Biology — O Level (5090)
How your heart pumps 7,000 litres a day, why antibiotics stop working, how one cell becomes a whole person — biology is the science of you and everything alive around you.
- Level
- O levels/ IGCSE
- Syllabus
- Cambridge International · 5090
- Teacher
- Dr.Samreen_
- Exam session
- June & November
- Exam papers
- 3 papers
- Grades
- A* to E
- Format
- Live online classes
One-time payment
About this course
This course prepares students for the Cambridge O Level Biology examination (Syllabus 5090). Students will explore the living world — from the structure of cells to the complexity of ecosystems. Topics include cell biology, nutrition, transport, respiration, excretion, reproduction, genetics, and ecology. The course develops scientific observation, experimental skills, and the ability to apply biological concepts to health, environment, and everyday life. Ideal for students in Grades 9–10 planning to pursue medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or biological sciences.
What is included
- Live online classes with your teacher
- Quizzes and assignments in your student portal
- Marks and feedback from your teacher
- Progress your parents can follow
Cambridge O Level Biology (5090)
Checked against the official Cambridge syllabus for exams in 2026, 2027 and 2028
Quick facts
Topic map
- 1.1 Cell structure and function
- 1.2 Specialised cells, tissues and organs
- 2.1 Concept and use of a classification system
- 2.2 Features of organisms
- 3.1 Diffusion and osmosis
- 3.2 Active transport
- 4.1 Biological molecules
- 5.1 Enzyme action
- 5.2 Effects of temperature and pH
- 6.1 Photosynthesis
- 6.2 Leaf structure
- 6.3 Mineral nutrition
- 7.1 Uptake and transport of water and ions
- 7.2 Transpiration and translocation
- 8.1 Diet
- 8.2 Human digestive system
- 8.3 Absorption and assimilation
- 9.1 Human gas exchange
- 10.1 Respiration
- 10.2 Aerobic respiration
- 10.3 Anaerobic respiration
- 11.1 Circulatory system
- 11.2 Heart
- 11.3 Blood vessels
- 11.4 Blood
- 12.1 Disease
- 12.2 Antibiotics
- 12.3 Immunity
- 13.1 Excretion
- 13.2 Urinary system
- 14.1 Mammalian nervous system
- 14.2 Mammalian sense organs
- 14.3 Mammalian hormones
- 14.4 Homeostasis
- 14.5 Temperature control
- 14.6 Blood glucose control
- 15.1 Coordination and response in plants
- 16.1 Nuclear division
- 16.2 Asexual and sexual reproduction
- 16.3 Sexual reproduction in plants
- 16.4 Sexual reproduction in humans
- 17.1 Variation
- 17.2 DNA
- 17.3 Inheritance
- 17.4 Selection
- 18.1 Biotechnology
- 18.2 Genetic modification
- 19.1 Energy flow
- 19.2 Nutrient cycles
- 19.3 Ecosystems and biodiversity
- 19.4 Effects of humans on ecosystems
- 19.5 Conservation
Exam pattern
Every paper is marked by Cambridge. Students who study online usually sit Paper 4, as it needs no lab — your exam centre confirms which practical paper it offers.
Grades
A*, A, B, C, D, E. 'Ungraded' means below E and is not shown on the certificate. Your certificate says GCE O LEVEL.
What it took in June 2026
| Grade | Marks out of 200 | Roughly |
|---|---|---|
| A* | 162–168 | about 81–84% |
| A | 135–141 | about 68–70% |
| B | 108–114 | about 54–57% |
| C | 82–88 | about 41–44% |
| D | 70–75 | about 35–38% |
| E | 58–62 | about 29–31% |
Minimum weighted marks out of 200 in June 2026 (the range covers the different paper variants). Boundaries move every series — aim well above them.
Medicine, dentistry and pharmacy routes usually expect an A or A* in Biology and Chemistry.
Why study it, types of questions, command words, what examiners reward, books, common mistakes, a study plan, careers and FAQs.
Read the guide