OCR GCSE Biology
Explore your course, one topic at a time.
Course J247Official specification (opens in a new tab)
Course version · J247Version from Sept 2018Change version
Choose the version your school teaches. Your teacher can confirm which one, including for resits.
Explore your topics
29 study areas
Cell level systems5 topics
Scaling up2 topics
Organism level systems3 topics
Community level systems1 topic
Genes, inheritance and selection2 topics
Global challenges3 topics
Practical skills9 topics
Assessment and exam guidance
What Gets Top Grades
A*/Grade 9
Knowledge & Understanding
Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge
- Uses correct subject-specific terminology
- Shows detailed understanding of concepts
- Makes accurate connections between topics
- Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge
Application
Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts
- Selects relevant knowledge for the question
- Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
- Uses examples appropriately
- Shows awareness of context
Analysis & Evaluation
Develops sophisticated analytical arguments
- Constructs logical chains of reasoning
- Considers multiple perspectives
- Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
- Acknowledges limitations and nuances
Key Command Words
OCR
State
1 mark
Give a single fact or term
Identify
1 mark
Name or select
Describe
2-4 marks
Account of process or features
Explain
3-6 marks
Give reasons with BUSINESS-FACING outcomes
Analyse
6-9 marks
Examine methodically showing cause→effect→outcome
Evaluate
9-12 marks
Judge, weigh up evidence, reach SYNOPTIC conclusion
Tips and common mistakes
Common Exam Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exams
- •multiplying instead of dividing by 1000 when converting smaller units like micrometers into millimeters
- •confusing the Greek prefix micro (µ) with nano (n) and applying a factor of 100 rather than 1000
- •performing magnification calculations directly without first converting image and actual lengths to identical units
- •dividing total cells visible in the entire circular field of view rather than cells spanning the diameter line
- •giving an estimated value to excessive decimal places rather than appropriate significant figures
- •leaving the coefficient A as 10 or greater, such as writing 70 × 10⁻⁷ m instead of 7 × 10⁻⁶ m
- •making sign errors with negative indices, such as adding rather than subtracting negative exponents when dividing
- •dropping the cover slip flat onto the slide, which traps air bubbles that obscure the specimen — lower it slowly at an angle using a mounted needle instead
Top Examiner Tips
Expert advice for exam success
- •Always check the unit given on the question line and convert all measurements before substituting them into any equation.
- •Remember the hierarchy of scale: millimeters to micrometers to nanometers each differ by a factor of 10³.
- •State the formula used: average cell size equals diameter of field of view divided by number of cells across diameter.
- •Use estimations to check your calculations; an answer of 20 mm for cell diameter is an immediate clue that unit conversion went wrong.
- •Double check that the coefficient is at least 1 and strictly less than 10 before finalizing your answer.
- •When using standard form on a scientific calculator, use the EXP or ×10ˣ button to avoid order of operation errors.
- •Remember the magnification triangle: I = A × M, where image size equals actual size multiplied by magnification; cover the quantity you need to find.
- •Identify stains by specimen: iodine for plant cells and starch, methylene blue for animal nuclei; always state that stains add contrast to colourless structures.
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