Syllabus Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610
SyllabusCambridge IGCSE Biology 0610Use this syllabus for exams in 2023, 2024 and 2025.Exams are available in the June and November series.Exams are also available in the March series in India only.Version 1
Why choose Cambridge International?Cambridge International prepares school students for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lastingpassion for learning. We are part of the University of Cambridge.Our Cambridge Pathway gives students a clear path for educational success from age 5 to 19. Schools can shapethe curriculum around how they want students to learn – with a wide range of subjects and flexible ways to offerthem. It helps students discover new abilities and a wider world, and gives them the skills they need for life, so theycan achieve at school, university and work.Our programmes and qualifications set the global standard for international education. They are created by subjectexperts, rooted in academic rigour and reflect the latest educational research. They provide a strong platform forlearners to progress from one stage to the next, and are well supported by teaching and learning resources.Our mission is to provide educational benefit through provision of international programmes and qualifications forschool education and to be the world leader in this field. Together with schools, we develop Cambridge learnerswho are confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged – equipped for success in the modern world.Every year, nearly a million Cambridge students from 10 000 schools in 160 countries prepare for their future withthe Cambridge Pathway.‘We think the Cambridge curriculum is superb preparation for university.’Christoph Guttentag, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Duke University, USAQuality managementCambridge International is committed to providing exceptional quality. In line with this commitment, ourquality management system for the provision of international qualifications and education programmesfor students aged 5 to 19 is independently certified as meeting the internationally recognised standard,ISO 9001:2015. Learn more at www.cambridgeinternational.org/ISO9001Copyright UCLES September 2020Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of the Cambridge Assessment Group. Cambridge Assessment is the brand name ofthe University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), which itself is a department of the University of Cambridge.UCLES retains the copyright on all its publications. Registered centres are permitted to copy material from this booklet for their owninternal use. However, we cannot give permission to centres to photocopy any material that is acknowledged to a third party even forinternal use within a centre.
Contents1 Why choose this syllabus? . 22 Syllabus overview . 5Aims5Content overview6Assessment overview7Assessment objectives83 Subject content .104 Details of the assessment . 45Core assessment45Extended assessment45Practical assessment46Apparatus, materials and reagents48Safety in the laboratory50Mathematical requirements50Presentation of data51Conventions (e.g. signs, symbols, terminology and nomenclature)53Command words545 What else you need to know .55Before you start55Making entries56After the exam57How students and teachers can use the grades57Grade descriptions57Changes to this syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 202558Important: Changes to this syllabusFor information about changes to this syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025, go to page 58
Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025.1 Why choose this syllabus?Key benefitsCambridge IGCSE is the world’s most popular internationalqualification for 14 to 16 year olds, although it can be taken bystudents of other ages. It is tried, tested and trusted.Students can choose from 70 subjects in any combination – it istaught by over 4800 schools in over 150 countries.Our programmes balance a thorough knowledge and understandingof a subject and help to develop the skills learners need for theirnext steps in education or employment.CambridgelearnerCambridge IGCSE Biology develops a set of transferable skillsincluding handling data, practical problem-solving and applyingthe scientific method. Learners develop relevant attitudes, such asconcern for accuracy and precision, objectivity, integrity, enquiry, initiative and inventiveness. They acquire theessential scientific skills required for progression to further studies or employment.Our approach in Cambridge IGCSE Biology encourages learners to be:confident, interested in learning about science, questioning ideas and using scientific language to communicatetheir views and opinionsresponsible, working methodically and safely when working alone or collaboratively with othersreflective, learning from their experiences and interested in scientific issues that affect the individual, thecommunity and the environmentinnovative, solving unfamiliar problems confidently and creativelyengaged, keen to develop scientific skills, being curious about scientific principles and their application in the world.‘The strength of Cambridge IGCSE qualifications is internationally recognised and has providedan international pathway for our students to continue their studies around the world.’Gary Tan, Head of Schools and CEO, Raffles International Group of Schools, Indonesia2www.cambridgeinternational.org/igcseBack to contents page
Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Why choose this syllabus?International recognition and acceptanceOur expertise in curriculum, teaching and learning, and assessment is the basis for the recognition of ourprogrammes and qualifications around the world. The combination of knowledge and skills in Cambridge IGCSEBiology gives learners a solid foundation for further study. Candidates who achieve grades A* to C are well preparedto follow a wide range of courses including Cambridge International AS & A Level Biology or Marine Science.Cambridge IGCSEs are accepted and valued by leading universities and employers around the world as evidence ofacademic achievement. Many universities require a combination of Cambridge International AS & A Levels andCambridge IGCSEs or equivalent to meet their entry requirements.UK NARIC, the national agency in the UK for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications andskills, has carried out an independent benchmarking study of Cambridge IGCSE and found it to be comparable tothe standard of the reformed GCSE in the UK. This means students can be confident that their Cambridge IGCSEqualifications are accepted as equivalent to UK GCSEs by leading universities worldwide.Learn more at idge IGCSE is one of the most sought-after and recognised qualifications in the world. Itis very popular in Egypt because it provides the perfect preparation for success at advanced levelprogrammes.’Managing Director of British School in Egypt BSEBack to contents pagewww.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse3
Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Why choose this syllabus?Supporting teachersWe provide a wide range of resources, detailed guidance and innovative training and professional development sothat you can give your students the best possible preparation for Cambridge IGCSE. To find out which resources areavailable for each syllabus go to our School Support Hub.The School Support Hub is our secure online site for Cambridge teachers where you can find the resources you needto deliver our programmes. You can also keep up to date with your subject and the global Cambridge communitythrough our online discussion forums.Find out more at www.cambridgeinternational.org/supportPlanning and preparationTeaching and assessment Next step guides Endorsed resources Schemes of work Online forums Specimen papers Support for coursework and speaking tests Syllabuses Teacher guidesLearning and revisionSupportfor CambridgeIGCSE Example candidate responsesResults Candidate Results Service Learner guides Principal examiner reports for teachers Past papers and mark schemes Results Analysis Specimen paper answersSign up for email notifications about changes to syllabuses, including new and revised products and services ofessional developmentWe support teachers through: Introductory Training – face-to-face or online Extension Training – face-to-face or online Enrichment Professional Development – face-to-face or onlineFind out more at www.cambridgeinternational.org/events Cambridge Professional Development QualificationsFind out more at www.cambridgeinternational.org/profdevSupporting exams officersWe provide comprehensive support and guidance for all Cambridge exams officers. Find out more ridgeinternational.org/igcseBack to contents page
Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025.2 Syllabus overviewAimsThe aims describe the purposes of a course based on this syllabus.You can deliver some of the aims using suitable local, international or historical examples and applications, orthrough collaborative practical work.The aims are to enable students to: acquire scientific knowledge and understanding of scientific theories and practice develop a range of experimental skills, including handling variables and working safely use scientific data and evidence to solve problems and discuss the limitations of scientific methods communicate effectively and clearly, using scientific terminology, notation and conventions understand that the application of scientific knowledge can benefit people and the environment enjoy science and develop an informed interest in scientific matters which support further study.Cambridge Assessment International Education is an education organisation and politically neutral.The contents of this syllabus, examination papers and associated materials do not endorse any politicalview. We endeavour to treat all aspects of the exam process neutrally.Back to contents pagewww.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse5
Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Syllabus overviewContent overviewCandidates study the following topics:1Characteristics and classification of living organisms2Organisation of the organism3Movement into and out of cells4Biological molecules5Enzymes6Plant nutrition7Human nutrition8Transport in plants9Transport in animals10 Diseases and immunity11 Gas exchange in humans12 Respiration13 Excretion in humans14 Coordination and response15 Drugs16 Reproduction17 Inheritance18 Variation and selection19 Organisms and their environment20 Human influences on ecosystems21 Biotechnology and genetic ack to contents page
Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Syllabus overviewAssessment overviewAll candidates take three papers.Candidates who have studied the Core syllabus content, or who are expected to achieve a grade D or below, shouldbe entered for Paper 1, Paper 3 and either Paper 5 or Paper 6. These candidates will be eligible for grades C to G.Candidates who have studied the Extended syllabus content (Core and Supplement), and who are expected toachieve a grade C or above, should be entered for Paper 2, Paper 4 and either Paper 5 or Paper 6. These candidateswill be eligible for grades A* to G.Core assessmentCore candidates take Paper 1 and Paper 3. The questions are based on the Core subject content only:Paper 1: Multiple Choice (Core)Paper 3: Theory (Core)45 minutes1 hour 15 minutes40 marks80 marks30%50%40 four-option multiple-choice questionsShort-answer and structured questionsExternally assessedExternally assessedExtended assessmentExtended candidates take Paper 2 and Paper 4. The questions are based on the Core and Supplement subjectcontent:Paper 2: Multiple Choice (Extended)Paper 4: Theory (Extended)45 minutes1 hour 15 minutes40 marks80 marks30%50%40 four-option multiple-choice questionsShort-answer and structured questionsExternally assessedExternally assessedPractical assessmentAll candidates take one practical paper from a choice of two:Paper 5: Practical TestPaper 6: Alternative to Practical1 hour 15 minutes1 hour40 marks40 marks20%Questions will be based on the experimentalskills in Section 4ORExternally assessed20%Questions will be based on the experimentalskills in Section 4Externally assessedInformation on availability is in the Before you start section.Back to contents pagewww.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse7
Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Syllabus overviewAssessment objectivesThe assessment objectives (AOs) are:AO1 Knowledge with understandingCandidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: scientific phenomena, facts, laws, definitions, concepts and theories scientific vocabulary, terminology and conventions (including symbols, quantities and units) scientific instruments and apparatus, including techniques of operation and aspects of safety scientific and technological applications with their social, economic and environmental implications.Subject content defines the factual material that candidates may be required to recall and explain.Candidates will also be asked questions which require them to apply this material to unfamiliar contexts and toapply knowledge from one area of the syllabus to another.AO2 Handling information and problem-solvingCandidates should be able, in words or using other written forms of presentation (i.e. symbolic, graphical andnumerical), to: locate, select, organise and present information from a variety of sources translate information from one form to another manipulate numerical and other data use information to identify patterns, report trends and form conclusions present reasoned explanations for phenomena, patterns and relationships make predictions based on relationships and patterns solve problems, including some of a quantitative nature.Questions testing these skills may be based on information that is unfamiliar to candidates, requiring them to applythe principles and concepts from the syllabus to a new situation, in a logical, deductive way.AO3 Experimental skills and investigationsCandidates should be able to:8 demonstrate knowledge of how to select and safely use techniques, apparatus and materials (includingfollowing a sequence of instructions where appropriate) plan experiments and investigations make and record observations, measurements and estimates interpret and evaluate experimental observations and data evaluate methods and suggest possible ack to contents page
Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Syllabus overviewWeighting for assessment objectivesThe approximate weightings allocated to each of the assessment objectives (AOs) are summarised below.Assessment objectives as a percentage of the qualificationAssessment objectiveWeighting in IGCSE %AO1 Knowledge with understanding50AO2 Handling information and problem-solving30AO3 Experimental skills and investigations20Total100Assessment objectives as a percentage of each componentAssessment objectiveWeighting in components %Papers 1 and 2Papers 3 and 4Papers 5 and 6AO1 Knowledge with understanding6363–AO2 Handling information and problem-solving3737–AO3 E xperimental skills and investigations––100100100100TotalBack to contents pagewww.cambridgeinternational.org/igcse9
Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025.3 Subject contentThis syllabus gives you the flexibility to design a course that will interest, challenge and engage your learners.Where appropriate you are responsible for selecting resources and examples to support your learners’ study. Theseshould be appropriate for the learners’ age, cultural background and learning context as well as complying withyour school policies and local legal requirements.All candidates should be taught the Core subject content. Candidates who are only taught the Core subject contentcan achieve a maximum of grade C. Candidates aiming for grades A* to C should be taught the Extended subjectcontent. The Extended subject content includes both the Core and the Supplement.Scientific subjects are, by their nature, experimental. Learners should pursue a fully integrated course which allowsthem to develop their experimental skills by doing practical work and investigations across a range of topics.Practical work helps students to: use equipment and materials accurately and safely develop observational and problem-solving skills develop a deeper understanding of the syllabus topics and the scientific approach appreciate how scientific theories are developed and tested transfer the experimental skills acquired to unfamiliar contexts develop positive scientific attitudes such as objectivity, integrity, cooperation, enquiry and inventiveness develop an interest and enjoyment in science.1Characteristics and classification of living organisms1.1Characteristics of living organismsCore1SupplementDescribe the characteristics of living organismsby describing:(a) movement as an action by an organism orpart of an organism causing a change ofposition or place(b) respiration as the chemical reactions in cellsthat break down nutrient molecules andrelease energy for metabolism(c) sensitivity as the ability to detect andrespond to changes in the internal or externalenvironment(d) growth as a permanent increase in size anddry mass(e) reproduction as the processes that makemore of the same kind of organism(f) excretion as the removal of the wasteproducts of metabolism and substances inexcess of requirements(g) nutrition as the taking in of materials forenergy, growth and ack to contents page
Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content1.2 Concept and uses of classification systemsCoreSupplement1State that organisms can be classified into groupsby the features that they share5Explain that classification systems aim to reflectevolutionary relationships2Describe a species as a group of organisms thatcan reproduce to produce fertile offspring3Describe the binomial system of naming speciesas an internationally agreed system in which thescientific name of an organism is made up of twoparts showing the genus and species4Construct and use dichotomous keys based onidentifiable features6Explain that the sequences of bases in DNA areused as a means of classification7Explain that groups of organisms which share amore recent ancestor (are more closely related)have base sequences in DNA that are moresimilar than those that share only a distantancestor1.3 Features of organismsCoreSupplement1 State the main features used to place animalsand plants into the appropriate kingdoms4 State the main features used to place allorganisms into one of the five kingdoms: animal,plant, fungus, prokaryote, protoctist2 State the main features used to place organismsinto groups within the animal kingdom, limitedto:5 State the main features used to place organismsinto groups within the plant kingdom, limitedto ferns and flowering plants (dicotyledons andmonocotyledons)(a) the main groups of vertebrates: mammals,birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish(b) the main groups of arthropods: myriapo
essential scientific skills required for progression to further studies or employment. Our approach in Cambridge IGCSE Biology encourages learners to be: confident, interested in learning about science, questioning ideas and using scientific language to communicate their views and opinions
MARK SCHEME for the November 2003 question papers 0610 BIOLOGY 0610/01 Paper 1 (Multiple Choice), maximum mark 40 0610/02 Paper 2 (Core), maximum mark 70 0610/03 Paper 3 (Extended), maximum mark 70 0610/05 Paper 5 (Practical), maximum mark 40 0610/06 Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical), maximum mark 40
IGCSE First Language English 12 IGCSE World Literature 13 IGCSE English as a Second Language 14 . IGCSE Business Studies 19 IGCSE Global Perspectives 21 IGCSE Geography 22 IGCSE History 23 IGCSE Sciences 24 IGCSE Cambridge Mathematics Extended & Core 26 . At BISP, Year 12 and 13 (Key Stage Five) students study the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP .
IGCSE ARABIC for Native Arabic Speakers - Edexcel 11 GCSE ART & DESIGN - Edexcel 13 IGCSE BUSINESS STUDIES - Cambridge 15 IGCSE ECONOMICS - Cambridge 17 IGCSE COMPUTER SCIENCE - Cambridge 19 GCSE DRAMA - Edexcel 20 IGCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE - Cambridge 22 IGCSE ENGLISH LITERATURE - Edexcel 22 IGCSE GEOGRAPHY - Edexcel 25
University of Cambridge International Examinations London GCE AS/A-Level / IGCSE / GCSE Edexcel International. 6 Examination Date in 2011 Cambridge IGCSE Oct/Nov X 9 Cambridge GCE / May/Jun 9 9 London GCE London GCSE May/Jun 9 X Chinese London IGCSE Jan X 9 Cambridge IGCSE / May/Jun 9 9 London IGCSE London GCE Jan 9 9 Cambridge GCE Oct/Nov X 9 Private Candidates School Candidates Exam Date. 7 .
Core Assessment 48 Extended Assessment 48 . Any textbooks endorsed to support IGCSE Biology (0610) for examination from 2016 are suitable for use with this syllabus. Cambridge IGCSE (9fi1) Biology 0970 syllabus for 2020 and 2021. . secure site for downloading specimen and past question papers, mark schemes, grade thresholds and other
paper tests the Core syllabus. 50% (you do either Paper 3 or Paper 4) Paper 4 . 1 hour 15 minutes (80 marks) Short-answer questions and structured questions. Questions will be based on the Extended syllabus content (Core and Supplement). Learner Guide Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) 5 50% (you do either Paper 3 or Paper 4)
Upcoming Cambridge IGCSE training in Rome 05-06 April 2017 Introductory Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (0510) Introductory Cambridge IGCSE International Mathematics (0607) Introductory Cambridge IGCSE Art and Design (0400) Extension Cambridge IGCSE Geography (0460) 07-08 April 2017
Cambridge IGCSE English Language COURSEBOOK Author names with CD-ROM is tailored to the latest Cambridge IGCSE English Language syllabus (0610) and endorsed for full syllabus coverage by Cambridge International Examinations. Cambridge IGCSE English Language Coursebook, Third edition with CD-ROM is tailor
