AS & A Level Biology
From cellular ultrastructure and molecular genetics to ecology and biotechnology — master every dimension of advanced biology
Book Your Free Demo
About AS & A Level Biology (9700)
Cambridge International AS & A Level Biology (9700) is one of the most comprehensive and rewarding pre-university science qualifications. It develops an in-depth understanding of living systems — from the molecular basis of life and cell biology to physiology, genetics, ecology, and cutting-edge biotechnology. The qualification is highly valued for entry to Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, and all life science degrees at top universities worldwide.
Our programme covers the complete 9700 syllabus from AS Level (Year 12) through to full A Level (Year 13). We combine rigorous theoretical teaching with practical skills development — preparing students for both the written papers and the dedicated practical/planning components that Cambridge examiners assess separately.
Full AS & A Level syllabus coverage
Cambridge-specialist Biology tutors
Paper 3 & 5 practical mastery
Diagram, data & essay technique
AS Level Biology Topics
The AS Level covers the foundational principles of biology — cell structure and molecules, genetics, transport systems, gas exchange, and disease. Students develop both theoretical understanding and practical laboratory skills.
- Cell Structure — prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, organelles, cell fractionation, electron microscopy
- Enzymes — enzyme structure, mode of action, factors affecting enzyme activity, inhibition
- Cell & Nuclear Division — mitosis, meiosis, the cell cycle, cancer, stem cells
- Transport in Plants — xylem, phloem, transpiration, translocation, water potential
- Gas Exchange — lungs, leaf structure, gills, fick's law, ventilation mechanisms
- Immunity — B and T lymphocytes, antibodies, vaccination, monoclonal antibodies
- Biological Molecules — carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, water, inorganic ions, food tests
- Cell Membranes & Transport — fluid mosaic model, diffusion, osmosis, active transport, endocytosis
- Genetic Information — DNA structure, replication, transcription, translation, the genetic code
- Transport in Animals — haemoglobin, oxygen dissociation curves, blood vessels, the heart
- Infectious Disease — pathogens, transmission, plant and animal defences, immune response
A Level Biology Topics
The full A Level extends all AS content into the most advanced areas of biology — respiration, photosynthesis, homeostasis, gene technology, ecology, and evolution — demanding high-level analysis, evaluation, and extended writing skills.
- Energy & Respiration — glycolysis, Krebs cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, anaerobic respiration
- Homeostasis — thermoregulation, osmoregulation, blood glucose control, insulin and glucagon
- Inheritance & Selection — Mendelian genetics, dihybrid crosses, codominance, sex-linkage, chi-squared
- Biotechnology & Gene Technology — PCR, gel electrophoresis, genetic engineering, CRISPR
- Evolution — evidence for evolution, natural selection, speciation, Hardy-Weinberg principle
- Microbiology & Biotechnology — fermentation, aseptic technique, immobilised enzymes, bioreactors
- Photosynthesis — light-dependent and light-independent reactions, Calvin cycle, limiting factors
- Coordination & Control — nervous system, action potentials, synaptic transmission, hormones
- Mutations & Gene Expression — types of mutation, epigenetics, transcription factors, RNA interference
- Ecology — populations, ecosystems, energy flow, nutrient cycles, succession, conservation
- Patterns of Inheritance — linkage, epistasis, continuous and discontinuous variation
AS Level Exam Papers
Comprehensive preparation for every exam component
Paper 1 — MCQ
40 multiple choice questions covering all AS Level Biology content — cell biology, molecules, genetics, transport, disease and immunity
⏱ Duration:
1 hr 45 min
📑 Total Marks:
40 marks
Paper 2 — AS Structured
Structured questions across all AS Level topics requiring detailed written responses, diagram labelling, data analysis, and biological explanations
⏱ Duration:
1 hour 15minutes
📑 Total Marks:
60 marks
Paper 3 — Advanced Practical
Practical skills — planning experiments, carrying out procedures, recording results, processing data, drawing conclusions, and evaluating experimental methods
⏱ Duration:
2 hours
📑 Total Marks:
40 marks
A Level Exam Papers
Comprehensive preparation for every paper component
Paper 4 — A Level Structured
Structured questions on all A Level topics — respiration, photosynthesis, homeostasis, genetics, biotechnology, and ecology — requiring in-depth analysis and evaluation
⏱ Duration:
2 hours
📑 Total Marks:
100 marks
Paper 5 — Planning & Analysis
Planning experiments, interpreting data sets, identifying sources of error, evaluating experimental design, and suggesting improvements for biological investigations
⏱ Duration:
1 hour 15 minutes
📑 Total Marks:
30 marks
Key Topic Areas We Cover
Cell & Molecular Biology
Cell ultrastructure, biological molecules, enzyme kinetics, membrane transport, DNA replication, transcription, and translation.
Genetics & Inheritance
Mendelian genetics, dihybrid crosses, codominance, sex-linkage, epistasis, mutations, gene expression, and Hardy-Weinberg principle.
Human Physiology
Gas exchange, transport in animals, haemoglobin, heart function, homeostasis, nervous coordination, and hormonal control.
Plant Biology
Water potential, transport in plants, transpiration, photosynthesis (light-dependent and Calvin cycle), and plant hormones.
Ecology & Evolution
Ecosystems, energy flow, nutrient cycles, population dynamics, succession, conservation, natural selection, and speciation.
Biotechnology
PCR, gel electrophoresis, genetic engineering, CRISPR, fermentation, immobilised enzymes, bioreactors, and monoclonal antibodies.
Student Success Stories
Top grades in AS & A Level Biology — hear from our students
Ready to Excel in A Level Biology?
Join our expert Cambridge AS & A Level Biology programme today!
