Understand Biology
Cambridge IGCSE Biology course and assessment guide
Cambridge IGCSE Biology combines secure subject knowledge with application, analysis and clear communication. This guide groups the official syllabus content into a readable learning journey and explains the usual assessment progression.
Know the papers.
Prepare with purpose.
Candidates follow a Core or Extended route and complete the paper combination specified for their subject. Science routes also assess practical competence.
Core route
Core papers assess the foundational syllabus and cap the available grade range. The exact paper combination depends on subject.
Extended route
Extended papers include Core and Supplement content and allow access to the full grade range.
Practical / alternative
Science practical skills are assessed through a practical test or an alternative-to-practical paper, depending on the entry route.
Written problem solving
Questions reward accurate knowledge, application in unfamiliar contexts, working and interpretation of data or diagrams.
Every area,
explained clearly.
Cells, organization and transport
The course begins with characteristics of life and builds from molecules and cells to exchange systems.
Characteristics and classificationLife processes and classification keys organize biological diversity.＋
Life processes and classification keys organize biological diversity. Binomial naming and evolutionary relationships make identification systematic.
Cells and movement across membranesCell structures perform specialized functions while diffusion, osmosis and active transport control exchange.＋
Cell structures perform specialized functions while diffusion, osmosis and active transport control exchange. Practical investigations connect concentration to movement.
Biological molecules and enzymesFood tests identify carbohydrates, fats and proteins.＋
Food tests identify carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Enzymes connect molecular shape, temperature and pH to reaction rate.
Plant and human nutritionPhotosynthesis supplies organic molecules while balanced diets and digestion make nutrients available.＋
Photosynthesis supplies organic molecules while balanced diets and digestion make nutrients available. Adaptations link organs to efficient absorption.
Transport and gas exchangePlant transport, blood, circulation and exchange surfaces move materials efficiently.＋
Plant transport, blood, circulation and exchange surfaces move materials efficiently. Structure is repeatedly linked to diffusion distance, area and gradients.
Coordination, reproduction and inheritance
Organisms detect change, maintain conditions and pass information between generations.
Coordination and homeostasisNervous and hormonal control produce coordinated responses.＋
Nervous and hormonal control produce coordinated responses. Temperature and glucose regulation illustrate negative feedback.
ReproductionAsexual and sexual reproduction are compared in plants and humans.＋
Asexual and sexual reproduction are compared in plants and humans. Fertilization, development and reproductive health connect cells to life cycles.
Inheritance and variationGenes, chromosomes, DNA and cell division explain inheritance.＋
Genes, chromosomes, DNA and cell division explain inheritance. Variation, mutation and selection connect genetic information to evolution.
Ecology and human influence
Energy flow and nutrient cycles explain ecosystems and frame decisions about human impact.
Organisms and their environmentFood chains, webs, pyramids and cycles describe ecological relationships.＋
Food chains, webs, pyramids and cycles describe ecological relationships. Sampling and population data turn field observations into evidence.
Human influencesFood supply, habitat loss, pollution and climate change alter ecosystems.＋
Food supply, habitat loss, pollution and climate change alter ecosystems. Conservation and sustainable management are evaluated through consequences and trade-offs.
BiotechnologyFermentation, selective breeding and genetic modification use organisms or their components.＋
Fermentation, selective breeding and genetic modification use organisms or their components. Benefits, limitations and ethics are considered together.
A student-friendly summary of the Cambridge International IGCSE syllabus. Centres should confirm the syllabus version and component option for their examination series.
Content is presented as an original student-friendly explanation. Always use the official syllabus for the examination year as the final authority.