Sciences
Cambridge AS & A Level Biology
Syllabus topics
72 topics and subtopics in the 2025-2027 syllabus, examined from 1 Jan 2025.
ASAS Level subject content
Topics 1-11: studied by all candidates; examined in Papers 1 and 2 and assumed knowledge for Paper 4.
AA Level subject content
Topics 12-19: A Level only; examined in Paper 4, with AS content assumed.
PSPractical skills
Not a content section of the syllabus: our grouping of the practical assessment section (Papers 3 and 5) and the Mathematical requirements.
- P3
Advanced practical skills (Paper 3)
AS Level: manipulation, measurement and observation; presentation of data and observations; analysis, conclusions and evaluation, including light microscopy.
- P5
Planning, analysis and evaluation (Paper 5)
A Level: planning, analysis, conclusions and evaluation, with the A Level statistics of the Mathematical requirements.
About this syllabus
Cambridge International AS & A Level Biology (9700) is a two-stage course. The AS Level content (topics 1-11) covers cell structure and microscopy, biological molecules, enzymes, cell membranes and transport, the mitotic cell cycle, nucleic acids and protein synthesis, transport in plants and mammals, gas exchange, infectious diseases and immunity. The A Level content (topics 12-19) adds energy and respiration, photosynthesis, homeostasis, control and coordination, inheritance, selection and evolution, classification, biodiversity and conservation, and genetic technology, with statistical analysis of biological data and higher-level practical skills.
How you are assessed
AS Level candidates take Paper 1 Multiple Choice (1 hour 15 minutes, 40 marks), Paper 2 AS Level Structured Questions (1 hour 15 minutes, 60 marks) and Paper 3 Advanced Practical Skills (2 hours, 40 marks). A Level candidates also take Paper 4 A Level Structured Questions (2 hours, 100 marks) and Paper 5 Planning, Analysis and Evaluation (1 hour 15 minutes, 30 marks), either in the same series or a later one, carrying forward their AS result.
Ready to master Cambridge AS & A Level Biology?
Study each topic, practise with instant marking and see exactly what to revise next.