Cambridge IGCSE Biology syllabus (0610) for 2026 to 2028
TutorAura guide · Updated
The Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) syllabus for examination in 2026, 2027 and 2028 has twenty-one units, from the characteristics of living organisms to biotechnology and genetic modification. Here is every topic, with the exam structure and tips for turning the list into a revision plan. The official syllabus has the full detail.
Key takeaways
- Twenty-one units covering cells, humans, plants, genetics and ecology.
- Core (grades C to G) or Extended (A* to G).
- Three papers each: multiple choice, theory and a practical paper.
- Many marks need precise keywords, so learn definitions exactly.
The exam papers
| Paper | Who takes it | Length | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Multiple Choice (Core) | Core | 45 minutes | 40 | 30% |
| Paper 2: Multiple Choice (Extended) | Extended | 45 minutes | 40 | 30% |
| Paper 3: Theory (Core) | Core | 1 hour 15 minutes | 80 | 50% |
| Paper 4: Theory (Extended) | Extended | 1 hour 15 minutes | 80 | 50% |
| Paper 5: Practical Test | Everyone takes 5 or 6 | 1 hour 15 minutes | 40 | 20% |
| Paper 6: Alternative to Practical | Everyone takes 5 or 6 | 1 hour | 40 | 20% |
Core candidates take Papers 1 and 3 and are eligible for grades C to G. Extended candidates take Papers 2 and 4 and are eligible for grades A* to G. Everyone takes one practical paper.
1 Characteristics and classification of living organisms
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 1.1 | Characteristics of living organisms |
| 1.2 | Concept and uses of classification systems |
| 1.3 | Features of organisms |
2 Organisation of the organism
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 2.1 | Cell structure |
| 2.2 | Size of specimens |
3 Movement into and out of cells
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 3.1 | Diffusion |
| 3.2 | Osmosis |
| 3.3 | Active transport |
4 Biological molecules
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 4.1 | Biological molecules |
5 Enzymes
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 5.1 | Enzymes |
6 Plant nutrition
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 6.1 | Photosynthesis |
| 6.2 | Leaf structure |
7 Human nutrition
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 7.1 | Diet |
| 7.2 | Digestive system |
| 7.3 | Physical digestion |
| 7.4 | Chemical digestion |
| 7.5 | Absorption |
8 Transport in plants
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 8.1 | Xylem and phloem |
| 8.2 | Water uptake |
| 8.3 | Transpiration |
| 8.4 | Translocation |
9 Transport in animals
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 9.1 | Circulatory systems |
| 9.2 | Heart |
| 9.3 | Blood vessels |
| 9.4 | Blood |
10 Diseases and immunity
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 10.1 | Diseases and immunity |
11 Gas exchange in humans
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 11.1 | Gas exchange in humans |
12 Respiration
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 12.1 | Respiration |
| 12.2 | Aerobic respiration |
| 12.3 | Anaerobic respiration |
13 Excretion in humans
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 13.1 | Excretion in humans |
14 Coordination and response
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 14.1 | Coordination and response |
| 14.2 | Sense organs |
| 14.3 | Hormones |
| 14.4 | Homeostasis |
| 14.5 | Tropic responses |
15 Drugs
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 15.1 | Drugs |
16 Reproduction
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 16.1 | Asexual reproduction |
| 16.2 | Sexual reproduction |
| 16.3 | Sexual reproduction in plants |
| 16.4 | Sexual reproduction in humans |
| 16.5 | Sex hormones in humans |
| 16.6 | Sexually transmitted infections |
17 Inheritance
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 17.1 | Chromosomes, genes and proteins |
| 17.2 | Mitosis |
| 17.3 | Meiosis |
| 17.4 | Monohybrid inheritance |
18 Variation and selection
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 18.1 | Variation |
| 18.2 | Adaptive features |
| 18.3 | Selection |
19 Organisms and their environment
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 19.1 | Energy flow |
| 19.2 | Food chains and food webs |
| 19.3 | Nutrient cycles |
| 19.4 | Populations |
20 Human influences on ecosystems
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 20.1 | Food supply |
| 20.2 | Habitat destruction |
| 20.3 | Pollution |
| 20.4 | Conservation |
21 Biotechnology and genetic modification
| Section | Topic |
|---|---|
| 21.1 | Biotechnology and genetic modification |
| 21.2 | Biotechnology |
| 21.3 | Genetic modification |
Topics that link together
Biology topics connect: diffusion and osmosis explain gas exchange and water uptake; photosynthesis and respiration are near-reverses; mitosis and meiosis lead into inheritance. Revising linked topics together helps exam answers that draw on several units.
Using the syllabus to revise
Turn each topic into flashcards of definitions and processes, and test yourself rather than rereading. Practise the data and graph questions, and learn the practical techniques. See how to revise for IGCSE Biology.
Frequently asked questions
How many topics are in IGCSE Biology?
Twenty-one units in the 2026 to 2028 syllabus, each with one or more sub-topics.
What is the difference between Core and Extended Biology?
Extended candidates also learn the Supplement content in each topic and can achieve grades A* to G; Core is graded C to G.
How should I revise IGCSE Biology?
Learn definitions precisely with flashcards and self-testing, practise past paper questions by topic, and get comfortable with data and practical questions.
Sources
- Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028. Cambridge International.
Keep reading
IGCSE Biology revision: how to learn it and use it
Definitions with flashcards, linked topics, data and graph questions, and the practical paper.
Mitosis vs meiosis: the differences explained
What each is for, cells and chromosomes produced, variation, and the cell cycle, in a table.
Punnett square calculator: genotypes and ratios
The Punnett square for two parents, with genotype and phenotype ratios as fractions and percentages.
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