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BioWilliamology
Nurturing Future Leaders in Biology
Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology (9700)
Universities value learners who have a thorough understanding of key concepts in biology, an in-depth knowledge of biology’s most important themes and strong practical skills.
Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology helps learners develop the knowledge and skills that will prepare them for successful university study. All learners also develop lifelong skills of scientific enquiry, confidence in technology, and communication and teamwork skills.
Content
AS Level Biology
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Candidates for Cambridge International AS Level Biology study the following topics:
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Cell structure
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Biological molecules
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Enzyme
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Cell membranes and transport
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The mitotic cell cycle
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Nucleic acids and protein synthesis
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Transport in plants
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Transport in mammals
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Gas exchange and smoking
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Infectious disease
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Immunity
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A2 Level Biology
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Candidates for Cambridge International A Level Biology study the AS topics and the following topics:
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Energy and respiration
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Photosynthesis
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Homeostasis
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Control and co-ordination
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Inherited change
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Selection and evolution
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Biodiversity, classification and conservation
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Genetic technology
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Assessment
All candidates take three papers.
Candidates who have studied the Core subject content, or who are expected to achieve a grade D or below, should be entered for Paper 1, Paper 3 and either Paper 5 or Paper 6. These candidates will be eligible for grades C to G.
Candidates who have studied the Extended subject content (Core and Supplement), and who are expected to achieve a grade C or above, should be entered for Paper 2, Paper 4 and either Paper 5 or Paper 6. These candidates will be eligible for grades A* to G.
Core candidates take:
Paper 1 45 minutes
Multiple Choice 30%
40 marks
40 four-choice multiple-choice questions
Questions will be based on the Core subject content
Assessing grades C–G
Externally assessed
and Core candidates take:
Paper 3 1 hour 15 minutes
Theory 50%
80 marks
Short-answer and structured questions
Questions will be based on the Core subject content
Assessing grades C–G
Externally assessed
All candidates take
either:
Paper 5 1 hour 15 minutes
Practical Test 20%
40 marks
Questions will be based on the experimental skills
Assessing grades A*–G
Externally assessed
Extended candidates take:
Paper 2 45 minutes
Multiple Choice 30%
40 marks
40 four-choice multiple-choice questions
Questions will be based on the Extended subject content (Core and Supplement)
Assessing grades A*–G
Externally assessed
and Extended candidates take:
Paper 4 1 hour 15 minutes
Theory 50%
80 marks
Short-answer and structured questions
Questions will be based on the Extended subject content (Core and Supplement)
Assessing grades A*–G
Externally assessed
or
Paper 6 1 hour
Alternative to Practical 20%
40 marks
Questions will be based on the experimental skills
Assessing grades A*–G
Externally assessed
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