This exam focus covers Exam Focus within Nervous System for GCSE Biology. Topic 2: Nervous System It is section 12 of 14 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.
Topic position
Section 12 of 14
Practice
15 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
Exam Focus
Exam FavouriteThe nervous system is the highest-frequency topic in Unit 6, appearing in 4 out of 5 recent AQA Paper 2 exams. Expect 4–8 marks on this topic, often combined with the reflex arc or reaction time practical.
How it is tested:
- Describe the pathway: Sequence of neurone types from stimulus to response — sensory, relay, motor.
- Explain synapse transmission: Steps from impulse arriving at pre-synaptic membrane to new impulse in post-synaptic neurone.
- Compare nervous and hormonal systems: Speed, duration, specificity — a classic 4-mark comparison table or "describe the differences" question.
- RPA7 — Reaction time practical: Variables affecting reaction time, how to control them, calculating mean from repeated measurements.
- Higher tier: Structure of the brain (cerebrum, cerebellum, medulla) and the eye (cornea, lens, retina, optic nerve).