Cambridge O Level Biology 5090 - Version 4 - Syllabus for Exams in 2026, 2027 and 2028

Oct 23, 2026

Cambridge O Level Biology 5090 syllabus (Version 4) outlines the programme for examinations in 2026, 2027 and 2028, including the June and November series where available. It explains how Cambridge International supports students through the Cambridge Pathway, with qualifications aligned to curriculum, teaching, learning and assessment. The document details quality assurance via ISO 9001:2015 and presents a structured contents overview covering aims, subject content, assessment objectives, practical assessment, lab safety, mathematical requirements and post-exam use of grades.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages47

Reading Time1 h 58 min

AccessFree to download

Why choose this syllabus?

Key benefits

Syllabus overview

Aims

Content overview

Assessment overview

Assessment objectives

Subject content

Details of the assessment

Practical assessment

Apparatus, materials and reagents

Safety in the laboratory

Mathematical requirements

Presentation of data

Conventions

Command words

What else you need to know

Before you start

Making entries

Accessibility and equality

After the exam

How students and teachers can use the grades

Changes to this syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028

Syllabus Cambridge O Level Biology 5090 Use this syllabus for exams in 2026, 2027 and 2028. Exams are available in the June and November series. This syllabus is not available in all administrative zones. Please check the syllabus [page at www.cambridgeinternational.org/5090 to see](page at www.cambridgeinternational.org/5090 to see) if this syllabus is available in your administrative zone. Version 4 For the purposes of screen readers, any mention in this document of Cambridge IGCSE refers to Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education. Why choose Cambridge International? Cambridge International prepares school students for life, helping them develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion 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 shape the curriculum around how they want students to learn – with a wide range of subjects and flexible ways to offer them. It helps students discover new abilities and a wider world, and gives them the skills they need for life, so they can achieve at school, university and work. Our programmes and qualifications set the global standard for international education. They are created by subject experts, are rooted in academic rigour and reflect the latest educational research. They provide a strong platform for learners to progress from one stage to the next, and are well supported by teaching and learning resources. Learn more about our research [at www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/our-research/](at www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/our-research/) [We believe education works best when curriculum](We believe education works best when curriculum), teaching, learning and assessment are closely aligned. Our programmes develop deep knowledge, conceptual understanding and higher-order thinking skills, to prepare students for their future. Together with schools, we develop Cambridge learners who 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 with the Cambridge Pathway. School feedback: ‘We think the Cambridge curriculum is superb preparation for university.’ Feedback from: Christoph Guttentag, Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Duke University, USA Quality management Cambridge International is committed to providing exceptional quality. In line with this commitment, our quality management system for the provision of international education programmes and qualifications for students aged 5 to 19 is independently certified as meeting the internationally recognised standard, [ISO 9001:2015. Learn more at www.cambridgeinternational.org/about-us/our-standards/](ISO 9001:2015. Learn more at www.cambridgeinternational.org/about-us/our-standards/) © Cambridge University Press & Assessment September 2023 Cambridge Assessment International Education is part of Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Cambridge University Press & Assessment is a department of the University of Cambridge. Cambridge University Press & Assessment retains the copyright on all its publications. Registered centres are permitted to copy material from this booklet for their own internal use. However, we cannot give permission to centres to photocopy any material that is acknowledged to a third party even for internal use within a centre. Contents Why choose Cambridge International? ........................................................................ 2 1 Why choose this syllabus? ........................................................................................ 4 2 Syllabus overview ....................................................................................................... 7 Aims 7 Content overview 8 Assessment overview 9 Assessment objectives 10 3 Subject c

FAQs

What examination series are covered for Biology 5090 in this syllabus?

The syllabus states that examinations are available in the June and November series, where the syllabus is available for the relevant administrative zones.

What does “Version 4” refer to?

The document indicates the latest syllabus is version 4, published in December 2025, and it includes “Important: Changes to this syllabus” information.

What assessment topics are included in the syllabus overview?

The contents list assessment objectives and detailed areas such as practical assessment, apparatus/materials/reagents, laboratory safety, mathematical requirements, presentation of data, conventions and command words.

Oct 23, 2026

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