Introduction This new edition is fully updated for the 2014 syllabus to help you do well in your Cambridge International Examinations AS and A level Biology (9700) courses. The book and its accompanying CD-ROM provide a self-contained resource for studying these courses, with improved focus on exam preparation.
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Chapters 1–15 provide complete coverage of the AS level syllabus. This is also the first year of study for A level. The AS syllabus is designed for students with O level or IGCSE Biology. Chapters 16–26 cover all the material for the second year of study for A level. This includes the relevant Core material and the Applications of Biology section.
Extension material is clearly marked with the following symbol E and a dotted line runs down alongside the text to mark this additional content. Important features of this new edition include the following. The sequence of chapters mirrors the sequence of topics in the syllabus, which makes it easy to navigate. (Your teacher may, however, tackle subjects in a different order.) Syllabus sections G and H are split into three and two chapters respectively for additional convenience (see table). Level AS level Core syllabus
Syllabus section A Cell structure B C D E F G
H
I J K A level
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L M N O
Biological molecules Enzymes Cell membranes and transport Cell and nuclear division Genetic control Transport Transport in multicellular plants The mammalian transport system The mammalian heart Gas exchange and smoking Gas exchange Smoking Infectious disease Immunity Ecology Advanced practical skills Energy and respiration Photosynthesis Regulation and control Inherited change
Introduction
Chapter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
Level Applications of Biology
Syllabus section P Selection and evolution Q Biodiversity and conservation R Gene technology S Biotechnology T Crop plants U Aspects of human reproduction Planning, analysis and evaluation
Chapter 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
There are two new chapters covering practical skills: Chapter 15 (AS level) and Chapter 26 (A level). Interesting information that is not required by the syllabus but will aid understanding, is marked as ‘extension material’ by orange dotted bars. Each chapter contains self-assessment questions (SAQs). These are to help you think about, understand and remember what you have just read. Each chapter ends with a set of chapter-related questions, ranging from formative questions (requiring simple recall or reference to the text) to more challenging structured or essay questions requiring understanding as well as the other skills tested in examinations. Some of the questions are past Cambridge examination questions so you can familiarise yourself with the style of the examination questions. Biology involves many technical terms. Each time a new term is introduced, it is shown in bold orange and its meaning explained. The glossary contains definitions of the key terms used in the book. At the end of your course, you will be tested on three sets of Assessment Objectives.
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Knowledge with understanding. You are expected to know and understand all the facts and concepts listed in the syllabus. These are all covered in this book. Handling information and solving problems. Questions testing these skills expect you to use your knowledge and understanding in an unfamiliar context. A good knowledge and understanding of this book will enable you to approach new situations with confidence. Experimental skills and investigations. This involves practical work. An examination will test your practical skills so try to do plenty of practical work. Key information is provided on some practical aspects of the course in Chapters 15 and 26.
Additional help and guidance are available on the accompanying CD-ROM.