How many Biology topics does Yumio cover for Combined Science?
44 Biology topics, each with an explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and practice questions with answers.
How to revise GCSE Combined Science Biology
A practical plan for Biology based on how the topics, the practicals and the papers really fit together. Every link goes to a free page.
Yumio is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to AQA, Pearson Edexcel or any exam board. Check your own board's specification for the final word.
1. Know your papers
AQA: Biology Paper 1 is 70 marks in 1 hour 15 minutes, covering Cell biology, Organisation, Infection and response, Bioenergetics. Biology Paper 2 is 70 marks in 1 hour 15 minutes, covering Homeostasis and response, Inheritance, variation and evolution, Ecology.
Edexcel: Biology Paper 1 is 60 marks in 1 hour 10 minutes, covering Key concepts in biology, Cells and control, Genetics, Natural selection and genetic modification, Health, disease and the development of medicines. Biology Paper 2 is 60 marks in 1 hour 10 minutes, covering Key concepts in biology, Plant structures and their functions, Animal coordination, control and homeostasis, Exchange and transport in animals, Ecosystems and material cycles.
Full details: AQA papers and Edexcel papers.
2. Start with the easier topics
The topics graded 1 to 3 on Yumio are Cell structure and specialised cells. Secure these first so that a third of every paper feels familiar.
3. Leave room for the hardest ideas
Yumio grades these 7 or above: DNA, the genome and mutations, Monoclonal antibodies. They need the easier topics underneath them, so they come last in your plan.
4. Practise the core practicals as questions
Exam questions often describe an experiment and ask about the method, the variables or the result. Yumio has a biology practicals lesson covering: Planning and results; Microscopes and drawings; Food tests; Enzymes and pH; Osmosis in potatoes; Light, respiration, reaction time and DNA. Read it at Biology practicals. Two habits that earn marks: draw and label what you see; and name the variable you change, the one you measure and the ones you keep the same.
5. Learn the key terms
Use the Biology key terms page: exam answers are marked on the exact idea, so a precise word is worth a mark.
6. Avoid the slips that cost marks
- Cell structure and specialised cells: Saying a bacterial cell has a nucleus. Bacteria have no nucleus. Their DNA is a loop in the cytoplasm.
- Microscopes and magnification: Dividing without changing the units to match. Convert both sizes to mm or both to µm first.
- Defence against disease and vaccination: Saying antibodies work on any pathogen. Each antibody is specific to one antigen.
- Osmosis: Saying water moves from a concentrated solution to a dilute one. Water moves from the dilute solution to the more concentrated solution.
- Sexual and asexual reproduction and meiosis: Saying meiosis makes identical cells. Meiosis makes four different cells. Mitosis makes identical cells.
- Plant hormones and tropisms: Saying auxin collects on the lit side. Auxin moves to the shaded side.
7. Test yourself without notes
After each topic, answer its questions cold, then check. Use the practice questions for a second set on the same topic. Long answers are marked by level, so link your points rather than listing them.
Questions students ask
Which Biology topics are hardest?
The topics Yumio grades at 7 or above are DNA, the genome and mutations, Monoclonal antibodies.
How to revise Combined Science overall · All Biology topics