A-Level Biology 9700 · 2025 / 2026 / 2027 Syllabus

The full syllabus, mapped.

All 19 topics of Cambridge AS & A Level Biology 9700: AS topics 1 to 11, then A Level topics 12 to 19. Every topic has lessons with interactive labs, a question bank and revision notes, and practical trainers for Paper 3 and Paper 5 are ready too.

19
Main Topics
44
Sub-Topics
73
Lessons Published
11
Labs Live
Paper 1 Multiple choice · 1h 15m · 40 marks
Paper 2 AS structured · 1h 15m · 60 marks
Paper 3 Advanced practical · 2h · 40 marks
Paper 4 A Level structured · 2h · 100 marks
Paper 5 Planning, analysis, evaluation · 1h 15m · 30 marks
PRACTICAL SKILLS

Practical papers.

Trainers for the practical papers, marked the way examiners mark. See every practical trainer.

AS topics 1 to 11.

Examined in Papers 1, 2 and 3.

Cell structure to immunity
TOPIC 01

Cell structure.

Light and electron microscopes, calibrating the eyepiece graticule, and the ultrastructure of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.

LABSInteractive labs for this topic
TOPIC 02

Biological molecules.

Tests for biological molecules, carbohydrates and lipids, proteins, and the properties of water.

2.1Testing for biological molecules
LABSInteractive labs for this topic
TOPIC 03

Enzymes.

How enzymes lower activation energy, and the factors that affect their rate, including inhibitors and Vmax and Km.

3.1Mode of action of enzymes
3.2Factors that affect enzyme action
LABSInteractive labs for this topic
TOPIC 04

Cell membranes and transport.

The fluid mosaic model and movement across membranes: diffusion, osmosis, active transport and bulk transport.

4.1Fluid mosaic membranes
LABSInteractive labs for this topic
TOPIC 05

The mitotic cell cycle.

Replication and division of nuclei and cells, and how chromosomes behave during mitosis.

5.1Replication and division of nuclei and cells
5.2Chromosome behaviour in mitosis
LABSInteractive labs for this topic
TOPIC 06

Nucleic acids and protein synthesis.

The structure of DNA and RNA, semi-conservative replication, and transcription and translation.

LABSInteractive labs for this topic
TOPIC 07

Transport in plants.

The structure of xylem and phloem, transpiration and translocation.

LABSInteractive labs for this topic
TOPIC 08

Transport in mammals.

The circulatory system, the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide, and the heart.

8.2Transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide
LABSInteractive labs for this topic
TOPIC 09

Gas exchange.

The structure and function of the human gas exchange system.

LABSInteractive labs for this topic
TOPIC 10

Infectious diseases.

Cholera, malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and measles, and how antibiotics work.

LABSInteractive labs for this topic
TOPIC 11

Immunity.

Phagocytes and lymphocytes, antibodies, vaccination and immunity.

LABSInteractive labs for this topic

A Level topics 12 to 19.

Examined in Papers 4 and 5, together with the AS content.

Respiration to genetic technology
TOPIC 12

Energy and respiration.

ATP, the stages of aerobic respiration, anaerobic respiration and respiratory quotients.

TOPIC 13

Photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis as an energy transfer process, and investigating limiting factors.

13.2Investigation of limiting factors
TOPIC 14

Homeostasis.

Negative feedback, temperature, blood glucose and water in mammals, and stomata in plants.

TOPIC 15

Control and coordination.

Nerves, synapses, muscle contraction and hormones in mammals, and control in plants.

15.2Control and coordination in plants
TOPIC 16

Inheritance.

Meiosis, genetic crosses and the chi-squared test, the roles of genes in the phenotype, and gene control.

16.1Passage of information from parents to offspring
TOPIC 17

Selection and evolution.

Variation, natural and artificial selection, and evolution and speciation.

TOPIC 18

Classification, biodiversity and conservation.

Domains and kingdoms, measuring biodiversity in the field, and conservation.

TOPIC 19

Genetic technology.

Recombinant DNA, PCR and electrophoresis, genetic technology in medicine and GM organisms in agriculture.

19.2Genetic technology applied to medicine
19.3Genetically modified organisms in agriculture