Quick answer: OCR A Level Biology A (specification H420) is a linear A Level assessed by three written papers at the end of the course, plus a separately reported practical endorsement. It covers six modules, from foundations in biology to genetics, evolution and ecosystems, is graded A* to E, and carries up to 56 UCAS points at A*. Lift College teaches A Level Biology (AQA 7402) online; the AQA and OCR qualifications count the same at university.
What is OCR A Level Biology?
OCR A Level Biology A, code H420, is one of the most widely taken science A Levels in England. It is linear, so every exam is sat at the end of the course rather than in modules along the way. OCR also offers Biology B (Advancing Biology), code H422, which takes a more contextual approach; when people say "OCR A Level Biology" they almost always mean H420.
The specification is built to develop scientific thinking, practical skills and a detailed understanding of living systems, and it meets the same Ofqual subject content as every other A Level Biology.
What topics are covered?
OCR H420 is taught in six modules.
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| Module | Title | Key content |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Development of practical skills in biology | Planning, implementing, analysing and evaluating |
| 2 | Foundations in biology | Cell structure, biological molecules, nucleotides and nucleic acids, enzymes, membranes, cell division |
| 3 | Exchange and transport | Exchange surfaces, transport in animals, transport in plants |
| 4 | Biodiversity, evolution and disease | Communicable diseases, biodiversity, classification, evolution |
| 5 | Communication, homeostasis and energy | Neuronal and hormonal communication, homeostasis, photosynthesis, respiration |
| 6 | Genetics, evolution and ecosystems | Cellular control, patterns of inheritance, manipulating genomes, cloning, ecosystems, populations |
Practical skills run through every module, and the written papers include questions set in practical contexts.
How is OCR A Level Biology assessed?
There are three written papers, all sat in the May and June series at the end of the course.
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| Paper | Title | Length | Marks | Weighting | Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Biological processes | 2 hours 15 minutes | 100 | 37% | Modules 1, 2, 3 and 5 |
| Paper 2 | Biological diversity | 2 hours 15 minutes | 100 | 37% | Modules 1, 2, 4 and 6 |
| Paper 3 | Unified biology | 1 hour 30 minutes | 70 | 26% | All modules |
Questions include short structured answers, extended responses, data analysis and questions set in practical contexts.
The practical endorsement
The practical endorsement is a pass or fail result reported on your certificate alongside the A* to E grade; it does not change the grade. Some university courses, particularly medicine and biological sciences, ask for it. Every exam board uses the same Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC). On Lift College's AQA course, the CPAC practical endorsement is taken at a Tutors & Exams laboratory venue on the +Exams & CPAC plan.
Grades and UCAS points
A Levels are graded A*, A, B, C, D and E, with U for unclassified. The UCAS tariff is the same for every exam board.
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| Grade | UCAS points |
|---|---|
| A* | 56 |
| A | 48 |
| B | 40 |
| C | 32 |
| D | 24 |
| E | 16 |
Lift College's A Level courses carry up to 56 UCAS points at A*. No provider can guarantee a grade or a university place.
Entry requirements
Most universities ask for at least a B in A Level Biology for biological and biomedical science degrees, and A*AA or AAA for medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, with Biology usually required.
To study A Level Biology online with Lift College: There are no formal entry requirements: the course is open to anyone aged 14 or over, and under 18s enrol with a parent or guardian's permission and support.
How long does it take?
In a school or sixth form A Level Biology runs over two years. Most learners take 12 to 18 months, or faster if you study more each week. A Levels are examined once a year in the May and June series; there are no January or November A Level exams, so plan your start date back from the summer you want to sit.
Where do you sit the exams?
A Level Biology is fully examined, so you sit the written papers in person at an exam centre. On +Exams Lift College enters you and books your seat at one of ten Tutors & Exams centres across England; on Study you arrange your own entry as a private candidate.
OCR vs AQA vs Edexcel A Level Biology
All A Level Biology specifications cover the same core content set by Ofqual and the Department for Education: cells, biological molecules, genetics, physiology, ecology and evolution. The differences are in structure, emphasis and question style.
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| Feature | OCR Biology A (H420) | AQA Biology (7402) | Pearson Edexcel Biology A (9BN0) and B (9BI0) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written papers | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Practical endorsement | Pass or fail, CPAC | Pass or fail, CPAC | Pass or fail, CPAC |
| Structure | Six modules | Eight topics | Topic based (B) or context led (A) |
| Grading | A* to E | A* to E | A* to E |
Universities accept all three and do not prefer one board over another. Lift College teaches the AQA 7402 specification online; the papers and grades count the same at university.
What can you do with A Level Biology?
A Level Biology leads to degrees in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, biomedical science, biochemistry, nursing and midwifery, pharmacology, genetics and environmental science, and to careers in healthcare, laboratory science, research, conservation and teaching.
Key facts
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| Detail | OCR H420 |
|---|---|
| Awarding body | OCR |
| Specification code | H420 |
| Assessment | 3 written papers (100% of the grade) plus a practical endorsement reported separately |
| Grading | A* to E |
| UCAS points at A* | 56 |
| Exam series | May and June, once a year |
Study A Level Biology online with Lift College
Lift College's A Level Biology online course teaches AQA 7402 with a named UK tutor, tutor-marked work and past paper practice. It costs from £42.49 a month on Study when you start now, 15% off for life, or £49.99 a month after a 7-day free trial. On +Exams it is £76.49 a month when you start now, or £89.99 a month after the trial, with your exam entry and centre fee included.
Most learners take 12 to 18 months, or faster if you study more each week. There are no formal entry requirements: the course is open to anyone aged 14 or over, and under 18s enrol with a parent or guardian's permission and support.
Questions before you enrol? Contact us or call 020 4652 5904.
For the AQA specification itself, read our AQA A Level Biology guide.