Cambridge (CIE) O Level Biology specification (5090)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level 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 Cambridge (CIE) O Level 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 Cambridge (CIE) O Level Biology (5090) 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 O Level Biology aims to equip learners with a strong foundation in scientific knowledge and understanding, focusing on biological theories and practical applications. The course develops experimental skills, including data handling, problem-solving, and the use of scientific methods. It encourages learners to communicate effectively using scientific terminology, apply their knowledge for the benefit of people and the environment, and foster a lasting interest in biological sciences. The syllabus supports learners in developing positive scientific attitudes such as accuracy, enquiry, and inventiveness, preparing them for further study or employment in science-related fields.
Subject content breakdown
1 Cells
- Examine, draw, and identify structures in animal, plant, and bacterial cells.
- Understand specialised cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems.
- Use magnification formula.
2 Classification
- Classify organisms by features; understand binomial nomenclature.
- Recognise kingdoms, vertebrates, arthropods, plant groups, and viruses.
3 Movement into and out of cells
- Understand diffusion, osmosis, and active transport.
- Investigate factors affecting these processes.
4 Biological molecules
- Recognise elements in carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and DNA.
- Know molecular structures and perform food tests.
5 Enzymes
- Understand enzyme action, specificity, and the effects of temperature and pH.
6 Plant nutrition
- Explain photosynthesis and factors affecting it.
- Identify leaf structure adaptations.
- Understand roles of nitrate and magnesium ions.
7 Transport in flowering plants
- Understand water and ion uptake, transpiration, translocation.
- Recognise plant tissue structures and their functions.
8 Human nutrition
- Understand balanced diet, nutrient sources, and deficiency diseases.
- Explain digestion, absorption, assimilation, and peristalsis.
9 Human gas exchange
- Understand gas exchange surface features and breathing mechanism.
- Investigate breathing rates and protection of the gas exchange system.
10 Respiration
- Describe aerobic and anaerobic respiration.
- Investigate respiration in yeast and oxygen debt.
11 Transport in humans
- Describe circulatory system, heart function, blood vessels, and blood components.
- Understand coronary heart disease risks.
12 Disease and immunity
- Understand pathogens, transmission, human barriers, malaria, HIV, cholera.
- Know about antibiotics, immunity, and vaccination.
13 Excretion
- Understand excretion, urinary system, nephron structure and function.
- Know liver's role in assimilation and deamination.
14 Coordination and control
- Describe nervous system, reflexes, synapses.
- Identify sense organs and explain vision and pupil reflex.
- Understand hormones, homeostasis, temperature, and blood glucose control.
15 Coordination and response in plants
- Understand tropisms and auxin’s role.
- Investigate plant responses.
16 Development of organisms and continuity of life
- Understand mitosis, meiosis, stem cells, reproduction methods.
- Know plant and human reproductive systems and processes.
17 Inheritance
- Understand variation, DNA structure, inheritance patterns, mutations, and selection.
- Explain natural and artificial selection.
18 Biotechnology and genetic modification
- Understand uses of yeast, bacteria, fermenters, enzymes, and genetic modification.
- Discuss advantages and risks of genetic modification.
19 Relationships of organisms with one another and with the environment
- Understand energy flow, nutrient cycles, ecosystems, human impacts, and conservation.
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Multiple Choice
- 1 hour, 40 marks.
- 40 compulsory four-option multiple-choice questions.
- Assesses knowledge and understanding (AO1) and problem-solving (AO2).
- Externally assessed.
Paper 2: Theory
- 1 hour 45 minutes, 80 marks.
- Compulsory short-answer and structured questions.
- Assesses knowledge and understanding (AO1) and problem-solving (AO2).
- Externally assessed.
Practical Assessment – Choose one of the following:
Paper 3: Practical Test
- 1 hour 30 minutes, 40 marks.
- Assesses experimental skills (AO3).
- Candidates perform experiments in a laboratory.
- Externally assessed.
Paper 4: Alternative to Practical
- 1 hour, 40 marks.
- Assesses experimental skills (AO3).
- No laboratory work required.
- Externally assessed.
Both practical papers include compulsory questions requiring skills such as selecting apparatus, planning experiments, making observations, interpreting data, and suggesting improvements.
A 6-mark planning question features in both practical papers.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Cambridge (CIE) O Level 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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