OCR B A-level Biology Year 12 revision

Topic 1: Development of practical skills in biology

It builds on what you learned at GCSE in Ideas about science and practical skills, and takes it further.

There are 7 parts: we start with planning and designing investigations, and finish with drawing conclusions and evaluating methods, evidence and sources.

1. 1.1Planning and designing investigations: variables, controls, risk assessment and ethicsFree 35 questions
2. 1.2Apparatus and techniques: measurement, serial dilution, colorimetry, chromatography and vitamin C (DCPIP) titration26 questions
3. 1.3Processing and presenting data: tables, graphs, rates, gradients and percentage change67 questions
4. 1.4Mathematical skills: SI units, standard form, ratios, logarithms, surface area and volume, and magnification calculations49 questions
5. 1.5Statistical tests: mean, standard deviation, error bars, t-test, chi-squared and correlation (Spearman's rank)59 questions
6. 1.6Uncertainty, accuracy, precision, validity and reliability32 questions
7. 1.7Drawing conclusions and evaluating methods, evidence and sources36 questions

Topic 2.1: Cells and microscopy

It builds on what you learned at GCSE in The human body – staying alive, and takes it further.

There are 7 parts: we start with microscopy, and finish with cell signalling and the role of membrane receptors.

1. 2.1.1Microscopy: magnification, resolution and light, TEM, SEM and laser scanning microscopes70 questions
2. 2.1.2Practical: preparing temporary slides, using a light microscope and calibrating an eyepiece graticuleFree 61 questions
3. 2.1.3Cell structureFree 71 questions
4. 2.1.4The cytoskeleton, centrioles and how cells make and secrete proteins60 questions
5. 2.1.5Prokaryotic cells and binary fissionFree 67 questions
6. 2.1.6Cell fractionation and ultracentrifugation39 questions
7. 2.1.7Cell signalling and the role of membrane receptors39 questions

Topic 2.2: Chemicals for life

It builds on what you learned at GCSE in Using food and controlling growth and Living together – food and ecosystems, and takes it further.

There are 8 parts: we start with water and inorganic ions, and finish with the practical on investigating factors affecting the rate of enzyme-controlled reactions.

1. 2.2.1Water and inorganic ions29 questions
2. 2.2.2Monomers, polymers and carbohydratesFree 35 questions
3. 2.2.3Lipids28 questions
4. 2.2.4Proteins and enzyme action67 questions
5. 2.2.5Biochemical tests for carbohydrates, lipids and proteins (Benedict's, iodine, biuret, emulsion)39 questions
6. 2.2.6Nucleic acids and ATP28 questions
7. 2.2.7Enzyme cofactors, coenzymes and prosthetic groups69 questions
8. 2.2.8Practical: investigating factors affecting the rate of enzyme-controlled reactions60 questions

Topic 2.3: Transport and gas exchange

It builds on what you learned at GCSE in The human body – staying alive, and takes it further.

There are 12 parts: we start with transport across cell membranes, and finish with the practical on transpiration with a potometer and stomatal density.

1. 2.3.1Transport across cell membranes31 questions
2. 2.3.2Practical: effect of temperature or solvent on cell membrane permeability (beetroot)53 questions
3. 2.3.3Practical: dilution series and calibration curve to determine water potential of plant tissue21 questions
4. 2.3.4Surface area to volume ratio and gas exchangeFree 33 questions
5. 2.3.5Lung disease, risk factors and interpreting lung function data82 questions
6. 2.3.6Practical: dissection of a gas exchange or mass transport system (fish gills, insect trachea, lungs, heart, plant stem)51 questions
7. 2.3.7Mass transport in animals33 questions
8. 2.3.8Control of the heartbeat: SAN, AVN, Purkyne tissue and ECG interpretation71 questions
9. 2.3.9Blood, tissue fluid, lymph and blood clotting61 questions
10. 2.3.10Cardiovascular disease: risk factors, correlation and causation35 questions
11. 2.3.11Mass transport in plants31 questions
12. 2.3.12Practical: transpiration with a potometer and stomatal density25 questions

Topic 3.1: Cell division

It builds on what you learned at GCSE in Using food and controlling growth, and takes it further.

There are 3 parts: we start with cell division and the cell cycle, and finish with genetic diversity.

1. 3.1.1Cell division and the cell cycle51 questions
2. 3.1.2Practical: root tip squash, observing mitosis and calculating mitotic index69 questions
3. 3.1.3Genetic diversity: mutation and meiosis25 questions

Topic 3.2: Development of organisms

It builds on what you learned at GCSE in Using food and controlling growth and You and your genes, and takes it further.

There are 3 parts: we start with DNA, genes and chromosomes, and finish with cell differentiation, stem cells, tissues, organs and organ systems.

1. 3.2.1DNA, genes and chromosomesFree 26 questions
2. 3.2.2DNA and protein synthesis27 questions
3. 3.2.3Cell differentiation, stem cells, tissues, organs and organ systems73 questions

Topic 3.3: Disease and the immune system

It builds on what you learned at GCSE in Keeping healthy, and takes it further.

There are 8 parts: we start with viruses, and finish with the practical on aseptic technique and the effect of antimicrobial substances on microbial growth.

1. 3.3.1Viruses: structure, replication and HIV30 questions
2. 3.3.2Pathogens, transmission and named diseases (TB, HIV/AIDS, malaria, ringworm, potato blight)26 questions
3. 3.3.3Plant defences against pathogens24 questions
4. 3.3.4Non-specific animal defences: barriers, inflammation and phagocytosis33 questions
5. 3.3.5Cell recognition and the immune system36 questions
6. 3.3.6Clonal selection, vaccination, herd immunity, monoclonal antibodies and autoimmune disease20 questions
7. 3.3.7Antibiotics, antibiotic resistance and controlling the spread of disease31 questions
8. 3.3.8Practical: aseptic technique and the effect of antimicrobial substances on microbial growth42 questions

Topic 3.4: Biodiversity, classification and evolution

It builds on what you learned at GCSE in Life on Earth – past, present and future, and takes it further.

There are 9 parts: we start with genetic diversity, adaptation and biodiversity, and finish with balancing human needs and conservation.

1. 3.4.1Genetic diversity, adaptation and biodiversity23 questions
2. 3.4.2Investigating biodiversity: random sampling, transects, mark-release-recapture and Simpson's index67 questions
3. 3.4.3Species, binomial nomenclature and the taxonomic hierarchy31 questions
4. 3.4.4Phylogeny, the three domains and five kingdoms, and molecular evidence for relationships36 questions
5. 3.4.5Natural selection, evidence for evolution and speciation34 questions
6. 3.4.6Why biodiversity matters: ecological, economic, ethical and aesthetic reasonsFree 27 questions
7. 3.4.7Human activities that reduce biodiversity: agriculture, deforestation and climate change22 questions
8. 3.4.8Conservation methods: in situ, ex situ, seed banks and international agreements (CITES, CBD)31 questions
9. 3.4.9Balancing human needs and conservation: evaluating data and management strategies67 questions

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