Cambridge International
A & AS Level Biology
Syllabus code 9700
SMAK PENABUR Gading Serpong
Cambridge International A & AS Level Biology
• Candidates for Advanced Subsidiary (AS)
certification take papers 1, 2 and 31/32 in a single
exam session.
• Candidates who already have AS certification and
wish to achiece the full Advanced level
qualification may carry their AS marks forward
and take just papers 4 and 5 in the exam session in
which they require certification.
• Candidates taking the complete Advanced level
qualification take all five papers in a single exam
session.
• Candidates may not enter for single papers either
on the first occasion or for re-sit purposes.
Candidates may only enter for the papers in the combinations
indicated above.
Paper
Type of Paper
Duration Marks
Weighting
AS
Level
A
Level
1
Multiple-choice
1 hour
40
31 %
15 %
2
AS Level Structured Questions
1 hour
15 min
60
46 %
28 %
31/32
Advanced Practical Skills
2 hours
40
23 %
12 %
4
A2 Structured Questions
2 hours
100
30 %
5
Planning Analysis and
Evaluation
1 hour
15 min
30
12 %
• Paper 1
This paper will consist of 40 multiple choice questions
an the AS syllabus. All questions will be of the direct
choice type with four options.
• Paper 2
This paper will consist of a variable number of
structured questions of variable mark value. All the
questions will be based on the AS syllabus.
Candidates will answer all the questions on the
question paper.
• Paper 31/32
Paper 31 and paper 32 will be equivalent and each
candidate will be required to take only one of them.
This is to allow large Centres to split candidates in to
two groups : one group will take Paper 31, the other
group will take paper 32.
• Each of these papers will be timetable on a different
day.
• Each of these practical papers will consist of two
approximately equal parts, one of which will require
the use of a microscope with low-power and highpower objectives and an eye-piece graticule.
• Candidates will be allowed to use the microscope for
a maximum of 1 hour.
Eye-piece graticule
• Candidates will be expected to show evidence of skill
in the handling of familiar and unfamiliar biological
material.
• Where unfamiliar materials/techniques are required
full instructions will be given.
• Candidates will answer all the questions on the
question paper. Although no dissection of materials
of animal origin will be set in paper 31/32, dissection,
interactive videos or similar will continue to be a
useful aid to teaching, e.g. when the heart is being
studied. (full details are given in Practical Assessment
section of the syllabus).
• Paper 4
This paper will consist of two sections.
Section A (85 marks) will consist of variable number
of structured questions of variable mark value, based
on the A2 core and applications syllabus.
Section B (15 marks) will consist of a free response
questions, presented in an either/or form, that will
carry 15 marks based on the A2 core syllabus.
Candidates will answer all questions on the questions
paper.
• Paper 5
This paper will consist of two or more questions based
on the practical skills of planning, analysis and
evaluation.
The examiners will not be restricted by the subject
content.
Candidates will answer all the questions on the
question paper. Question will require on
understanding of the use of statistical tests.
The formulae for these tests will be provided. (full
details are given in the Practical Assessment section
of the syllabus).
Syllabus Content
• The subject content of the syllabus is divided into AS
and A2. the A2 section includes a “Core” and an
“Applications of Biology” section, both of which is
listed according to learning outcomes.
• These are shown in bold type in the subject content
which is listed according to learning outcomes.
• The exam is designed to assess the candidate’s
knowledge and understanding of these outcomes.
Syllabus Structure
1. Core syllabus
AS Level candidates will
study and be assessed on the
first eleven sections, A to K.
A Level candidates will study
and be assessed on all sixteen
sections,
A to P.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K.
L.
M.
N.
O.
P.
Cell Structure
Biological Molecules
Enzymes
Cell Membranes and Transport
Cell and Nuclear Division
Genetic Control
Transport
Gas Exchange
Infectious Disease
Immunity
Ecology
Energy and Respiration
Photosynthesis
Regulation and Control
Inherited Change (Gene technology now in section R)
Selection and Evolution
2. Applications of Biology
AS Level candidates will not be assessed on these sections.
A Level candidates will study and be assessed on all five
sections, Q to U.
Q. Biodiversity and Conservation
R. Gene Technology (include some
material originally in O).
S. Biotechnology
T. Crop Plants
U. Aspects of Human Reproduction.
So…please prepare…
:D