Sciences
Cambridge IGCSE Biology
Syllabus topics
83 topics and subtopics in the 2026-2028 syllabus, examined from 1 Jan 2026.
Experimental skills and investigations
Not a numbered subject-content topic: Section 4 'Practical assessment' (assessment objective AO3) lists the experimental skills and contexts examined in Paper…
About this syllabus
Cambridge IGCSE Biology develops knowledge and understanding of living organisms, from classification, cells, biological molecules and enzymes, through plant and human nutrition, transport, gas exchange, respiration, excretion, coordination, drugs and reproduction, to inheritance, variation and selection, ecology, human influences on ecosystems and biotechnology. It also develops the experimental skills of planning investigations, observing, measuring and recording, and analysing and evaluating results. All candidates study the Core content; Extended candidates also study the Supplement.
How you are assessed
All candidates take three papers. Core candidates take Paper 1 (Multiple Choice, 45 minutes, 40 four-option questions, 40 marks, 30%) and Paper 3 (Theory, 1 hour 15 minutes, short-answer and structured questions, 80 marks, 50%) on the Core content and can be awarded grades C to G. Extended candidates take Paper 2 (Multiple Choice, 45 minutes, 40 marks, 30%) and Paper 4 (Theory, 1 hour 15 minutes, 80 marks, 50%) on the Core and Supplement content and can be awarded grades A* to G. Every candidate also takes either Paper 5 (Practical Test, 1 hour 15 minutes, 40 marks, 20%) or Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical, 1 hour, 40 marks, 20%), which test experimental skills. Assessment objectives: AO1 knowledge with understanding (50%), AO2 handling information and problem-solving (30%), AO3 experimental skills and investigations (20%). Calculators may be used in all papers.
Ready to master Cambridge IGCSE Biology?
Study each topic, practise with instant marking and see exactly what to revise next.