OCR A-Level Biology (H420) Revision Notes: Your Ultimate Guide to Scoring an A*
Are you preparing for your OCR A-Level Biology (H420) exams and aiming for that top A* grade? You’re not alone. Thousands of students across the UK face the same challenge each year — understanding complex topics, memorizing key concepts, and answering questions with precision under exam conditions.
At Exam Papers Practice, we’ve made it our mission to simplify your revision process and provide you with the best tools to succeed. Our expertly crafted OCR A-Level Biology (H420) revision notes are designed specifically for students who want to study smarter, not harder.
Here’s everything you need to know to achieve top marks in OCR A-Level Biology, along with tips for effective studying.
Topic Driven Revision Resources
Cell Membrane and Fluid Mosaic Model
Enzymes
The Cell Cycle
Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
Water
Carbohydrates
Factors Affecting Enzymes
Function of Membranes
Beetroot PAG
Enzyme Inhibitors
Interrelationships and Cytoskeleton
Meiosis
Polysaccharides
Liver Structure and Function
Lipids
Microscopy Calculations
Movement of Molecules
PAG 4.1
Stem Cells
The Liver, Deamination and Ornithine Cycle
Calibrating a Microscope
Cholesterol
How Do Molecules Move
Organization and Specialization
PAG 1.2 (Teacher's Copy)
Proteins
Root Tip Squash Practical
Water Potential of a Potato PAG
DNA Extraction
Proteins
DNA
DNA Replication
Protein Synthesis (1)
Protein Synthesis (2)
Other Topics that are Essential for this Revision
Action Potentials
Anaerobic Respiration
Antibiotics and New Medicines
Brain Structure and Function
Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life
Chi Squared CR
Commercial Use of Plant Hormones
Communicable Disease Revision
Coordinating Responses
Coordination and Neurones
Daphnia
Diagnosis using Excretory Products
Dihybrid Crosses
ECGs
Epistasis
Exchange of Gasses in Bony Fish and Insects
Factor Affecting Transpiration
Factors Affecting Biodiversity and Reasons to Maintain Biodiversity
Factors Affecting Evolution
Features of Exchange Surfaces
Genetic Basis of Variation
Genetic Biodiversity
Haemoglobin & Transport of Oxygen
Hardy Weinberg
Hydrophytes and Xerophytes
Investigating Tropisms
Kidney Failure
Biodiversity Introduction
ATP
Circulatory Systems
Classification
Receptors, Effector, Cell Signaling
Variation
Blood Vessels
Tissue Fluid
Development of Classification
Measuring Biodiversity
Oxidative Phosphorylation
Thermoregulation
Vascular Bundles
Glycolysis and the Link Reaction
Heart Structure and Dissection
Phylogeny
Krebs Cycle
Cardiac Cycle
Limiting Factors
Types of Variation
Water Transport
Electrical Control of the Heart
Adaptations
Controlling Heart Rate
Measuring Respiration
Phloem and Translocation
Changing Population Characteristics
Conservation Agreements
Comparing Respiration and Photosynthesis
LDR
LIR
Lymph
Mammalian Kidney
Measuring Lung Volume
Methods for Maintaining Biodiversity
Monohybrid Crosses
Muscle and Slidint Filament Theory
Osmoregulation
Paired and Unpaired T Tests
Photosynthesis into and Chlorophyll
Plant Responses
Primary Defenses Against Disease (1)
Primary Defenses Against Disease (2)
Respiratory Substraights and RQs
Resting Potential
Sensory Receptors
Simpsons Index of Diversity and Spearman's Rank
Sliding Filament Model
Speciation
Succession
Surface Area to Volume Ratio
The Mammalian Nervous System
The Need for Transport in Plants
The Respiratory System
The Specific Immune Response
Transmission of Pathogens
Transport of Carbon Dioxide
Types of Immunity
Water Transport
Why Use OCR A-Level Biology (H420) Revision Notes from Exam Papers Practice?
Biology is a content-heavy subject that requires not only memorization but also a deep understanding of processes and terminology. That’s where Exam Papers Practice comes in.
Here’s what makes our revision notes stand out:
✅ 1. Aligned with the OCR A-Level Biology (H420) Specification
Our notes cover every topic outlined in the OCR A-Level Biology (H420) specification, including:
AS Level Units:
Cell structure
Biological molecules
Enzymes
Membranes and transport
Nucleic acids
Gas exchange and transport
A2 Level Units:
Energy and respiration
Photosynthesis
Genetics, evolution, and ecosystems
Control systems (nervous and endocrine)
Every section is broken down into digestible chunks, making it easier for you to focus on one concept at a time.
✅ 2. Simplified Explanations
We understand that not every student learns the same way. That’s why our revision notes use student-friendly language, diagrams, and real-life examples to explain difficult concepts like protein synthesis, DNA replication, and homeostasis.
✅ 3. Exam-Focused Content
We don’t just teach Biology—we teach how to answer exam questions. Our notes are packed with tips on what OCR examiners look for, sample answers, and past paper references so you can practice applying your knowledge effectively.
How to Use Our OCR A-Level Biology (H420) Revision Notes Effectively
To maximize your results, it’s not enough to simply read the notes — you need to engage with them actively. Here are some proven tips for making the most out of your study time:
1. Follow the Syllabus Topic-by-Topic
Start your revision by going through the OCR A-Level Biology (H420) specification. Use our notes as a checklist. After completing each section, quiz yourself or try a past paper question related to that topic.
2. Use Active Recall
Don’t passively read — ask yourself questions. For example:
“How do enzymes lower activation energy?”
“What’s the difference between mitosis and meiosis?”
Write down your answers before checking the notes. This method has been scientifically proven to boost memory retention.
3. Create Flashcards
Turn definitions, key diagrams, and processes into flashcards. Apps like Anki or Quizlet can help you review your cards regularly and efficiently.
4. Mind Maps and Diagrams
Biology is visual! Use our diagrams to recreate your own mind maps of each unit — especially for topics like the nitrogen cycle, photosynthesis, and the nervous system.
5. Practice with Exam Questions
Nothing prepares you better than practicing with OCR-style questions. Our website, Exam Papers Practice, includes hundreds of questions with detailed answers. Test yourself under timed conditions and review your mistakes.
Pro Study Habits to Secure an A*
Getting an A* in OCR A-Level Biology (H420) is not just about what you study, but how you study. Here are expert-backed habits that top students use:
✅ Set Clear Goals
Break down your study into manageable goals. For example:
“Revise enzymes today.”
“Complete 2 past paper questions on DNA replication.”
✅ Use the Pomodoro Technique
Study in 25-minute intervals followed by a 5-minute break. After four sessions, take a longer 20-minute break. This keeps your brain fresh and focused.
✅ Study Smarter, Not Harder
Avoid spending hours rereading the same material. Instead:
Watch an animation or tutorial.
Teach the topic to a friend.
Use our OCR A-Level Biology (H420) revision notes to summarize it in your own words.
✅ Sleep and Nutrition Matter
Get 7–9 hours of sleep, stay hydrated, and eat brain-friendly foods like nuts, eggs, and berries. These small changes can dramatically improve your focus and memory.
Are You Having Trouble with Your Studies? Get the Help You Need Today
If you’re struggling with your studies and looking for extra support, why not consider hiring a tutor or enrolling in summer school or Easter revision services? Whether you’re aiming to boost your grades or better understand complex topics, targeted revision can make a big difference. Accessing the right resources is crucial, and there are multiple options available to help you succeed.
Why Consider a Tutor for Your Studies?
A personal tutor can provide tailored support based on your individual learning needs. Tutors offer one-on-one sessions that focus on the areas where you need the most improvement. Whether it’s mathematics, science, or language arts, a tutor can provide targeted strategies and techniques to ensure that you understand key concepts and are prepared for upcoming exams.
Summer School and Easter Revision Services: A Great Opportunity
Summer and Easter revision services are an excellent way to prepare for exams while still having time to relax. These sessions are structured to help you revisit your syllabus, revise key topics, and practice with exam papers. These services offer intensive study periods, which can be highly beneficial for students aiming to refresh their knowledge and boost confidence.
Accessing the Board Syllabus for Efficient Studying
Accessing your exam board’s syllabus is one of the most effective ways to stay on track during your revision. The syllabus provides a clear outline of the topics you need to cover and allows you to prioritize areas that require more attention.
The comprehensive OCR A-Level Biology Specification ensures that you are following the right path and studying the correct resource material.
Where to Find the Best Educational Services
For further support, you can check out services offered by our Sister Companies Lite Regal International College and Lite Regal Education, both of which provide expert tutors and revision resources. Whether you need a tutor for personalized lessons or are looking to join a revision group, these services have a wide range of options to fit your study needs.
Achieving an A* in OCR A-Level Biology (H420) might seem tough, but with the right resources and effective strategies, it’s entirely possible. Exam Papers Practice gives you everything you need — from revision notes to past questions — all in one place.
Start with one topic. Use our notes. Test yourself. Build your confidence day by day.
