Cambridge (CIE) A Level Marine Science specification (9693)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) A Level Marine Science exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) A Level Marine Science specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Cambridge (CIE) A Level Marine Science (9693) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Cambridge (CIE) specification PDF.
Specification overview
Cambridge International AS & A Level Marine Science provides a comprehensive understanding of the marine environment, focusing on biological, physical and chemical oceanography. The course develops learners’ awareness of human impacts on marine ecosystems, sustainable use of marine resources, and oceanic processes. It encourages independent learning, investigative and analytical thinking, and application of knowledge in real-world marine contexts. The syllabus is designed to support further study in marine science, environmental science, oceanography, or marine-related careers, and equips learners with practical and transferable scientific skills.
Subject content breakdown
1. Marine ecosystems and biodiversity
- Ocean habitats and marine species
- Ecological interactions and adaptations
- Energy transfer and nutrient cycles
- Biodiversity, endemism, and conservation
2. Marine organisms
- Biological classification and marine taxa
- Anatomical adaptations and physiological functions
- Reproduction and development of marine organisms
- Behavioural and ecological roles
3. Nutrient cycles in marine ecosystems
- Biogeochemical cycles: carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus
- Nutrient sources, sinks and upwelling
- Productivity, eutrophication and limiting nutrients
- Human impact on nutrient cycles
4. The physical and chemical ocean
- Properties of seawater: salinity, density, temperature
- Ocean currents, tides, and wave dynamics
- Dissolved gases and pH
- The carbon dioxide system and ocean acidification
5. The ocean floor and coast
- Plate tectonics and seafloor spreading
- Marine sediments and features of the ocean basin
- Coastal processes and landforms
- Erosion, deposition, and human influences
6. Human impacts on the marine environment
- Overfishing, bycatch, and aquaculture
- Pollution: plastic, oil, heavy metals, thermal and noise
- Habitat destruction and coral reef degradation
- Climate change, ocean warming, and sea-level rise
7. Marine resources
- Fisheries and sustainable harvesting
- Marine biotechnology and pharmaceuticals
- Renewable energy from the ocean
- Mineral extraction and environmental issues
8. Marine science practical skills
- Scientific method and experimental design
- Data collection, analysis, and presentation
- Fieldwork techniques and safety
- Critical evaluation and interpretation of results
Assessment structure
Paper 1 AS Level Theory
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 75 marks
- Structured and short-answer questions based on AS content
- May include data response and practical-based questions
- 50% of AS Level, 25% of A Level
Paper 2 AS Level Data-handling and Practical Skills
- 1 hour 15 minutes, 50 marks
- Questions on experimental skills, planning, analysis, and evaluation
- May include graphical skills and interpretation of data
- 50% of AS Level, 25% of A Level
Paper 3 A Level Theory
- 2 hours, 100 marks
- Structured and extended response questions based on A Level content
- Includes data response and higher-order thinking tasks
- 38.5% of A Level
Paper 4 A Level Data-handling and Practical Skills
- 1 hour 30 minutes, 50 marks
- Focus on experimental design, data analysis, critical evaluation
- Integrates practical and theoretical knowledge
- 11.5% of A Level
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) A Level Marine Science isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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