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IGCSE Biology Course

This IGCSE Biology Distance Learning Course is ideal for anyone wishing to gain a knowledge and understanding of human biology, organisms, evolution and the environment.

The course will provide you with an in-depth study of the full Edexcel or CAIE Biology specification helping you achieve the International GCSE Biology qualification. You will find this course extremely valuable if you are looking to progress onto International A Level Biology or UK A Level Biology, seeking a progression route for further training whilst employed or would just like to study this subject as a hobby.

igcse-biology-course

Enrolment Fee:

£395.00

Get 10% discount when ordering multiple IGCSE courses. Use the coupon code: IGCSE10 at checkout

  • Cambridge & Edexcel
  • Full IGCSE Qualification
  • Complete when you need to
  • No enrolment dates. Enrol & start studying anytime.
  • Up to 24 Months Tutor Support
  • 130 Study Hours
  • Fast Track Available
  • Learning to suit you. Access to the online portal 24/7
  • eBooks provided
  • Practice Exam Papers
  • References Available
  • Same qualification as offered in schools/colleges

Description

This IGCSE Biology course will help learners understand exactly how life works.  Biology is the study of living things which ranges from plants and animals to humans.

In this course, you will learn how cells make up all living things and how plant cells compare to human cells.  You will also cover genetics and how characteristics are passed from one generation to another through DNA.  Other topics include evolution, physiology and anatomy.

Biology is an important subject for anyone wanting to understand the world that we live in.

Cambridge Syllabus

Cambridge Course Code(s)

IGCSE Biology (9-1): 0970
IGCSE Biology (A*-G): 0610

(Please note, there is no difference in the course teachings for the two specifications, there only difference is the grade you will receive once you have taken the exams. 0970 is graded 9-1, 9 being the highest while 0610 is graded A* to G, A* being the highest.)

Cambridge Exams: June & November

Cambridge Study Hours: 130 hours

Cambridge IGCSE Biology Modules

1 Characteristics and classification of living organisms

1.1 Characteristics of living organisms

1.2 Concept and uses of classification systems

1.3 Features of organisms

2 Organisation of the organism

2.1 Cell structure

2.2 Size of specimens

3 Movement into and out of cells

3.1 Diffusion

3.2 Osmosis

3.3 Active transport

4 Biological molecules

4.1 Biological molecules

5 Enzymes

5.1 Enzymes

6 Plant nutrition

6.1 Photosynthesis

6.2 Leaf structure

7 Human nutrition

7.1 Diet

7.2 Digestive system

7.3 Physical digestion

7.4 Chemical digestion

7.5 Absorption

8 Transport in plants

8.1 Xylem and phloem

8.2 Water uptake

8.3 Transpiration

8.4 Translocation

9 Transport in animals

9.1 Circulatory systems

9.2 Heart

9.3 Blood vessels

9.4 Blood

10 Diseases and immunity

10.1 Diseases and immunity

11 Gas exchange in humans

11.1 Gas exchange in humans

12 Respiration

12.1 Respiration

12.2 Aerobic respiration

12.3 Anaerobic respiration

13 Excretion in humans

13 Excretion in humans

14 Coordination and response

14.1 Coordination and response

14.2 Sense organs

14.3 Hormones

14.4 Homeostasis

14.5 Tropic responses

15 Drugs

15.1 Drugs

16 Reproduction

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

17.1 Chromosomes, genes and proteins

17.2 Mitosis

17.3 Meiosis

17.4 Monohybrid inheritance

18 Variation and selection

18.1 Variation

18.2 Adaptive features

18.3 Selection

19 Organisms and their environment

19.1 Energy flow

19.2 Food chains and food webs

19.3 Nutrient cycles

19.4 Populations

20 Human influences on ecosystems

20.1 Food supply

20.2 Habitat destruction

20.3 Pollution

20.4 Conservation

21 Biotechnology and genetic modification

21.1 Biotechnology and genetic modification

21.2 Biotechnology

21.3 Genetic modification

Cambridge Assessment

All candidates take three papers.  You have a choice of Core (grades C to G) or Extended (grades A* to G).

CORE IGCSE Biology

Candidates who have studied the Core subject content, or who are expected to achieve a grade D or below should be entered for Paper 1, Paper 3 and Paper 6. These candidates will be eligible for grades C to G.

Paper 1 Multiple Choice (Core)

45 minutes

40 marks

Forty compulsory multiple-choice items of the four-choice type.

Paper 3: Theory (Core)

1 hour 15 minutes

80 marks

Compulsory short-answer and structured questions

Paper 6: Alternative to Practical

1 hour

40 marks

Candidates will not be required to do experiments as part of this test

EXTENDED IGCSE Biology

Candidates who have studied the Extended subject content (Core and Supplement), and who are expected to achieve a grade C or above should be entered for Paper 2, Paper 4 and either Paper 5 or Paper 6. These candidates will be eligible for grades A* to G.

Paper 2: Multiple Choice (Extended)

45 minutes

40 marks

Forty compulsory multiple-choice items of the four-choice type.

Paper 4: Theory (Extended)

1 hour 15 minutes

80 marks

Compulsory short-answer and structured questions

Paper 6: Alternative to Practical

1 hour

40 marks

Candidates will not be required to do experiments as part of this test

Edexcel Syllabus

IGCSE Biology (9-1): 4BI1

Edexcel Exams: June & November

Edexcel Study Hours: 130 hours

This IGCSE Biology Edexcel Course will help you get a good understanding of the world of living things, from how basic a cell works to the complexities of an ecosystem. Students enjoy this course as they learn about things relevant to their lives such as diet and exercise, homeostasis and the environment. They can also understand more about the real facts behind issues like global warming. This specification is graded from 9 to 1.

Edexcel IGCSE Biology Modules

1 The nature and variety of living organisms

Characteristics of living organisms

Variety of living organisms

2 Structure and functions in living organisms

Level of organisation

Cell structure

Biological molecules

Movement of substances into and out of cells

Nutrition

Respiration

Gas exchange

Transport

Excretion

Co-ordination and response

3 Reproduction and inheritance

Reproduction

Inheritance

4 Ecology and the environment

The organism in the environment

Feeding relationships

Cycles within ecosystems

Human influences on the environment

5 Use of biological resources

Food production

Selective breeding

Genetic modification (genetic engineering)

Cloning

Edexcel Assessment

All candidates take two papers.

Biology Paper 1

2-hour written examination paper

110 marks

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.

Biology Paper 2

1-hour and 15-minute written examination paper

70 marks

A mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions.

Q&A

You do not need any prior learning knowledge or experience to take this course. This course is openly available to anyone who wishes to take part in a highly rewarding home study course, although you would be expected to have a reasonable standard of literacy.

You have the freedom to start the course at any time and continue your studies at your own pace for a period of up to 2 years from initial registration with the full support of your Tutor. You do not have to wait until September, when a traditional school starts. 

Once you enrol, you will be asked to fill in an enrolment form. On the form it will ask when you wish to complete by, so we can ensure you are supported right up to when you take your exams.

Once you enrol, you will have access to our online portal 24/7. Here you will find study materials that have been specially prepared by your tutor, there will be assessments, study notes, eBooks and assignments all relating to your course. Everything in this course is structured to follow the course specification, so all topics and units cover everything you need to learn. Your tutor will mark your work and give you written feedback on areas you need to improve or explain what you have done well. You can also ask your tutor questions if you get stuck on a topic or need something explaining a little more. 

When you approach the exams, your tutor will set you a series of practise exam papers so that you can know what to expect in your exam, and you can go into them feeling confident.

You will be provided with eBooks for this course. If you want to purchase physical books in addition, then we can provide you with the book ISBN numbers.

Students will be required to arrange and pay for their examinations (including any practicals they wish to take) at an approved centre. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.

All of our IGCSEs are available world wide. Meaning you can study with us from anywhere.

Cambridge, and Edexcel both have international exam centres, so you may be able to take the exams locally to you. Should you need any help finding a centre, then please do get in touch and we can assist you on this. 

We recommend that you are able to dedicate between 120 and 130 hours’ study time, plus additional time for completing assignments.

Yes, you can work at your own pace to complete this course. Despite having 24 months Tutor Support, once you enrol you will be asked when you wish to complete, and your tutor can work along side you to achieve this.

With online learning, having the flexibility is a real advantage. This allows you to set the pace. Take your time or Fast-track, get the qualification when you need it.

Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSEs are international qualifications. Cambridge and Edexcel IGCSEs can be taken worldwide including the United Kingdom. Both exam boards offer a similar specification however different courses can have a different structure. Both the Cambridge and Edexcel courses are full International GCSE qualifications.

It is recommended that you aim to book your examinations 4/6 month prior to sitting them to avoid late entry fee charges.  Additionally, we would advise that you contact a few exam centres and find out the best price, as they can fluctuate greatly. 

You will sit the same exam as thousands of students across the country in an exam centre, and achieve the same qualification as everyone else. IGCSE qualifications are recognised by universities employers, colleges and sixth form colleges, giving students a wide range of options in their education and career.

Just like sitting your IGCSEs in a school, your tutor will be able to provide you with predicted grades, transcripts, certificate of graduation, and references for further education applications. 

Of course, all of our courses are tailored to cover the entire specification and are split into topics. You will have assignments to complete on every topic where your tutor will give you feedback. If you are struggling with an aspect then you can message your tutor and they can provide more information for you.

As your exams approach, your tutor will set a series of exam papers for you to take, so you can get a feel for the real thing.

If you complete all of your assignments, and your practise exam papers then there is no reason why you shouldn’t achieve a top grade. 

What support will I receive?

All International GCSE courses are online and learners will access materials via our learner portal.  The online course includes access and tutor support for two years.  All assignments are marked by one of our professional tutors who will offer regular feedback and guide you through your course. Postal assignments cannot be accepted without prior permission from the tutor and you must have access to email in order to contact your Tutor.

Whilst there is a Tutor to guide you, you will also be able to reach out to your Student Liaison Team for help with any other questions you may have. You can be assured that you will receive unlimited support for your home study course, so there is no need to struggle or feel isolated during your studies.

How do Online International GCSEs work?

Whether you are a learner based within or outside the UK, you can opt for our International GCSE courses with Cambridge International Education (CIE) or Pearson Edexcel. These awarding bodies allow you to sit exams worldwide.

For IGCSEs, you will receive two years access to the learner portal along with tutor support. Marked and graded assignments are included with the course along with practise mock exam papers.

Learners applying to college/university can receive help with references and predicted grades. They are also more than welcome to progress onto our A Level courses.

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