Syllabus & Assessment

Find out what topics are covered in the H1 and H2 Biology syllabuses, and what papers candidates must sit for their A-Level assessments.

Last updated 26 June 2026

Syllabus Outline

The Biology syllabus is developed as a seamless continuum from O-Level to A-Level, without the need for topics to be revisited at A-Level. The O-Level syllabus is foundational and thus should provide the necessary background for study at A-Level. Students who intend to offer H2 Biology will therefore be assumed to have knowledge and understanding of O-Level Biology, either as a single subject or as part of a balanced science course.

Students reading Biology can choose from two levels of study: H1 or H2. Biology at H1 level covers a subsection of the H2 theoretical syllabus, but in equal depth. Biology at H2 level covers more topics than at H1, including a hands-on component in the form of experimental techniques for laboratory work.

The syllabus is divided into two parts, the core syllabus and the extension topics.

Table 1: Syllabus Outline

Core ideas	The cell and biomolecules of Life	Biomolecules of Life and Cellular Transport
		Organelles & Cellular Structures
		Proteins & Stem Cells
	Genetics and Inheritance	The structure of Nuclei Acids & Gene Expressions
		DNA Mutations
		Cell Cycle & Inheritance
		Organisation of Genomes
		Control of Gene Expression
	Energetics	Transformation of Energy between the Environment & the Organism
		Communication & Equilibrium in Organisms
	Biological Evolution	Natural Selection & Adaptations
		Evolution & Biodiversity, Species & Speciation
Extension Topics	Impact of Climate Change on Animals and Plants
	Infectious Diseases

The core syllabus explores the workings of life in the areas of cellular functions, cellular physiology and biochemistry, DNA and genomics together with its organisation and control, genetics of inheritance, genetics of virus and bacteria as well as biology evolution. The extension topics comprise of climate change and immunology.

Note: Topics in **bold** are in H2 syllabus only

Syllabuses

Assessment

H2 Candidates are required to enter for Papers 1, 2, 3 and 4

Table 2: H2 Assessment

Paper	Type of Paper	Duration	Marks	Weighting
1	Multiple Choice	1 h	30	15%
2	Structured Questions	2 h	100	30%
3	Long Structured and Free-response Questions	2 h	75	35%
4	Practical Paper	2 h 30 min	55	20%

H1 Candidates are required to enter for Papers 1 and 2.

Table 3: H1 Assessment

Paper	Type of Paper	Duration	Marks	Weighting
1	Multiple Choice	1 h	30	33%
2	Structured Questions	2 h	100	67%