1. Do I have to study Biology to pursue Medicine?
No. The prerequisites to read Medicine in University are good results in H2 Chemistry, H2 Mathematics and either H2 Biology or H2 Physics. However, if you are interested in pursuing medicine, studying Biology will provide you with a good foundation for cell biology. In addition, a number of enrichment programmes and competitions provided by the Biology department will expose you to various fields in Medicine (see more in Q2)
2. What is taught in H2 Biology? Will it be similar to O level Biology?
H2 Biology focuses on Cell Biology which is different from O level Biology which hinges on systems. Hence, you will not find topics like animal or plant nutrition but instead but studying what happens at the cellular level. The topics that will be familiar includes Cell structures, Mendelian inheritance and Cell division.
The H2 Biology syllabus is divided into 4 core topics and 2 extension topics. For more information, please view the syllabus document: https://www.seab.gov.sg/files/A%20Level%20Syllabus%20Sch%20Cddts/2026/9477_y26_sy.pdf
In addition, the assessment rigour for H2 Biology will also be different from O level Biology. A strong content foundation and analytical ability is required, hence requiring a different study strategies, focusing more on understanding and practice of questions.
3. Are there enrichment programmes provided for students by the Biology department?
Yes. Our enrichment programmes are catered to students with different interest and talent. We have programmes catering to students interested in biology research, medicine and healthcare as well as general biology. This includes:
Biology research: Biology Research Attachment at NUS School of Medicine, Research collaboration with NUS nursing school
Healthcare related: Biomedical Quiz and LKC Anatomy Challenge, both with in-house training by RV Alumni reading Medicine.
General Biology: Conversations with Biologists, H3 Biology seminar, learning journeys, Singapore Biology Olympiad training.
4. Do I have to memorise a lot of content for Biology?
Biology is a content heavy subject. The nature of H2 Biology curriculum requires students to have a strong understanding and foundation of O level Biology (in particular cell biology and genetics), allowing them to recall and apply knowledge in novel context and data analysis. Hence, in order to excel
in H2 Biology, students must use appropriate keywords and phrasing to express their understanding.
In order to do so, students must be consistent in their content revision, consolidation of knowledge and practice of questions.
To help students excel, the Biology department uses a variety of strategies including engaging lectures, frequent lecture quizzes, tutorial practices, question analyses and mandatory topical learning outcome consolidation.
5. Is there H1 and H3 Biology?
Both H1 and H3 Biology are not offered to J1s.
H3 Biology is offered at the end of J1 dependent on student’s performance at the year-end Promotional Examinations. H3 Biology offered is the in-house MOE H3 (minimum class size required).
6. What is the assessment for H2 Biology like?
Paper 1: MCQ (30 marks) – 1 hour [15%]
Paper 2: Structured Question (90 marks) – 2 hours [30%]
Paper 3: Long structured questions (55 Marks) and choice of synoptic essay question (20 marks) – 2 hours [35%]
Paper 4: Practical Paper (50 marks)– 2 hours 30 mins [20%]
For more information, please view the SEAB syllabus document: https://www.seab.gov.sg/files/A%20Level%20Syllabus%20Sch%20Cddts/2026/9477_y26_sy.pdf