Nature of the Subject

The A level Biology course builds on the many topics covered at IGCSE level, but delves much deeper into the biochemical reactions that underpin the incredible range of biological processes that occur on our living planet. 

Understanding the characteristics and chemical reactions common to all life forms, allows students to fully appreciate the wonder of life on earth. 

Seeing how competition and interactions between organisms has given rise to the huge diversity of life on earth, affords students with an insight into the resilience of life on earth, while also understanding the fragility of certain ecosystems with regard to the actions and impact of humans. 

The course provides a wide range of insight into a range of biological, biochemical, pharmacological, environmental and zoological fields, and is an important stepping stone for students interested in those fields.

Syllabus & Content

Content overview

Candidates for Cambridge International AS Level Biology study the following topics:

1 Cell structure

2 Biological molecules

3 Enzymes

4 Cell membranes and transport

5 The mitotic cell cycle

6 Nucleic acids and protein synthesis

7 Transport in plants

8 Transport in mammals

9 Gas exchange

10 Infectious diseases

11 Immunity

AS Level candidates also study practical skills.

Candidates for Cambridge International A Level Biology study the AS topics and the following topics:

12 Energy and respiration

13 Photosynthesis

14 Homeostasis

15 Control and coordination

16 Inheritance

17 Selection and evolution

18 Classification, biodiversity and conservation

19 Genetic technology

A Level candidates also study practical skills.

Assessment

Paper 1.

Multiple Choice 

1 hour 15 minutes 

40 marks 

Questions are based on the AS Level syllabus content. 

 31% of the AS Level 

15.5% of the A Level

Paper 2. 

AS Level Structured Questions 

1 hour 15 minutes 

60 marks 

Structured questions 

Questions are based on the AS Level syllabus content.

Externally assessed 

46% of the AS Level

23% of the A Level

Paper 3. 

Advanced Practical Skills 

2 hours 40 marks 

Practical work and structured questions 

Questions are based on the practical skills in the Practical assessment section of the syllabus. 

The context of the questions may be outside the syllabus content. 

Externally assessed 

23% of the AS Level 

11.5% of the A Level 

Paper 4. 

A Level Structured Questions 

2 hours 100 marks 

Structured questions 

Questions are based on the A Level syllabus content; knowledge of material from the AS Level syllabus content will be required. 

Externally assessed 38.5% of the A Level

Paper 5. 

Planning, Analysis and Evaluation 

1 hour 15 minutes 

30 marks 

Questions are based on the practical skills of planning, analysis and evaluation. The context of the questions may be outside the syllabus content. 

Externally assessed 

11.5% of the A Level

Teacher Introduction

The A Level Biology course is suited to students with strong analytical and critical thinking skills. 

Students will need to be able to draw connections between different areas of the course and apply their knowledge in new and unfamiliar situations. 

The course also requires a good understanding of applying statistical mathematics to scientific data and problems.