Biology

Biology — A Level

British Curriculum · Cambridge Assessment International Education · Years 12-13 · Ages 16-18

Cambridge International AS & A Level Biology (9700) is a prerequisite for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and biological science degrees, and is assessed by theory papers plus a genuine laboratory practical examination — not an alternative-to-practical paper.

AS covers cell structure, biological molecules, enzymes, cell membranes and transport, the mitotic cell cycle, nucleic acids and protein synthesis, transport in plants and mammals, gas exchange, infectious disease and immunity. A2 adds energy and respiration, photosynthesis, homeostasis, control and coordination, inherited change, selection and evolution, and genetic technology.

The practical papers carry real weight and are examined on technique, measurement, analysis and evaluation. Students who only revise theory routinely underperform their predicted grades because of them.

Key topics covered

• Cell Structure & Biological Molecules — Ultrastructure, microscopy, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and water.
• Enzymes & Membranes — Enzyme kinetics, inhibition, membrane structure and transport mechanisms.
• Nucleic Acids & Protein Synthesis — DNA structure, replication, transcription, translation and the genetic code.
• Transport & Gas Exchange — Xylem, phloem, the mammalian circulatory system and gas exchange surfaces.
• Respiration & Photosynthesis — Glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, oxidative phosphorylation and the light reactions.
• Homeostasis & Coordination — The kidney, blood glucose control, nerves, muscles and plant responses.
• Genetics & Evolution — Meiosis, inheritance, gene control, selection, speciation and genetic technology.
• Practical Examination — Microscopy, dissection, technique, measurement, analysis and evaluation.