GCSE Combined Science Trilogy from Edexcel and Additional Science Switching to AQA

19 Pages·2015·0.31 MB·English

Switching to AQA from Edexcel Science
and Additional Science (Biology components)
If you’re thinking of switching to AQA from Edexcel Science and Additional Science for
teaching from September 2016, this resource will provide a helpful comparison of the
subject content and assessment for each awarding body.
It directly compares the Biology components of the current Edexcel Science and
Additional Science (2SC01 and 2SA01) with Biology components of our new GCSE
Combined Science: Trilogy specification (8464).
The subject content and required practicals for the GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy are
also in the GCSE Biology, so there is the flexibility to co-teach or to move students
between courses.
Comparison overview
The content of the two specifications is similar but it is organised differently.
Edexcel
The Edexcel specification contains more detail on protein synthesis, vertebrate groups,
the nitrogen cycle, fieldwork techniques and indicator species.
AQA
The AQA content can be delivered in a variety of ways. Suggestions for learning
activities are given in the scheme of work. These provide many opportunities to develop
practical, working scientifically and mathematical skills.
Assessment
New AQA specification Current Edexcel specification
Topics 1-4: Cell biology, Two externally assessed written
Organisation, Infection and papers (1 hour), one for each of
response, Bioenergetics (assessed units B1 and B2.
in Paper 1).
 Unit B1: Influences on life
Topics 5-7: Homeostasis and
Topics: Classification, variation
response, Inheritance, variation and
and inheritance, Response to a
evolution, Ecology (assessed in
changing environment, Problems
Paper 2).
of, and solutions to a changing
New AQA specification Current Edexcel specification
environment.
 Unit B2: The components of
life
Topics: The building blocks of
cells, Organisms and energy,
Common systems
Controlled assessments for
internally assessment practical
skills.
The required practicals are clearly Each of the two units includes
listed, as are opportunities for practical investigations which may
development of skills identified in be externally examined, as well as
the right-hand column of the further suggestions for practical
specification. These should work. Internally assessed Controlled
encourage more practical work, assessment tasks are taken from
which will motivate students and these investigations.
encourage the transfer of skills
across the subject.
Content
Working scientifically
New AQA specification Current Edexcel specification
Specification reference: WS 1.1 to Specification references: How
WS 4.6 Science Works
This is subdivided into:
'Working scientifically' encompasses
all the activities that scientists do. It  Data, evidence, theories and
is woven throughout the explanations.
specification and written papers.
 Practical and enquiry skills.
There are cross-references to
relevant activities in the content.  Communication skills.
 Applications and implications
of science.
Cell biology
4.1.1 Cell structure
New AQA specification Current Edexcel specification
Specification reference: 4.1.1.1 to Specification reference:
4.1.1.5
B2 Topic 1
 Cell structure and
microscopy: 1.1 to 1.5
Both specifications contain similar content on plant and animal cell
structure and microscopy.
More detail is given about the Some references to cell adaptations
functions of cell components, cell are found in B1 Topic 2: 2.20 and
differentiation and cell 2.23, B2 Topic 2: 2.19 and Topic 3:
specialisation. 3.8.
Comparison of eukaryotic and Edexcel doesn’t mention eukaryotic
prokaryotic cells. cells.
4.1.2 Cell division
New AQA specification Current Edexcel specification
Specification reference: 4.1.2.1 to Specification reference:
4.1.2.3
B2 Topic 1
 Mitosis: 1.13 and 1.14
 Stem cells: 1.20 and 1.21
Mitosis is covered in more detail, Mitosis is covered only in terms of
however, stages aren’t described. chromosomes and daughter cells.
There is no reference to haploid
The terms haploid and diploid.
and diploid cells.
Stem cells in plants and animals. There is a brief reference to stem
cells and differentiation, including
Therapeutic cloning and the uses of
advantages, disadvantages and risks
stem cells are covered in more
of adult and embryonic stem cell
detail.
research.
Edexcel doesn’t cover stem cells in
plants or therapeutic cloning.
4.1.3 Transport in cells
New AQA specification Current Edexcel specification
Specification reference: 4.1.3.1 to Specification reference:
4.1.3.3
B2 Topic 2
 Diffusion: 2.2 and 2.3
 Active transport: 2.18
 Osmosis: 2.19 to 2.21
Both specifications cover diffusion, osmosis and active transport.
Factors affecting the rate of N/A
diffusion.
The need for specialised exchange
surfaces in multicellular organisms.
Factors affecting the effectiveness
of exchange surfaces.
There is a required practical to Open investigation into osmosis.
investigate the effect of salt or
sugar solutions on plant tissue.
Active transport is linked to mineral Active transport and mineral uptake
ion absorption, kidney function and in roots.
absorption of sugar from the gut.
Organisation
4.2.1 Principles of organisation
New AQA specification Current Edexcel specification
Specification reference: 4.2.1.1 Specification reference:
B2 Topic 3
 Organisation: 3.9
 Villi: 3.16
Organisation is included in both specifications, but the AQA specification
includes definitions of cells, tissues and organs.
4.2.2 Animal tissues, organs and organ systems
New AQA specification Current Edexcel specification
Specification reference: 4.2.2.1 to Specification reference:
4.2.2.7
B1 Topics 2 and 3
 Enzymes: 2.2
 Type 2 diabetes: 2.11 to 2.13
 Smoking, alcohol and obesity:
3.4 to 3.7
B2 Topics 1
 Enzymes: 1.24, 1.26 to 1.32
B2 Topic 3
 Blood: 3.8
 Heart and circulatory system:
3.10 and 3.11
 Digestive system and
enzymes: 3.12 to 3.17
 Functional foods: 3.18
AQA specification covers digestive system and enzyme activity, the heart
and circulatory system, non-communicable diseases such as CHD, Type 2
diabetes, cancer, some lung and liver diseases and their associated risk
factors.
Both specifications cover properties of enzymes and an understanding of
the 'lock and key theory', including the investigation of enzyme activity.
They also cover the role of digestive enzymes and bile.
The structure and functions of the heart, blood vessels and the blood is
similar in both specifications.
The effects of smoking and alcohol, the link between obesity and Type 2
diabetes.
AQA specification assumes The Edexcel specification includes
knowledge of the digestive system the functions of the parts of the
from KS3. The focus is on the digestive system and peristalsis.
properties of enzymes and the role
The use of probiotics, prebiotic
of enzymes in digestion.
oligosaccharides and plant stanol
There is a required practical to esters in the diet.
investigate the effect of a factor on
New AQA specification Current Edexcel specification
the rate of an enzyme-controlled
reaction.
The relationship between the heart Edexcel doesn’t cover the lungs,
and lungs, the role of coronary coronary arteries and treatments for
arteries. heart diseases.
Focus is on heart disease and
treatments including pacemakers,
stents, valves, artificial hearts,
transplants and drugs.
Focus on factors affecting physical The effect of lifestyle on health and
and mental health. non-communicable diseases.
The effects of smoking and alcohol Effects of chemicals in smoke and
on unborn babies and risk factors the short term effects of alcohol
associated with cancers. abuse.
Cancers and how they spread in the The ethics of liver and heart
body. transplants.
4.2.3 Plant tissues, organs and systems
New AQA specification Current Edexcel specification
Specification reference: 4.2.3.1 to Specification reference:
4.2.3.2
B2 Topics 2 and 3
 Leaf structure: 2.13
 Transpiration: 2.17
 Xylem and phloem: 2.18
 Root hair cells: 2.19
 Growth: 3.6
Both specifications cover how root hair cells are adapted for their function.
Leaf structure, including the names Leaf structure: a large surface area,
of tissues, is covered in detail. chloroplasts and stomata.
Meristem tissue is covered in No reference to meristems, just how
relation to differentiation and cell division, elongation and
growth. differentiation contribute to growth
and development.
New AQA specification Current Edexcel specification
Structure of xylem and phloem is Only the role of xylem and phloem is
covered in detail. mentioned.
The term translocation.
Factors affecting the rate of How the loss of water vapour from
transpiration. leaves drives transpiration.
There are several investigations
and activities to develop skills in
relation to transpiration.
Infection and response
4.3.1 Communicable diseases
New AQA specification Current Edexcel specification
Specification reference: 4.3.1.1 to Specification reference:
4.3.1.9 and 4.6.3.4
B1 Topics 1 and 3
 Classification: 1.1 to 1.3
 Pathogens and defence: 3.8
to 3.10
 Antiseptics and antibiotics:
3.12 to 3.15
Both specifications cover in a similar way:
 pathogens as organisms that cause infectious disease
 how the body defends itself against the entry of pathogens.
Only the structure of bacteria is The structure of fungi, protoctista
covered, but in more detail. and prokaryota are briefly covered in
the section on classification.
Why viruses are not classified into
any of the five kingdoms.
The causes, transmission, Only the spread of some diseases is
symptoms and prevention or mentioned. These include cholera,
treatment of several viral, bacterial, salmonella, influenza, athlete's foot,
fungal and protist diseases of HIV, dysentery and malaria.
humans and plants. These include:
 measles
New AQA specification Current Edexcel specification
 HIV
 tobacco mosaic virus
 salmonella
 gonorrhoea
 rose black spot
 malaria.
Methods to reduce the spread of
diseases.
More detail on the role of white Lysozymes in tears.
blood cells in defence against
pathogens. Reference to antitoxins
and phagocytosis.
Vaccinations, antibiotics and Vaccinations are not included.
painkillers.
Antiseptics and antibiotics including
Antibiotic resistance is covered in antibacterials and antifungals.
detail in section 4.6.3.4. It includes
Antibiotic resistance is only covered
how resistant strains evolve and
in relation to the misuse of
how to reduce the rate at which
antibiotics.
they develop.
The discovery of drugs from plants
and microorganisms; synthesis of

new drugs.

The work of Fleming.

AQA covers in detail the processes
Edexcel doesn’t cover drug testing.
and purposes of drug testing and
clinical trials.
Bioenergetics
4.4.1 Photosynthesis
New AQA specification Current Edexcel specification
Specification reference: 4.4.1.1 to Specification reference:
4.4.1.3
B2 Topic 2
 Word equation: 2.14
 Limiting factors: 2.15 to 2.16
Both specifications cover the word and symbol equations for
photosynthesis, factors affecting and limiting the rate of photosynthesis.
There is a required practical in the AQA specification about the effect of a
factor on the rate of photosynthesis. A similar investigation is suggested in
the Edexcel specification.
AQA covers both the word and Only the word equation is required.
symbol equation and refers to the
reaction being endothermic.
Factors affecting the rate of How limiting factors affect the rate
photosynthesis also include the of photosynthesis only refers to light
amount of chlorophyll. intensity, carbon dioxide
concentration and temperature.
There is more focus on the
interpretation of graphs to identify
limiting factors and the use of the
inverse square law in relation to
light intensity.
The economics of enhancing
conditions in a greenhouse, while
maintaining a profit.
A variety of glucose uses. The only use of glucose mentioned is
for respiration.
4.4.2 Respiration
New AQA specification Current Edexcel specification
Specification reference: 4.4.2.1 to Specification reference:
4.4.2.3
B2 Topic 2
 Definition: 2.1
New AQA specification Current Edexcel specification
 Exercise: 2.2, 2.5 to 2.8, 2.11
and 2.12
 Word equations: 2.4 and 2.9
 Aerobic vs anaerobic: 2.10
Both specifications compare aerobic and anaerobic respiration in animal
cells and relate it to the circulatory and breathing systems. Word equations
for these two reactions are included.
Investigating the effect of exercise on heart and breathing rate.
Both the word and symbol Edexcel covers only the word
equations for aerobic respiration equations for aerobic and anaerobic
and anaerobic respiration in yeast respiration in animals.
and plants.

The word equation for anaerobic

respiration in animals, reference to
the reactions being exothermic. The only reference to anaerobic
respiration in yeast is an optional
The economic importance of
investigation into the effect of
fermentation is covered in relation
glucose concentration on the rate.
to bread and alcohol production.
The section on exercise refers to The section on exercise also includes
lactic acid build up and breakdown use of the equation:
in the liver, oxygen debt and
𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑐 𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡 =
muscle fatigue.
𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑘𝑒 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑥 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒
Edexcel refers to excess post-
exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC)
instead of oxygen debt.
There is a summary section on Edexcel doesn’t use the term
metabolism. Aspects of metabolism metabolism.
are covered in more detail in topic
4.2.2.1, 4.4.1.3, 4.4.2.1, 4.5.3.3.