Biology A (Salters-Nuffield)

    Pearson Edexcel
    A-Level

    Specification: 9BN0

    The PEARSON-EDEXCEL A-Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) specification covers 9 topics with 158 learning objectives (9BN0). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

    Starting Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) this term? The whole specification is below, unit by unit.

    This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

    9

    Topics

    158

    Objectives

    0

    Exam Tips

    0

    Pitfalls

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    Key Features

    • Master key concepts
    • Develop exam technique
    • Apply knowledge effectively

    About Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield)

    The Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) course is a context-led approach that explores biology through real-world applications and contemporary issues. You will study topics such as lifestyle, health, and risk; genes and health; voice of the genome; biodiversity and natural resources; and on the wild side, among others. The specification is structured into four themes: The Nature of Life, Genes and Health, Voice of the Genome, and Biodiversity and Natural Resources, each divided into topics that build on core concepts.

    This course emphasises the development of practical skills and scientific understanding through a series of core practicals and a practical endorsement. It encourages you to think critically about ethical, social, and environmental issues in biology. The Salters-Nuffield approach is designed to make biology relevant and engaging, linking theory to real-life contexts and current scientific research.

    Assessment Structure

    The Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) is assessed through three written exams and a separate practical endorsement. Paper 1: The Natural Environment and Species Survival (2 hours, 100 marks, 33.3% of A-Level) covers topics 1-6. Paper 2: Energy, Exercise and Coordination (2 hours, 100 marks, 33.3% of A-Level) covers topics 7-10. Paper 3: General and Practical Applications in Biology (2 hours, 100 marks, 33.3% of A-Level) covers all topics and includes a pre-released scientific article. The practical endorsement is assessed separately and reported as pass/fail; it does not contribute to the A-Level grade but is required for the practical skills endorsement.

    Why Choose Pearson Edexcel?

    • The Salters-Nuffield course is context-led, meaning you learn biological concepts through engaging, real-world scenarios, which can make the material more memorable and relevant to everyday life.
    • It has a strong focus on practical skills and scientific investigation, with a dedicated practical endorsement that can be advantageous for university applications in biological sciences.
    • The specification includes a pre-released scientific article for Paper 3, which develops your ability to critically analyse and interpret scientific information, a skill highly valued by universities and employers.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Specification Topics

    9 topics

    Topic 2: Genes and Health

    2.12 i) Understand how errors in DNA replication can give rise to mutations. ii) Understand how cystic fibrosis results from one of a number of possible gene mutations., 2.5 i) Know the basic structure of mononucleotides (deoxyribose or ribose linked to a phosphate and a base, including thymine, uracil, cytosine, adenine or guanine) and the structures of DNA and RNA (polynucleotides composed of mononucleotides linked through condensation reactions). ii) Know how complementary base pairing and the hydrogen bonding between two complementary strands are involved in the formation of the DNA double helix., 2.1 i) Know the properties of gas exchange surfaces in living organisms (large surface area to volume ratio, thickness of surface, difference in concentration). ii) Understand how the rate of diffusion is dependent on these properties and can be calculated using Fick’s Law of Diffusion. iii) Understand how the structure of the mammalian lung is adapted for rapid gaseous exchange. +15 more

    18 objectives18 subtopics

    Topic 8: Grey Matter

    8.9 Understand how magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) scans are used in medical diagnosis and the investigation of brain structure and function., 8.17 Know how drugs can be produced using genetically modified organisms (plants, animals and microorganisms)., 8.2 i) Understand how the nervous systems of organisms can cause effectors to respond to a stimulus. ii) Understand how the pupil dilates and contracts. +17 more

    20 objectives20 subtopics

    Topic 5: On the Wild Side

    5.1 Understand the terms ecosystem, community, population and habitat., CORE PRACTICAL 13: Investigate the effects of temperature on the development of organisms (such as seedling growth rate, brine shrimp hatch rates)., 5.20 Understand the way in which scientific conclusions about controversial issues, such as what actions should be taken to reduce climate change or the degree to which humans are affecting climate change, can sometimes depend on who is reaching the conclusions. +23 more

    26 objectives26 subtopics

    Topic 1: Lifestyle, Health and Risk

    1.9 Be able to evaluate the design of studies used to determine health risk factors, including sample selection and sample size used to collect data that is both valid and reliable., 1.5 Understand the course of events that leads to atherosclerosis (endothelial dysfunction, inflammatory response, plaque formation, raised blood pressure)., 1.15 i) Be able to analyse and interpret data on the possible significance for health of blood cholesterol levels and levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs). ii) Know the evidence for a causal relationship between blood cholesterol levels (total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). +17 more

    20 objectives20 subtopics

    Topic 4: Biodiversity and Natural Resources

    CORE PRACTICAL 6: Identify sclerenchyma fibres, phloem sieve tubes and xylem vessels and their location within stems through a light microscope., 4.9 Understand the structure and function of the polysaccharides starch and cellulose, including the role of hydrogen bonds between β -glucose molecules in the formation of cellulose microfibrils., 4.15 Understand how the uses of plant fibres and starch may contribute to sustainability, including plant-based products to replace oil-based plastics. +17 more

    20 objectives20 subtopics

    Topic 3: Voice of the Genome

    3.1 Know that all living organisms are made of cells, sharing some common features., 3.13 Understand how the cells of multicellular organisms are organised into tissues, tissues into organs and organs into systems., 3.8 i) Know that a locus (plural = loci) is the location of genes on a chromosome. ii) Understand the linkage of genes on a chromosome and sex linkage. +13 more

    16 objectives16 subtopics

    Topic 6: Immunity, Infection and Forensics

    6.10 Understand how one gene can give rise to more than one protein through post- transcriptional changes to messenger RNA (mRNA)., 6.1 Understand how to determine the time of death of a mammal by examining the extent of decomposition, stage of succession, forensic entomology, body temperature and degree of muscle contraction., 6.15 Know how an understanding of the contributory causes of hospital acquired infections have led to codes of practice regarding antibiotic prescription and hospital practice that relate to infection prevention and control. +14 more

    17 objectives17 subtopics

    Topic 7: Run for your Life

    7.1 Know the way in which muscles, tendons, the skeleton and ligaments interact to enable movement, including antagonistic muscle pairs, extensors and flexors., 7.7 Understand what happens to lactate after a period of anaerobic respiration in animals., 7.13 Understand the analysis and interpretation of data relating to possible disadvantages of exercising too much (wear and tear on joints, suppression of the immune system) and exercising too little (increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes), recognising correlation and causal relationships. +15 more

    18 objectives18 subtopics

    Assessment Objectives

    AO3: Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues, to: make judgements and reach conclusions; develop and refine practical design and procedures, AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures: in a theoretical context; in a practical context; when handling qualitative data; when handling quantitative data, AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures

    3 objectives3 subtopics

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