O Level

Biology

Syllabus 5090Cambridge International

Cambridge O Level Biology (5090) explores cell biology, human physiology, plant biology, genetics, ecology and reproduction. Three papers with an Alternative to Practical. Essential for Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Biotechnology and Health Sciences.

Key topics

Cells, organisation & enzymes
Human nutrition, transport, respiration, excretion
Coordination — nervous and endocrine systems
Reproduction in humans & plants
Genetics, inheritance & evolution
Ecology, ecosystems & human impact on environment

Exam tips

01Use precise biological terminology — 'movement of water' loses marks, 'osmosis' earns them.
02Diagrams must be labelled with straight lines, no arrowheads, no crossing.
03Practice extended-response questions (4–6 marks) — they distinguish A* candidates.
04Practice past papers from at least the last 5 sessions — pattern recognition is half the battle.
05Master the CAIE command words: define, explain, evaluate, calculate, describe, compare, state.