Cambridge O Level Biology (5090)

We revise our qualifications regularly to make sure that they continue to meet the needs of learners, schools and higher education institutions around the world and reflect current thinking. We have updated this syllabus and all assessment materials so they are clearer and more consistent across the three sciences. This is helpful for teachers who are teaching more than one science syllabus, and students who will enjoy a more coherent experience across each science. Please see the 2023-2025 syllabus document for full details on the changes.

What are the main changes to the syllabus?

• updated the learning objectives to demonstrate the depth you should teach each topic. The wording looks different in many places, but the teaching content remains largely the same
• updated the topic structure to make sure topics and sub-topics are clearly linked
• removed and added topics; making sure that the teaching time is still within the guided learning hours
• included a list of mathematical requirements to support teaching and learning.

What are the main changes to the assessment?

• We have removed Section B (optional questions) in Paper 2. There are no separate sections to the paper and all questions are compulsory.
• We have increased the duration of Paper 3.
• Paper 6 is now called Paper 4. This paper has a similar structure to Paper 3, making sure there is consistency between the two papers that assess practical skills.

When do these changes take place?

The updated syllabus is for examination from June 2023 onwards. Please see the 2023-2025 syllabus for full details.