GCSE Biology breakdown: topics, learning objectives & sample questions

Biology is one of the most content-heavy GCSE subjects, but with a clear plan, it’s also one of the most rewarding. From cells and genetics to ecosystems and evolution, GCSE Biology gives students a deeper understanding of the living world and how it works.

What this post covers:

• The full list of GCSE Biology topics (AQA, Edexcel and OCR)

• Key learning objectives for each topic

• Sample questions to test and build confidence

Why Biology matters for GCSE success

GCSE Biology is assessed through knowledge recall, application, and analysis. It’s not just about memorising facts; it’s about understanding systems, recognising patterns, and solving problems under exam pressure. A strong grasp of the curriculum is the first step to high exam performance.

Exam boards and specification overview

GCSE Biology is assessed either as part of Combined Science or as a separate GCSE (Triple Science). All major exam boards, AQA, Edexcel and OCR offer both routes, and the core content is broadly similar. However, there are key differences in depth, assessment, and grading.

Combined Science students still study all the key Biology topics, but with fewer examples and slightly reduced complexity.

Triple Science students may encounter more complex processes (e.g. the structure of the eye or detailed biotechnology techniques) and will have more questions requiring high-level application and analysis.

Exam board overview

While the themes are consistent, each exam board organises the content slightly differently:

*OCR offers more than one pathway (e.g. Biology A: Gateway Science and Biology B: Twenty-First Century Science). The core content is very similar, but topics may be grouped differently and assessed in slightly different ways. Make sure to check with your teacher which pathway your school is using.

Each route assesses the same core concepts, but Triple Science includes more detailed subtopics and extended exam questions. The separate grading also provides greater clarity on individual science performance.

Biology key topics and learning objectives

1. Cell biology

Learning objectives

• Understand the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

• Explain cell division, including mitosis and the cell cycle

• Describe the process of diffusion, osmosis and active transport

Sample question:

Explain how substances move in and out of cells using the processes of diffusion, osmosis and active transport (6 marks)

2. Organisation

Learning objectives:

• Identify and describe the structure of human organ systems

• Understand the digestive system and the role of enzymes

• Explore the structure and function of the heart and circulatory system

Sample question:

Describe how the structure of the small intestine is adapted for absorption (4 marks)

3. Infection and response

Learning objectives:

• Understand types of pathogens and how they cause disease

• Explain how the immune system defends the body

• Describe the principles of vaccination and drug development

Sample question:

Compare the effects of antibiotics and vaccines in preventing disease (4 marks)

4. Bioenergetics

Learning objectives:

• Describe the process of photosynthesis and the factors that affect it

• Explain aerobic and anaerobic respiration and their uses in the body

Sample question:

Explain how temperature affects the rate of photosynthesis (6 marks)

5. Homeostasis and response

Learning objectives

• Understand control systems, including receptors, coordination centres and effectors

• Explain hormonal coordination in humans (e.g. the endocrine system, menstrual cycle)

• Describe how the body controls blood glucose levels

Sample question:

Explain how insulin helps regulate blood glucose levels (4 marks)

6. Inheritance, variation and evolution

Learning objectives

• Understand DNA structure and the basics of genetic inheritance

• Describe natural selection and genetic engineering

• Explain the evidence for evolution

Sample question:

Give two reasons why understanding the human genome is important (2 marks)

7. Ecology

Learning objectives

• Understand ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity

• Describe how living organisms interact with their environment

• Explain the impact of human activity on ecosystems

Sample question:

Describe how energy is transferred through a food chain (4 marks)

Tips for revision and exam preparation

• Use active recall: Regularly quiz yourself on key facts and processes.

• Create visual aids: Diagrams of systems like the digestive tract or food chains help reinforce memory.

• Practise long-answer questions: Biology exams often require extended responses - practise structuring answers using PEEL (Point, Evidence, Explain, Link).

• Review command words: Words like “describe”, “explain” and “evaluate” have different expectations in mark schemes.

Final thoughts

With the right strategy and tools, GCSE Biology doesn’t need to be stressful. Focus on consistent revision, practise past questions, and remember small steps lead to big gains.