Biology Syllabus Overview

Overview

This lecture outlines the Cambridge International AS & A Level Biology 9700 syllabus for exams in 2025–2027, covering course aims, structure, assessments, and subject content.

Syllabus Structure and Key Concepts

• The syllabus develops scientific knowledge, practical skills, and critical thinking in biology.
• Key concepts: cells as units of life, biochemical processes, DNA as heredity, natural selection, organisms in environments, and observation & experiment.
• The course is valued for fostering transferable skills and is internationally recognized for university entrance.

Course Content Overview

AS Level 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

A Level Additional 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

Assessment Overview

• Paper 1: Multiple Choice (AS topics), 1h 15m, 40 marks.
• Paper 2: AS Structured Questions, 1h 15m, 60 marks.
• Paper 3: Advanced Practical Skills, 2h, 40 marks.
• Paper 4: A Level Structured Questions, 2h, 100 marks.
• Paper 5: Planning, Analysis and Evaluation (practical skills), 1h 15m, 30 marks.
• Assessment objectives: AO1 (Knowledge), AO2 (Application/Evaluation), AO3 (Practical/Experimental skills).

Practical Assessment Highlights

• 20% of course time should be practical work.
• Develops skills in experimental planning, data collection, analysis, and evaluation.
• Equipment and materials lists provided; key lab safety rules apply.

Mathematical and Statistical Requirements

• Students must perform calculations on magnification, rates, genetics, biodiversity, and standard statistical tests (chi-squared, t-tests, correlations).
• Formulae are provided during exams.

Administrative and Exam Information

• Exams offered in June/November (and March in India).
• AS can be taken stand-alone or as first part of A Level.
• Retakes allowed; results can be carried forward for A Level completion.
• Grades A*–E for A Level, a–e for AS Level.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Prokaryotic cell — cell lacking a nucleus, found in bacteria.
• Eukaryotic cell — cell with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
• Enzyme — protein that acts as a biological catalyst.
• Osmosis — diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.
• Homeostasis — maintenance of constant internal environment in organisms.
• Photosynthesis — conversion of light energy to chemical energy in plants.
• Hardy-Weinberg principle — equations for allele/genotype frequency in populations.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Review full syllabus content for your exam level (AS or A Level).
• Practice practical skills and familiarize yourself with required laboratory techniques.
• Study command words and assessment objectives for exams.
• Prepare for mathematical/statistical calculations using provided formulae.