Study guide · 7 units · 16 things to learn
A-level Psychology biopsychology revision guide
Biopsychology is part of AQA A-level Psychology Paper 2. This guide follows the specification taught from September 2025 (first exams in 2027) point by point, with the brain in 3D for localisation of function.
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Work through the units in order. Read each topic, open each part in 3D, then take the unit's quiz: everything you answer comes back in your daily review, right before you would forget it. Ticks show what you have done on this device.
1. The divisions of the nervous system
Quiz this unit in 3DThe central and peripheral nervous systems, and the somatic and autonomic divisions of the peripheral nervous system.
2. Neurons and synaptic transmission
Quiz this unit in 3DThe structure and function of sensory, relay and motor neurons, and synaptic transmission: neurotransmitters, excitation and inhibition.
3. The endocrine system and fight or flight
Quiz this unit in 3DThe function of the endocrine system (glands and hormones), and the fight or flight response, including the role of adrenaline.
4. Localisation of function
Quiz this unit in 3DThe motor, somatosensory, visual, auditory and language centres, including Broca's and Wernicke's areas.
- Lobes of the brainTopic · The four lobes of each hemisphere, and what each one does.
- Primary motor cortexBrain part · Your brain's movement keyboard: a body map that commands every muscle you move on purpose.
- Primary somatosensory cortexBrain part · Your touch map: every patch of skin has its own spot on this strip.
- Primary visual cortexBrain part · V1: the first cortical stop for sight, a precise map of what your eyes see.
- Primary auditory cortexBrain part · The first cortical stop for sound, laid out by pitch like piano keys.
- Language and the brainTopic · Broca's and Wernicke's areas, reading and signing, and the types of aphasia.
5. Hemispheric lateralisation and split-brain research
Quiz this unit in 3DWhich functions rely more on one hemisphere, and what split-brain patients revealed about the two halves.
6. Plasticity and functional recovery after trauma
Quiz this unit in 3DHow the brain changes with experience, and how it recovers after damage: axonal sprouting, recruiting areas on the other side, and more.
7. Ways of studying the brain
fMRI, EEGs and ERPs, and post-mortem examinations: what each shows, and its strengths and limitations.
Tips for studying
- Most marks come from evaluation: for each idea, learn one supporting study, one limitation and one real-world use.
- Use the specification's own terms in your answers: relay neuron, localisation, lateralisation, functional recovery.
- Short, spaced practice beats cramming. Take each unit quiz, then keep the daily review going until the exam.
Built from the official outline
This guide follows these official pages. Check them for the latest version of what your exam or class covers.
Inner Anatomy is an independent study tool, not affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations that write these exams.