Assessment: written papers

AS units 6BIO1 and BIO2

Unit 1 (6BIO1), Lifestyle, transport, Genes and Health, examines the first two topics covered in the course: Topic 1 Lifestyle, Health and Risk and Topic 2 Genes and Health.

Unit 2 (6BIO2), Development, Plants and the Environment, examines the remaining two topics covered in the course: Topic 3 The voice of the genome and Topic 4 Biodiversity and natural resources.

Both units are assessed by means of written examination papers, which lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and include objective questions, structured questions and short-answer questions. They will also cover How Science Works and practical-related questions. Both units are worth 80 marks.

A2 units 6BIO4 and BIO5

Unit 4 (6BIO4), The Natural Environment and Species Survival, examines the first two units in the A2 course: Topic 5 On the wild side and Topic 6 Infection, immunity and forensics.

Unit 5 (6BIO5), Energy, Exercise and Coordination, examines the first remaining units in the A2 course: Topic 7 Run for your life and Topic 8: Grey matter.

Both units are assessed by means of written examination papers, which lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and include: objective questions, structured questions and short-answer questions. They will also cover How Science Works and practical-related questions. Both units carry 90 marks.

In Unit 5, one question will relate to a previously released scientific article that students will have studied during the course. Students may be asked to summarise the information in the article, and explain or comment upon the biology and other issues within the context of the article. The article may draw on knowledge and understanding from any of the four units 1, 2, 4, and 5. A different article will be provided each year and the examination questions will change to reflect this. This question carries a third of the marks of this unit.

For exemplar assessment material and previous scientific articles see the Edexcel website.