Cambridge IGCSE Biology

Complete study resources for Biology (0610). Follow the 4-step method: learn with notes, recall with flashcards, practice with quizzes, and test with past papers.

0610 at a Glance

Syllabus
7 units, 61 topics
Papers
1/2 (MCQ), 3/4 (Theory), 5/6 (Practical)
Tiers
Core (C-G) / Extended (A*-G)
Calculator
Not required
Exam Sessions
Feb/Mar, May/Jun, Oct/Nov
Our Notes
61 topics
Flashcards
670+ cards
Quiz Questions
100+ Qs

How to Study Biology

Follow our 4-step method to master IGCSE Biology. Each step builds on the previous one to help you understand, remember, and apply what you learn.

1

Learn — Revision Notes

Start by understanding the key concepts. Our revision notes cover every syllabus point with clear explanations, key definitions, exam tips, and common mistakes to avoid.

Biology: Cover all 7 units: Cells, Organisation, Movement, Coordination, Reproduction, Inheritance, and Ecology. Includes 61 topics with diagrams and practical applications.

Read Biology Notes
2

Recall — Flashcards

Test your understanding with spaced repetition flashcards. Our SM-2 algorithm shows you cards at optimal intervals, so you remember what you learn for the long term — not just for the exam.

Biology: Master 670+ flashcards on cell structures, organ systems, genetics terminology, and ecological relationships.

Study Biology Flashcards
3

Practice — Quiz Questions

Apply what you've learned with MCQ practice. Get instant feedback and AI-powered explanations that help you understand why each answer is correct or incorrect.

Biology: Test your skills in interpreting data, labeling diagrams, and explaining biological processes.

Practice 158 Questions
4

Test — Past Papers

Simulate real exam conditions with past papers. Practice under timed conditions, check your answers against mark schemes, and learn from examiner reports to understand what earns full marks.

Biology: Papers 1/2 (Multiple Choice), Papers 3/4 (Theory), and Papers 5/6 (Practical). Focus on using correct biological terminology.

Browse All Papers Latest (2025)

IGCSE Biology Key Terms

Essential definitions, equations, and food tests — printable PDF

Get Key Terms Sheet

0610 Exam Structure & Assessment

Cambridge IGCSE Biology assesses understanding of biological concepts through theory and practical components.

Assessment Tiers

Core Curriculum
Grades: C to G
Papers 1, 3, and either 5 or 6
Extended Curriculum
Grades: A* to G
Papers 2, 4, and either 5 or 6
💡

Tip: Focus on diagram labeling, data interpretation, and understanding biological processes for the theory papers.

0610 Paper Components

Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) consists of 6 papers: 0610 Paper 1 (Multiple Choice (Core)), 0610 Paper 2 (Multiple Choice (Extended)), 0610 Paper 3 (Theory (Core)), 0610 Paper 4 (Theory (Extended)), 0610 Paper 5 (Practical Test), 0610 Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical). Each paper assesses different skills and has specific time limits and mark allocations.

Paper 1
1
Multiple Choice (Core)
45 min
40 marks
Paper 2
2
Multiple Choice (Extended)
45 min
40 marks
Paper 3
3
Theory (Core)
1 hr 15 min
80 marks
Paper 4
4
Theory (Extended)
1 hr 15 min
80 marks
Paper 5
5
Practical Test
1 hr 15 min
40 marks
Paper 6
6
Alternative to Practical
1 hr
40 marks

Study by Topic

21 units, 61 topics
1

Characteristics of Living Organisms

3 topics
1.1 Characteristics of living organisms
1.2 Concept and uses of classification systems
1.3 Features of organisms
2

Cells

2 topics
2.1 Cell structure
2.2 Size of specimens
3

Enzymes

3 topics
3.1 Diffusion
3.2 Osmosis
3.3 Active transport
4

Nutrition

1 topics
4.1 Biological molecules
5

Transportation

1 topics
5.1 Enzymes
6

Respiration

2 topics
6.1 Photosynthesis
6.2 Leaf structure
7

Excretion

5 topics
7.1 Diet
7.2 Digestive system
7.3 Physical digestion
7.4 Chemical digestion
7.5 Absorption
8

Coordination and Response

4 topics
8.1 Xylem and phloem
8.2 Water uptake
8.3 Transpiration
8.4 Translocation
9

Reproduction

4 topics
9.1 Circulatory systems
9.2 Heart
9.3 Blood vessels
9.4 Blood
10

Inheritance

1 topics
10.1 Diseases and immunity
11

Organisms and Environment

1 topics
11.1 Gas exchange in humans
12

Unit 12

3 topics
12.1 Respiration
12.2 Aerobic respiration
12.3 Anaerobic respiration
13

Unit 13

1 topics
13.1 Excretion in humans
14

Unit 14

5 topics
14.1 Coordination and response
14.2 Sense organs
14.3 Hormones
14.4 Homeostasis
14.5 Tropic responses
15

Unit 15

1 topics
15.1 Drugs
16

Unit 16

6 topics
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

Unit 17

4 topics
17.1 Chromosomes, genes and proteins
17.2 Mitosis
17.3 Meiosis
17.4 Monohybrid inheritance
18

Unit 18

3 topics
18.1 Variation
18.2 Adaptive features
18.3 Selection
19

Unit 19

4 topics
19.1 Energy flow
19.2 Food chains and food webs
19.3 Nutrient cycles
19.4 Populations
20

Unit 20

4 topics
20.1 Food supply
20.2 Habitat destruction
20.3 Pollution
20.4 Conservation
21

Unit 21

3 topics
21.1 Biotechnology and genetic modification
21.2 Biotechnology
21.3 Genetic modification

0610 Past Papers by Year

View all papers →
Latest

2025

3

3 exam sessions

97 papers available

View papers
1 year ago

2024

3

3 exam sessions

96 papers available

View papers
2 years ago

2023

3

3 exam sessions

96 papers available

View papers
3 years ago

2022

3

3 exam sessions

97 papers available

View papers
4 years ago

2021

3

3 exam sessions

97 papers available

View papers
5 years ago

2020

3

3 exam sessions

97 papers available

View papers

0610 Most Tested Topics

Based on analysis of 0610 past papers from 2022-2024, these topics appear most frequently and carry the most marks. Focus your revision on these high-value areas.

5.1
Enzymes
Enzymes
1
544 marks 36 Q's
6.1
Photosynthesis
Plant nutrition
2
537 marks 39 Q's
12.1
Respiration
Respiration
3
506 marks 35 Q's
8.1
Xylem and phloem
Transport in plants
451 marks 32 Q's
7.1
Diet
Human nutrition
346 marks 21 Q's
1.2
Concept and use of a classification system
Characteristics and classification of living organisms
286 marks 23 Q's
9.1
Circulatory system
Transport in animals
249 marks 19 Q's
2.1
Cell structure and organisation
Organisation of the organism
245 marks 22 Q's
11.1
Gas exchange in humans
Gas exchange in humans
241 marks 19 Q's
21.1
Biotechnology and genetic modification
Biotechnology and genetic modification
221 marks 15 Q's
7.2
Digestive system
Human nutrition
197 marks 15 Q's
9.4
Blood
Transport in animals
186 marks 13 Q's

Related Sciences Subjects

0478

Computer Science

18 sessions • 244 files

0620

Chemistry

18 sessions • 580 files

0625

Physics

18 sessions • 581 files

View all IGCSE subjects →

Biology Study Guides

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Analysis of examiner reports reveals the 6 topics where students lose the most marks. Learn what examiners look for.

Read guide →

MCQ Strategy Guide

Tips for tackling Paper 1 & 2 multiple choice questions. Common traps and how to eliminate wrong answers.

Coming soon

Frequently Asked Questions

What study resources are available for IGCSE Biology?

For IGCSE Biology (0610), we offer:

  • Revision Notes — Comprehensive notes covering all syllabus topics with key definitions, exam tips, and common mistakes.
  • Flashcards — Spaced repetition cards to help you memorize key facts and concepts.
  • Practice Quizzes — 158 MCQ questions with AI-powered explanations.
  • Past Papers — 580+ papers from 2020-2025 including question papers, mark schemes, and examiner reports.
Where do the past papers come from?

All past papers are sourced from Cambridge Assessment International Education, the official examining body for IGCSE qualifications. These materials are provided here for educational purposes only to help students prepare for their exams. Cambridge International holds the copyright to all examination materials. For official resources, please visit the Cambridge International website.

What is the difference between Core and Extended in Biology?

IGCSE Biology offers two tiers of assessment:

  • Core — Grades C to G. You take Papers 1, 3, and either 5 or 6.
  • Extended — Grades A* to G. You take Papers 2, 4, and either 5 or 6.

Focus on diagram labeling, data interpretation, and understanding biological processes for the theory papers.

Which past papers should I practice first?

We recommend this approach:

  1. Start with papers from 2-3 years ago to learn the format without using the most recent papers.
  2. Save the most recent papers (2025) for timed practice closer to your exam.
  3. Always review the mark scheme after completing a paper to understand how marks are awarded.
  4. Read the examiner report to learn common mistakes other students made.
Is LumiExams affiliated with Cambridge?

No, LumiExams is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Cambridge Assessment International Education or any other examination board. We are a free resource created by students and educators to help learners prepare for their exams. All past papers remain the intellectual property of Cambridge International and are provided here solely for educational purposes.