution,

Ecology (assessed in Paper

2).

The content is organised into three

units of assessment, each covering

three topics.

Unit B1: Influences on life

Topics: Classification,

variation and inheritance,

Response to a changing

environment, Problems of and

solutions to a changing

environment.

Unit B2: The components of

life

Topics: The building blocks of

cells, Organisms and energy,

Common systems

Unit B3: Using biology

Topics: Control systems,

Behaviour, Biotechnology

Content

Practicals


The required practicals are clearly

listed, as are opportunities for

development of skills identified in

the right-hand column of the

specification. These should

encourage more practical work

which will motivate students and

encourage the transfer of skills

across the subject.

Each of the three units includes

practical investigations which may be

externally examined, as well as

further suggestions for practical

work. Internally assessed controlled

assessment tasks are taken from

these investigations.

Working scientifically


Specification reference: WS 1.1 to

WS 4.6

Specification references: How

Science Works

'Working scientifically' encompasses

all the activities that scientists do. It

is woven throughout the

specification and written papers.

There are cross-references to

relevant activities in the content.

This is subdivided into:

Data, evidence, theories and

explanations.

Practical and enquiry skills.

Communication skills.

Applications and implications

of science.

Cell biology

4.1.1 Cell structure


Specification reference: 4.1.1.1 to

4.1.1.6

Specification reference:

B2 Topic 1

Cell structure and

microscopy: 1.1 to 1.5

B3 Topic 1

Bacterial growth and aseptic

techniques: 1.26 to 1.28

Both specifications contain similar content on plant and animal cell

structure and microscopy.

More detail is given about the

functions of cell components, cell

differentiation and cell

specialisation.

Some references to cell adaptations

are found in B1 Topic 2: 2.20 and

2.23, B2 Topic 2: 2.19 and Topic 3:

3.8.

Comparison of eukaryotic and

prokaryotic cells.

Culturing microorganisms is

covered in more detail. Required

practical investigates the effect of

antiseptics or antibiotics on

bacterial growth.

Eukaryotic cells are not mentioned in

the specification.

A similar investigation is referred to

in B1 Topic 3.

B3 Topic 1 covers growth of

bacteria, aseptic techniques and the


work of Pasteur. There is also an

investigation into conditions

affecting the growth of bacteria.

4.1.2 Cell division



4.1.2.1 to 4.1.2.3


B2 Topic 1

Mitosis: 1.13 and 1.14

Stem cells: 1.20 and 1.21

Mitosis is covered in more detail,

however, stages aren’t described.

The specification doesn’t reference

haploid and diploid cells.

Mitosis is covered only in terms of

chromosomes and daughter cells.

The terms haploid and diploid.

Stem cells in plants and animals.

Therapeutic cloning and the uses of

stem cells are covered in more

detail.

There is a brief reference to stem

cells and differentiation, including

advantages, disadvantages and risks

of adult and embryonic stem cell

research.

Edexcel doesn’t cover stem cells in

plants or therapeutic cloning.

4.1.3 Transport in cells



4.1.3.1 to 4.1.3.3


B2 Topic 2

Diffusion: 2.2 and 2.3

Active transport: 2.18

Osmosis: 2.19 to 2.21

Both specifications cover diffusion, osmosis and active transport.

Factors affecting the rate of

diffusion.

The need for specialised exchange

surfaces in multicellular organisms.

N/A


Factors affecting the effectiveness

of exchange surfaces.

There is a required practical to

investigate the effect of salt or

sugar solutions on plant tissue.

The Edexcel specification includes an

open investigation into osmosis.

Active transport is linked to mineral

ion absorption, kidney function and

absorption of sugar from the gut.

Active transport and mineral uptake

in roots.

Organisation

4.2.1 Principles of organisation


Specification reference: 4.2.1.1 Specification reference:

B2 Topic 3

Organisation: 3.9

Villi: 3.16

Organisation is included in both specifications, but the AQA specification

includes definitions of cells, tissues and organs.

4.2.2 Animal tissues, organs and organ systems



4.2.2.1 to 4.2.2.7


B1 Topics 2 and 3

Enzymes: 2.2

Type 2 diabetes: 2.11 to 2.13

Smoking, alcohol and obesity:

3.4 to 3.7

B2 Topics 1

Enzymes: 1.24, 1.26 to 1.32

B2 Topic 3

Blood: 3.8

Heart and circulatory system:


3.10 and 3.11

Digestive system: 3.12 to

3.17

Functional foods: 3.18

AQA specification covers digestive system and enzyme activity, the heart

and circulatory system, non-communicable diseases such as CHD, Type 2

diabetes, cancer and some lung and liver diseases and their associated risk

factors.

Both specifications cover properties of enzymes and an understanding of

the 'lock and key theory', including the investigation of enzyme activity.

Coverage of the role of digestive enzymes and bile is also similar.

Both specifications cover the structure and functions of the heart, blood

vessels and the blood.

The effects of smoking and alcohol are common to both specifications, as

is the link between obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

The AQA specification assumes

knowledge of the digestive system

from KS3. The focus is on the

properties of enzymes and the role

of enzymes in digestion.


investigate the effect of a factor on

the rate of an enzyme-controlled

reaction.

The Edexcel specification includes

the functions of the parts of the

digestive system and peristalsis.

The use of probiotics, prebiotic

oligosaccharides and plant stanol

esters in the diet.

The relationship between the heart

and lungs, the role of coronary

arteries.

There is much more focus on heart

disease and treatments including

pacemakers, stents, valves, artificial

hearts, transplants and drugs.

Edexcel doesn’t cover lungs,

coronary arteries or treatments for

heart diseases.


There is greater focus on factors

affecting physical and mental

health.

The effects of smoking and alcohol

on unborn babies and risk factors

associated with cancers.

There is a section about cancers

and how they spread in the body.

There are just a few sections related

to the effect of lifestyle on health

and non-communicable diseases.

Edexcel covers the effects of

chemicals in smoke and the short

term effects of alcohol abuse.

There is also a section about the

ethics of liver and heart transplants.

4.2.3 Plant tissues, organs and systems



4.2.3.1 to 4.2.3.2


B2 Topics 2 and 3

Leaf structure: 2.13

Transpiration: 2.17

Xylem and phloem: 2.18

Root hair cells: 2.19

Growth: 3.6

Both specifications cover how root hair cells are adapted for their function.

Leaf structure, including the names

of tissues, is covered in more detail.

Leaf structure: a large surface area,

chloroplasts and stomata.

Meristem tissue in relation to

differentiation and growth.

No reference to meristems, just how

cell division, elongation and

differentiation contribute to growth

and development.

Structure of xylem and phloem is

covered in detail.

The term translocation.

Only the role of xylem and phloem is

mentioned.


transpiration.

There are several investigations

and activities to develop skills in

transpiration.

How the loss of water vapour from

leaves drives transpiration.

Infection and response

4.3.1 Communicable diseases


Specification reference: 4.3.1.1 to

4.3.1.9 and 4.6.3.7


B1 Topics 1 and 3

Classification: 1.1 to 1.3

Pathogens and defence: 3.8

to 3.10

Antiseptics and antibiotics:

3.12 to 3.15

B3 Topic 1

Vaccines and immunity: 1.20

to 1.23

Bacterial growth and aseptic

techniques: 1.26 to 1.28

Both specifications cover pathogens as organisms that cause infectious

disease, vaccinations and how the body defends itself against the entry of

pathogens.

Only the structure of bacteria is

covered, but in more detail than in

the Edexcel specification.

The structure of fungi, protoctista

and prokaryota are briefly covered in

the section on classification, as well

as why viruses are not classified into

any of the five kingdoms.

The AQA specification includes the

causes, transmission, symptoms

and prevention or treatment of

several viral, bacterial, fungal and

protist diseases of humans and

plants. These include:

measles

HIV

tobacco mosaic virus

salmonella

gonorrhoea

rose black spot

malaria.

Edexcel mentions only the spread of

some diseases. These include

cholera, salmonella, influenza,

athlete's foot, HIV, dysentery and

malaria.


Methods to reduce the spread of

diseases.

More detail on the role of white

blood cells in defence against

pathogens, reference to antitoxins

and phagocytosis.

Lysozymes in tears.

The advantages and risks of

immunisations.

There is slightly more detail on

antigens and memory lymphocytes

in immunisation.

Vaccinations, antibiotics and

painkillers.

Antibiotic resistance is covered in

detail in section 4.6.3.7 to include

how resistant strains evolve and

how to reduce the rate at which

they develop.

Vaccinations, antiseptics, antibiotics

to include antibacterials and

antifungals.

Antibiotic resistance is only covered

in relation to the misuse of

antibiotics.

The discovery of drugs from plants

and microorganisms, the synthesis

of new drugs.

Detail on the processes and

purposes of drug testing and

clinical trials.

Drug testing is not covered.

The work of Fleming. The work of Pasteur and Jenner.

4.3.2 Monoclonal antibodies



4.3.2.1 to 4.3.2.2


B3 Topic 1

Production: 1.24

Uses: 1.25

Both specifications cover the production and uses of monoclonal

antibodies.

A definition, which includes the

purpose of monoclonal antibodies.

Side effects of monoclonal

Edexcel only refers to the

advantages of monoclonal antibodies

to target specific cells.


antibodies.

Uses include pregnancy testing,

detection of chemicals and

pathogens, location of specific

chemicals and the treatment of

cancer.

Uses include pregnancy testing, but

without reference to HCG, diagnosis

and locating blood clots and cancers

and the treatment of cancer.

4.3.3 Plant disease



4.3.3.1 to 4.3.3.2


B1 Topic 3

Antibacterial chemicals: 3.11

Nitrates: 3.27

B3 Topic 1 and Topic 3

Plant defences: 1.29

Impact on food supply: 1.30

Pest management: 3.18

The use of nitrate ions in plants to make proteins for growth.

The production of chemicals to defend against attack from pests and

pathogens.

How plant diseases can be detected

and identified.

In addition to the diseases covered

in section 4.3.1, specification

includes aphids as a pest and

nitrate and magnesium ion

deficiencies.

There is a reference to the effect of

plant pests and pathogens on human

food supply.

Examples of physical and chemical

plant defence responses and

mechanical adaptations of plants.

There is a short reference to

chemicals produced by plants, some

of which can be used to treat human

diseases, disorders or to relieve

symptoms.

Bioenergetics

4.4.1 Photosynthesis



4.4.1.1 to 4.4.1.3


B2 Topic 2

Word equation: 2.14

Limiting factors: 2.15 to 2.16

Both specifications cover the word equation for photosynthesis and some

factors affecting and limiting its rate.

There is a required practical in the AQA specification about the effect of a

factor on the rate of photosynthesis. A similar investigation is suggested in

the Edexcel specification.

AQA specification covers both word

and symbol equations.

Photosynthesis is an endothermic

reaction.

Only the word equation is required.


photosynthesis also include the

amount of chlorophyll.

There is more focus on the

interpretation of graphs to identify

limiting factors and the use of the

inverse square law in relation to

light intensity.

The economics of enhancing

conditions in a greenhouse, while

maintaining a profit.

How limiting factors affect the rate

of photosynthesis only refers to light

intensity, carbon dioxide

concentration and temperature.

A variety of glucose uses. The only use of glucose mentioned is

for respiration.

4.4.2 Respiration



4.4.2.1 to 4.4.2.3


B2 Topic 2

Definition 2.1


Exercise: 2.2, 2.5 to 2.8, 2.11

and 2.12

Word equations: 2.4 and 2.9

Aerobic vs anaerobic: 2.10

B3 Topic 1

Metabolism: 1.1

Comparison on aerobic and anaerobic respiration in animal cells, related to

the circulatory and breathing systems. Word equations for these two

reactions are included.

Investigating the effect of exercise on heart and breathing rate.

Both the word and symbol

equations for aerobic respiration

and anaerobic respiration in yeast

and plants. The word equation for

anaerobic respiration in animals is

included, as well as reference to

the reactions being exothermic.

The economic importance of

fermentation is covered in relation

to bread and alcohol production.

Edexcel includes only the word

equations for aerobic and anaerobic

respiration in animals.

The only reference to anaerobic

respiration in yeast is an optional

investigation into the effect of

glucose concentration on the rate.

The section on exercise also

includes reference to lactic acid

build up and breakdown of lactic

acid in the liver, oxygen debt and

muscle fatigue.

The section on exercise also includes

use of the equation:

𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑐 𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡 =𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑘𝑒 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑥 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒

Edexcel refers to excess post-

exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC)

instead of oxygen debt.

There is a summary section on

metabolism. Aspects of metabolism

are covered in more detail in topic

4.2.2.1, 4.4.1.3, 4.4.2.1, 4.5.3.3.

Only the waste products carbon

dioxide and urea are referred to in

terms of metabolism.

Homeostasis and response

4.5.1 Homeostasis



B1 Topic 2

Overview: 2.1 and 2.2

Thermoregulation: 2.3 and

2.4

Both specifications define the term homeostasis and refer to blood glucose

regulation, body temperature regulation and osmoregulation. AQA covers

these topics in detail in Thermoregulation (4.5.2.4), Osmoregulation

(4.5.3.3). Edexcel covers Osmoregulation in B3 Topic 1: 1.1 to 1.8.

Description of automatic control

systems in terms of receptors,

coordination centres and effectors.

Nervous and chemical examples.

N/A

4.5.2 The human nervous system



4.5.2.1 to 4.5.2.4


B1 Topic 2

CNS: 2.19

Neurones and synapses: 2.20

to 2.22

Reflex arc: 2.23

Thermoregulation: 2.3 and

2.4

B1 Topic 3

Drugs and their effects on the

CNS: 3.1 to 3.3

Both specifications cover the structure and functions of the nervous

system, including reflex arc, and include investigations into reaction time.

Thermoregulation is covered, but in slightly more detail in the Edexcel

specification.


N/A The structure and function of

dendrons, axons and the myelin

sheath.

Description of the effects of

painkillers, narcotics, hallucinogens,

stimulants and depressants.

There is a section about the basic

structure and function of the brain,

including the techniques used by

neuroscientists to map regions of

the brain.

N/A

There is detailed content relating to

the structure of the eye, including

accommodation, the treatment of

eye defects and ray diagrams.

N/A

The thermoregulatory centre in the

brain.

Negative feedback mechanisms are

only mentioned for adrenaline,

thyroxine and ADH.

There is reference to the

hypothalamus regulating body

temperature, including negative

feedback.

The structure and role of the dermis

is covered in more detail.

4.5.3 Hormonal coordination in humans



4.5.3.1 to 4.5.3.7


B1 Topic 2

Hormones: 2.5

Glucose and diabetes: 2.6 to

2.13

B3 Topic 1

Kidney: 1.2 to 1.6

ADH: 1.7 and 1.8

Reproduction and control of

fertility: 1.9 to 1.16

Both specifications define hormone and cover control of blood glucose

levels, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes (their causes, treatments and risk


factors).

They also cover kidney function in relation to excretion of urea and

osmoregulation, the negative feedback mechanism of ADH and treatments

for kidney failure.

Hormonal controls of the menstrual cycle and IVF treatment.

More detail about the position of

endocrine organs.

N/A

There is an overview of the role of

the lungs, skin and kidneys in

relation to the loss of water, ions

and urea. Formation of urea is

covered in detail.

N/A

N/A More detail about the structure of

the urinary system and nephron.

The new specification includes

development of secondary sexual

characteristics and hormonal and

non-hormonal methods of

contraception.

Negative aspects of fertility

treatment.

How the menstrual cycle is

controlled by a negative feedback

mechanism. Reference to the corpus

luteum.

Detail on how the egg and sperm are

adapted to their functions.

Egg donation and use of surrogate

mothers, hormones and IVF.

The roles of adrenaline and

thyroxine as negative feedback

systems.

N/A

4.5.4 Plant hormones



4.5.4.1 and 4.5.4.2


B1 Topic 2

Auxin and tropisms: 2.14 to

2.17

Use of plant hormones: 2.18

Both specifications cover phototropism and gravitropism and have similar

investigations. AQA required practical investigates the effect of light on


shoots.

Auxins and gibberellins.

Some uses of plant hormones common to both specifications: weed killers,

rooting powders and fruit ripening.

More detail is included about the

effects of gibberellins and ethene.

Other uses of hormones:

auxins promote growth in

tissue culture

gibberellins end seed

dormancy, promote

flowering and increase fruit

size.

Production of seedless fruits.

Inheritance, variation and evolution

4.6.1 Reproduction



4.6.1.1 to 4.6.1.8


B1 Topic 1

Genetic inheritance and

inherited disorders: 1.20 to

1.26

B2 Topic 1

DNA structure: 1.6 to 1.10

Mitosis, meiosis and

fertilisation: 1.13 to 1.16

Protein synthesis: 1.22 to

1.25

Enzymes and DNA replication

and protein synthesis: 1.27

B3 Topic 1

Sex determination: 1.17 and

1.18

Sex-linked genetic disorders:


1.19

B3 Topic 2

Human migration and

evolution: 2.16 and 2.17

Descriptions of mitosis and meiosis are covered in relation to asexual and

sexual reproduction, the restoration of the normal number of

chromosomes at fertilisation.

Both specifications describe the structure of DNA in terms of base pairs

and how the sequence of bases codes for amino acids and proteins.

The implications of sequencing the human genome.

Mutations and their potential effects.

Genetic inheritance is covered in a similar way, including the terminology

associated with genetic crosses. Both specifications require analysis and

calculations of outcomes of crosses. Inherited disorders are considered,

including the analysis of family trees.

Sex determination is covered in both specifications.

Sexual and asexual reproduction

are described and compared in

terms of their advantages. The

content includes some organisms

that can use both sexual and

asexual reproduction.

N/A

Description of the structure of a

nucleotide, examples of the

functions of proteins.

The functions of non-coding parts

of DNA.

The work of Watson, Crick, Franklin

and Wilkins.

Investigation into how DNA can be

extracted from cells.

The functions of mRNA and tRNA.

Enzymes catalyse DNA replication

and protein synthesis.

The importance of the human

genome in linking genes to

particular diseases, treatment of

inherited disorders and tracing

migration patterns.

The use of mitochondrial DNA in the

African Eve theory and for tracking

human migration and evolution.

AQA covers polydactyly and cystic

fibrosis as examples of inherited

disorders. Embryo screening is also

covered.

Edexcel covers sickle cell disease and

cystic fibrosis.

Inheritance of the sex linked genetic


disorders haemophilia and colour

blindness.

4.6.2 Variation and evolution



4.6.2.1 to 4.6.2.5


B1 Topic 1

Darwin's theory: 1.12

Variation: 1.13 to 1.16

Speciation: 1.17

B2 Topic 1

Genetic engineering: 1.11 and

1.12

Cloning: 1.17 to1.19

B3 Topic 3

Recombinant: DNA 3.12

GM plants: 3.15 to 3.18

Genetic and environmental variations, including the effect of mutations.

Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection.

The process of genetic engineering with examples. The advantages and

disadvantages of the process.

A definition of clone and description of the process of adult cell cloning.

The risks and benefits of cloning.

N/A Continuous and discontinuous

variation, including an investigation.

Normal distribution curves should

also be interpreted.

The process of selective breeding

with examples and the problems of

in-breeding.

N/A

Genetic engineering examples

include disease, pest and pesticide

resistance in plants, human insulin

production and research exploring

Genetic engineering examples

include golden rice, herbicide

resistant crops and human insulin

production.


the use of genetic modification to

overcome some inherited diseases.

Golden rice is referred to in topic

4.7.5.4.

N/A Agrobacterium tumefaciens used as

a vector; the use of genes from

Bacillus thuringiensis.

There is more detail regarding

restriction enzymes, ligase and sticky

ends.

The term recombinant DNA

technology.

AQA specification names and

describes examples of cloning in

plants (tissue culture, cuttings) and

animals (embryo transplants, adult

cell cloning).

There are links with section 4.1.2.3

Stem cells.

Edexcel specification describes but

doesn’t name adult cell cloning. The

description includes reference to

diploid cells.

4.6.3 The development and understanding of genetics and evolution



4.6.3.1 to 4.6.3.7


B1 Topic 1

Darwin's theory: 1.12

Speciation: 1.17

Resistant organisms: 1.18

B1 Topic 3

MRSA: 3.14

B2 Topic 3

Evidence for evolution: 3.1 to

3.3

B3 Topic 2

Co-evolution: 2.13


Evidence for evolution: 2.14

to 2.17

Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection and evidence for

evolution, including development of resistant bacteria.

Explanation why there are gaps in the fossil record and the process of

speciation.

Much of the content of this section

relates to: Darwin, evolution

(4.6.2.1 to 4.6.2.3), Mendel (4.6.1.6

to 4.6.1.8) and resistant bacteria

(4.1.1.6 and 4.3.1.8). The focus

here is, however, on a historical

background.

The work of Darwin, Lamarck,

Wallace and Mendel.

Edexcel specification refers to

Darwin only.

Evidence for evolution includes

genetic inheritance, the fossil

record and antibiotic resistant

bacteria.

How fossil can be formed.

Evidence for evolution includes

resistant organisms, the fossil

record, the anatomy of the

pentadactyl limb and stone tools.

Reference to mitochondrial DNA.

Co-evolution of plants and animals,

linking flower structure with insect

behaviour, and plant defence with

animal metabolism.

The causes of extinction. N/A

How we could reduce the rate of

development of resistant strains of

bacteria and why we do not have

antibiotics to treat them.

Edexcel specification refers only to

the misuse of antibiotics.

4.6.4 Classification of living organisms



B1 Topic 1

Classification into five

kingdoms: 1.1 to 1.2


Viruses: 1.3

Chordata: 1.4 to 1.6

Species and binomial

classification: 1.7 to 1.8

Problems: 1.9

Keys: 1.10

Classification using Linnaeus system and the binomial system to name

organisms.

There is more focus on why and

how new models of classification

have been developed.

The three-domain system

developed by Woese.

How evolutionary trees are used to

show how organisms are related.

There is more detail about the five

kingdoms and how vertebrates are

classified.

Why the definition of a species as

organisms that produce fertile

offspring may have limitations.

The problems in making an accurate

classification.

The construction and use of keys to

identify organisms.

Ecology

4.7.1 Adaptations, interdependence and competition



4.7.1.1 to 4.7.1.4


B1 Topic 1

Adaptations: 1.11

B1 Topic 3

Interdependence: 3.16

Parasitism and mutualism:

3.19

B3 Topic 2

Behaviour: 2.1 to 2.12 and

2.18

How organisms are adapted to survive in their habitats, including


extremophiles, and the interdependence of organisms.

A wider range of terms related to

ecology.

The effect of changes in biotic and

abiotic factors on communities.

Definition of stable community.

Parasitism and mutualism with

examples.

A large section of the specification

covers behaviours related to mating

and rearing of young (innate

behaviour, imprinting, habituation,

classical and operant conditioning).

The use of conditioning when

training animals. Investigating

animal behaviour using choice

chambers.

Communication using sound,

chemical and visual signals in

animals. Using chemicals in plants.

The work of ethologists Tinbergen,

Lorenz, Fossey and Goodall.

The impact of climate change on

human behaviour.

4.7.2 Organisation of an ecosystem



4.7.2.1 to 4.7.2.4


B1 Topic 3

Carbon cycle: 3.26

Nitrogen cycle: 3.2.7

B2 Topic 2

Fieldwork techniques: 2.22

and 2.23

Feeding relationships, use of quadrats and the carbon cycle.


investigate the population size of a

common species in a habitat. The

use of transects is referred to, but

other techniques are not specified

in detail.

A range of fieldwork techniques:

pooters, sweep nets/pond nets,

pitfall traps and quadrats.

Measurement of environmental

factors.


Interpreting predator-prey cycles.

AQA covers the carbon, water and

decay cycles, but not the nitrogen

cycle.

Factors affecting decay. Anaerobic

decay to produce methane and the

use of biogas generators.


investigate the effect of a factor on

the rate of decay.

Evaluating the effect of

environmental changes on the

distribution of species (links to

4.7.3.1 to 4.7.3.6 and 4.7.5.1).

The carbon and nitrogen cycles.

Decomposers are only referred to in

the nitrogen cycle.

4.7.3 Biodiversity and the effect of human interaction on ecosystems



4.7.3.1 to 4.7.3.6


B1 Topic 3

Population growth: 3.20

Pollution: 3.21 to 3.23

Indicator species: 3.24

Recycling waste materials:

3.25

B2 Topic 2

Fieldwork techniques: 2.22

and 2.23

The impact of an increasing human population.

The effect of an increasing

population on waste management

in order to reduce pollution from a

range of sources.

Land use and maintaining peat

bogs and other habitats.

Deforestation and global warming,

including how they impact on

Phosphates, nitrates and sulfur

dioxide are the only pollutants

covered.

Eutrophication.

There is an investigation about the

effect of pollutants on seed

germination and plant growth.


biodiversity.

Programmes to maintain

biodiversity.

Indicator species with named

examples.

4.7.4 Trophic levels in an ecosystem



4.7.4.1 to 4.7.4.3


B1 Topic 3

Energy transfer through a

food chain: 3.17

Pyramid of biomass: 3.18

Terminology associated with food

chains.

The construction and interpretation

of pyramids of biomass, including

why biomass is lost at each trophic

level.

Energy transfers between each

trophic level in a food chain. How

this affects the shape of a pyramid

of biomass.

4.7.5 Food production



4.7.5.1 to 4.7.5.4


B3 Topic 1

Plant pests and pathogen:

1.30

B3 Topic 3

Biotechnological techniques:

3.1 to 3.5

Fusarium: 3.6 and 3.7

Yogurt: 3.8 and 3.9

Enzyme technology: 3.10 to

3.12

Food security: 3.14

GM crops: 3.15 to 3.18


Biofuel: 3.19

The impact of human population growth on global food security.

The role of biotechnology in food production.

The use of vats/fermenters to cultivate microorganisms for the production

of biomolecules on a large scale.

How mycoprotein is produced using Fusarium.

Factors that have led to food

security threats in some countries.

The need to develop sustainable

methods of food production.

N/A

Modern farming techniques such as

factory farming, fish grown in cages

and sustainable fishing by

controlling net sizes and fishing

quotas.

N/A

N/A Conditions in fermenters that affect

growth rates. The advantages of

using microorganisms for food

production.

There is an investigation into factors

affecting the growth of yeast.

How bacteria are used to produce

yogurt, with an investigation into the

effect of different factors on yogurt

making.

Enzyme technology includes the

production of chymosin, used to

manufacture vegetarian cheese and

invertase used in the manufacture of

sweets.

Investigations include the use of

immobilised lactase to produce

lactose-free milk and the use of

enzymes in food production.

GM crops are covered in more

detail in section 3.6.2.4

Creating transgenic plants, the use

of GM crops, plant breeding

programmes and pest management

strategies are evaluated in relation


to increased food production.

The use of land to grow plants for

biofuels is covered in the section on

Deforestation, 3.7.3.4

The effect of growing plants to

produce biofuels on land availability

for food crops.

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