Oxford AQA IGCSE Biology specification (9201)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Oxford AQA IGCSE Biology 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 Oxford AQA IGCSE Biology 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 Oxford AQA IGCSE Biology (9201) 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 Oxford AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The OxfordAQA International GCSE in Biology enables learners to explore the structure and functions of living organisms through enquiry-based learning and practical investigation. It places emphasis on scientific knowledge, understanding, and the scientific process, encouraging students to apply principles to both familiar and novel contexts. The course develops a solid foundation in biology while fostering analytical thinking, experimental design, data interpretation and ethical consideration. It prepares students for further scientific study and cultivates scientific literacy, curiosity and independent learning.
Subject content breakdown
3.1 Organisation
- Understand cell structure and specialisation across eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells.
- Study organisation: cells → tissues → organs → systems.
- Explore animal and plant organs and tissues (e.g. digestive system, transport in plants).
- Investigate diffusion, osmosis, active transport, surface area, and exchange adaptations.
3.2 Bioenergetics
- Photosynthesis: equations, limiting factors, uses of glucose.
- Transport in plants: transpiration, translocation, stomata regulation.
- Circulation: heart structure, blood vessels, blood components.
- Digestion: enzymes, roles of organs, enzyme specificity and conditions.
- Breathing and gas exchange: ventilation mechanics and alveoli structure.
- Respiration: aerobic and anaerobic, energy uses, response to exercise.
3.3 Ecology
- Energy flow in ecosystems; pyramids of biomass.
- Adaptations, interdependence, extremophiles.
- Decay processes, carbon cycle.
- Human environmental impact: pollution, eutrophication, deforestation, climate change.
3.4 Organisms’ interaction with the environment
- Nervous system: CNS, reflex arcs, receptors and effectors.
- Homeostasis: water, temperature, ion and glucose regulation.
- Hormones: insulin, glucagon, ADH, negative feedback.
- Behaviour: mating, parental care, learning (habituation, conditioning), communication.
- Infection and immunity: pathogens, white blood cells, vaccination, antibiotics, resistance.
3.5 Inheritance
- Sexual vs asexual reproduction; mitosis and meiosis.
- Genetic diagrams: alleles, dominant/recessive traits, Punnett squares.
- DNA structure and gene function.
- Genetic disorders: inheritance and chromosome anomalies.
- Genetic manipulation: cloning, GM crops, ethical considerations.
3.6 Variation and evolution
- Causes of variation: genetic, environmental.
- Natural selection and evolution theories.
- Speciation through isolation, variation and adaptation.
Assessment structure
Paper 1
- 1 hour 30 minutes; 90 marks
- Structured and open-response questions
- Assesses any part of the specification content
Paper 2
- 1 hour 30 minutes; 90 marks
- Structured and open-response questions
- Assesses any part of the specification content
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Knowledge & understanding – 30%
- AO2: Application – 40%
- AO3: Interpretation & evaluation – 20%
- AO4: Scientific procedures – 10%
Required Practicals
- Osmosis in cells
- Photosynthesis variables
- Digestion enzyme conditions
- Exercise effect on respiration
- Antimicrobial effects on microbes
Grading
- Total marks: 180
- 9–1 scale; linear assessment model (all exams taken in same series)
- Exams available May/June and November
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Oxford AQA IGCSE Biology 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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