specification overview
Cambridge International A Level Biology (9700) is a two-year linear qualification covering 19 topics from cell structure through to genetic technology, sat as five papers. It's graded A*-E (or a-e for AS Level only), with two dedicated practical papers (Paper 3 hands-on, Paper 5 planning and analysis) alongside three theory papers.
subject content
1. Cell structure
Paper 1, Paper 2- The microscope in cell studies
- Cells as the basic units of living organisms
- Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure
2. Biological molecules
Paper 1, Paper 2- Testing for biological molecules
- Carbohydrates and lipids
- Proteins and water
3. Enzymes
Paper 1, Paper 2- Mode of action of enzymes
- Factors affecting enzyme action
4. Cell membranes and transport
Paper 1, Paper 2- Fluid mosaic membranes
- Movement into and out of cells (diffusion, osmosis, active transport)
5. The mitotic cell cycle
Paper 1, Paper 2- Replication and division of nuclei and cells
- Chromosome behaviour in mitosis
6. Nucleic acids and protein synthesis
Paper 1, Paper 2- Structure and replication of DNA
- Protein synthesis
7. Transport in plants
Paper 1, Paper 2- Structure of transport tissues
- Transport mechanisms (xylem, phloem, translocation)
8. Transport in mammals
Paper 1, Paper 2- The circulatory system
- The heart
- Blood and tissue fluid
9. Gas exchange
Paper 1, Paper 2- The gas exchange system
10. Infectious diseases
Paper 1, Paper 2- Infectious diseases
- Antibiotics
11. Immunity
Paper 1, Paper 2- The immune system
- Antibodies and vaccination
12. Energy and respiration
Paper 4- Energy
- Respiration
13. Photosynthesis
Paper 4- Photosynthesis as an energy transfer process
- Investigation of limiting factors
- Adaptations for photosynthesis
14. Homeostasis
Paper 4- Homeostasis in mammals
- Homeostasis in plants
15. Control and coordination
Paper 4- Control and coordination in mammals
- Control and coordination in plants
16. Inheritance
Paper 4- Passage of information from parents to offspring
- The roles of genes in determining the phenotype
- Gene control
17. Selection and evolution
Paper 4- Variation
- Natural and artificial selection
- Evolution
18. Classification, biodiversity and conservation
Paper 4- Classification
- Biodiversity
- Conservation
19. Genetic technology
Paper 4- Principles of genetic technology
- Genetic technology applied to medicine
- Genetically modified organisms in agriculture
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Multiple choice on AS Level content (topics 1-11) | 1h 15m | 40 | 15.5% | 40 multiple-choice questions |
| Paper 2 | Structured questions on AS Level content (topics 1-11) | 1h 15m | 60 | 23% | Short-answer and structured questions |
| Paper 3 | Advanced Practical Skills. Practical work and structured questions based on practical skills; contexts may fall outside the syllabus content | 2h | 40 | 11.5% | Practical work with structured questions |
| Paper 4 | A Level Structured Questions on A Level content (topics 12-19); knowledge of AS content is assumed | 2h | 100 | 38.5% | Structured questions |
| Paper 5 | Planning, Analysis and Evaluation. Practical-skills questions on planning experiments, analysing data and evaluating methods; contexts may fall outside the syllabus content | 1h 15m | 30 | 11.5% | Structured questions on planning, analysis and evaluation |
The full A Level route is all five papers. Students can also stage the qualification: Papers 1-3 in year 1 for the standalone AS Level (grades a-e), then Papers 4-5 in year 2 to complete the A Level.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Knowledge and understanding of scientific phenomena, facts, laws, concepts and applications. | 40% |
| AO2 | Handling, applying and evaluating information, including translating between forms, manipulating data, drawing conclusions and applying knowledge to new situations. | 40% |
| AO3 | Experimental skills and investigations: planning, recording, analysing and evaluating experimental methods and data. | 20% |
key tips for success
Take Papers 3 and 5 seriously
The practical papers are worth 23% of the A Level (11.5% each) and test skills, not memorised methods. Practise across a range of biological contexts, including ones outside the syllabus content.
AS content is assumed on Paper 4
Paper 4 covers topics 12-19 but assumes you still remember topics 1-11. Revise the AS material as part of your Paper 4 preparation, not just the newer A Level topics.
Master the multiple-choice paper first
Paper 1 is 40 marks in 75 minutes: just under two minutes per question. Practise timing early so you're not caught out.
Build a data-handling toolkit
AO2 is 40% of the qualification. Practise translating between graphs, tables and prose; manipulating numerical data; and drawing reasoned conclusions.
Use worked practical examples for Paper 5
Paper 5 asks you to plan experiments and evaluate methods. Practise writing full method plans with clear variables, controls, replication and analysis before the exam.
Know which route you're on
There are three routes: AS only, staged A Level over two years, or complete A Level in one series. Confirm with your school which route you're following so you prepare the right papers.
Where to next
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