1. Cell Level Systems

Cell Structures

Light Microscopes

Cell Structure

Electron Microscopes

What Happens in Cells (& What do Cells Need?)

DNA Structure

Nucleotides

Protein Synthesis

The Mechanism of Enzyme Action

Respiration

Respiration is a Chemical Process

Aerobic & Anaerobic Respiration

Biological Molecules

Tests for Biological Molecules

Photosynthesis

Photosynthetic Organisms as Producers

The Effect of 3 Factors on Photosynthesis

Limiting Factors - Photosynthesis

2. Scaling Up

Supplying the Cell

Cellular Transport - Diffusion & Osmosis

Cellular Transport - Active Transport

Mitosis & the Cell Cycle

Cell Differentiation

Stem Cells in Animals & Plants

Embryonic & Adult Stem Cells in Animals

The Challenges of Size

Surface Area: Volume Ratio & Transport

Transport Into & Out of Organisms

The Heart

Blood Vessels

Blood Composition

Transport of Water & Mineral Ions in Plants

Transpiration & Translocation

Xylem & Phloem

Affecting Water Uptake by a Plant

3. Organism Level Systems

Coordination & Control – the Nervous System

The Nervous System - Structure

Generating a Nervous Response

The Reflex Arc

The Eye

The Brain

Investigating Brain Function

Coordination & Control – the Endocrine System

Hormonal Control

Thyroxine & Adrenaline

Hormones in Human Reproduction

Four Hormones in the Menstrual Cycle

Contraception

Hormones to Treat Infertility

Plant Hormones - Tropisms

Use of Plant Hormones by Humans

Maintaining Internal Environments

Constant Internal Environment

The Skin in Temperature Control

Insulin in Blood Sugar Control

Glucagon in Blood Sugar Control

Osmotic Changes in Body Fluids

The Kidneys

ADH in Water Reabsorption

Responses to Extremes

4. Community Level Systems

Ecosystems

The Cycling of Materials

The Carbon Cycle

Decomposition & Decay

Levels of Organisation in an Ecosystem

Abiotic & Biotic Factors

Interdependence & Competition

Trophic Levels of Organisms

Pyramids of Biomass & Biomass Transfers

5. Genes, Inheritance & Selection

Inheritance

The Genome & Genetics

Variation

Influence of Genetic Variants on Phenotype

Sexual Reproduction

Asexual Reproduction

Inheritance

The History of Genetics

Natural Selection & Evolution

Genetic Variation Within a Population

Evolution Through Natural Selection

Classification

6. Global Challenges

Monitoring & Maintaining the Environment

The Distribution & Abundance of Organisms

Human Interactions Within Ecosystems

Maintaining Biodiversity

The Impact of Environmental Changes

Feeding the Human Race

Food Security

Selective Breeding of Food Products

Genetic Engineering

The Process of Genetic Engineering

Biotechnology & Human Population

Monitoring & Maintaining Health

Health & Disease: Disease Types

Communicable Diseases

Plant Disease - Detection & Identification

White Blood Cells & Platelets

Non-Specific Defences

The Human Immune System

Monoclonal Antibodies

Vaccines Against Disease

Developing New Medicines

Non-Communicable Human Diseases

Stem Cells in Medicine

Gene Technology in Medicine

7. Practical Skills

Practical Skills

Practical - Using Light Microscopes to View Cells

Practical - Testing for Food Molecules

Practical - DNA Extraction

Practical - Sampling Techniques - Quadrats

Practical - Investigating Enzymatic Reactions

Practical - Investigating Photosynthesis

Practical - Investigating Respiration

Practical - Using a Potometer

Practical - Measurement of Stomatal Density

Practical - Aseptic Technique

Practical - Surface Area: Volume Ratio

Practical - Investigating Osmosis

Exam boards

• WJEC GCSE Biology
• AQA GCSE Biology
• Edexcel GCSE Biology

Study tools

• OCR GCSE Biology A (Gateway) · Exam Questions
• OCR GCSE Biology A (Gateway) · Past Papers

Related links

• GCSE Biology · Revision Notes
• GCSE Biology · Exam Questions
• GCSE Biology · Flashcards
• GCSE Biology · Past Papers
• GCSE Biology · Glossary