Courses / GCSE / IGCSE Biology

IGCSE Biology

Edexcel iGCSE
IGCSE Biology is a challenging, rewarding course that helps students develop the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career
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Overview

What could be more fascinating than the study of life itself? Whether you’re interested in how DNA determines our individual characteristics, how the human mind works, or the diversity of the animal kingdom, biology explores it all.

An IGCSE in Biology will open the door to a wide variety of exciting professions, including medicine, dentistry, zoology, microbiology, pharmacology and much more.

What you will learn

  1. Unit 1 - Living Organisms

    • Characteristics of living organisms
    • Variety of living organisms

  2. Unit 2 - Structure and Functions in Living Organisms

    • Organisation and cell structure
    • Biological molecules
    • Nutrition in plants and animals
    • Respiration and gas exchange
    • Transport
    • Excretion and the immune response
    • Nervous response and senses
    • Hormonal response in animals and plants

  3. Unit 3 - Reproduction and Inheritance

    • Reproduction in animals
    • Reproduction in plants
    • Genetics and inheritance
    • Evolution and natural selection
    • Treating and preventing disease

  4. Unit 4 - Ecology and the Environment

    • Biodiversity and feeding relationships
    • Nutrient cycles
    • Human influences on the environment

  5. Unit 5 - Use of Biological Resources

    • Food production and selective breeding
    • Genetic modification and cloning

     

  6. Unit 6 - Preparing for Your Exam: 4BI1

    • Paper 1 (4BI1/1B)
    • Paper 2 (4BI1/2B)

Awarding Body

edexcel

Edexcel is the UK’s largest awarding organisation offering academic and vocational qualifications in schools, colleges and workplaces in the UK and abroad. Edexcel is a multinational education and examination body covering A-Level Courses and GCSE Courses.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this home learning course, you will receive an IGCSE in Biology (1BI0), issued by Edexcel. This syllabus has been chosen specifically because it is best suited to distance learning.

How is this course assessed or examined?

You’ll be required to complete two IGCSE standard written exams:

  • Paper 1 – Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of IGCSE, 100 marks.
  • Paper 2 – Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of IGCSE, 100 marks.

The exams contain a mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. All exams must be taken in the same session.

We provide a guaranteed exam space in one of our partner exam centres around the UK. Check where your closest exam centre is.

During your course, there is no coursework to complete but you will be required to complete a range of assignments. These don’t contribute to your final grade but will help to prepare you for your final examinations.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this level two Biology IGCSE course, however, it is recommended that you have an intermediate ability to read and write in English.

Past Papers

You can access past papers for this course. They are free to access and cover a range of exam boards.

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IGCSE Biology

Course
Include exams (+£330)

Find out more about the exams here.

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Exam Results: I need to resit my exams, can I enrol with Oxbridge?

At Oxbridge, we take enrolments all year round. Once you're enrolled, you'll be able to get started right away. Studying online means your work and revision fit around you and your lifestyle. For example, if you have a part-time job or need to study alongside other subjects, you'll be able to find time to fit our online courses into your schedule. Enjoy flexible, convenient, affordable learning, fully supported by expert tutors who are passionate about their subjects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our course tutors and know that they hold the key to success. Whatever your goals, dreams or aspirations, Oxbridge is here to help you facilitate them.

Exam Results: When will I receive my certificate?

Oxbridge students who sat their exams through our partnership exam centres will usually receive their certificates in November. Certificates will be sent out by recorded delivery.
Wondering what to do next? There are so many options available, it's important to get the right advice. Whether your choice is to continue onto further education, go into job training or get an apprenticeship and whether your grades are high or low - there are always options! Speak to an adviser today to see how we can support you on your next steps...

Exam Results: I didn't pass English or Maths, what do I do next?

First of all, don't worry - everything will be okay. Unfortunately, if you didn't get a grade 4 or higher (equivalent to a C or above) in your English and Maths, you will have to re-take it in order to pass. Oxbridge is ready and available to support you with this. Get in touch via live chat, phone or email.

Exam Results: I have individual unit marks, but no overall grade. What should I do?

Check for a cash-in code on your statement of entry. If there isn't one, cash-in may not have been applied for. Cash-in can be applied for retrospectively from your exam centre and once entered you can expect an overall grade in one week.

Exam Results: I haven't done as well as I expected in my exams. Is there anything I can do?

Yes! There are a number of post-result services available. Your entering centre will be able to provide you with further information and will process any requests for you. If you're not sure where to turn, our friendly learning advisers are on hand and ready to help you.

How do I choose what GCSEs to take?

Selecting GCSEs is a highly personal decision that will be influenced by factors such as your educational and career goals, your skills and strengths, and the subjects you enjoy (or don’t enjoy). To help you decide on the right GCSEs for you and your future, we’ve written a detailed guide on choosing GCSE subjects.

Can GCSEs help you get a place at university?

Gaining GCSEs is the first step toward sitting a uni degree. You’ll need GCSE courses or IGCSE courses to progress to A-level courses, which remain the most prevalent means of accessing higher education. At Oxbridge, we offer both GCSE and IGCSE courses, which are qualifications of equal merit with the added benefit of being internationally recognised. Both GCSEs and IGCSEs can be studied by adults online.

How long does it take to gain a GCSE as an adult?

GCSEs are typically studied across a period of 2 years however, our fast-track GCSE option enables you to complete and qualify for your chosen GCSEs within a year.

Do Universities prefer IGCSEs or GCSEs?

Universities prefer neither iGCSEs or GCSEs. Universities recognise both iGCSEs and GCSEs and treat them equally.

Why study GCSE courses or IGCSE courses with Oxbridge?

When you enrol on a course with us, you’re really enrolling into a partnership. We set up our online learning platform to help people achieve the grades and qualifications they need to realise their aspirations. We do everything we can to help make our students’ dreams come true. Our learning platform is award-winning, and our course content is written by Oxbridge subject experts and delivered by tutors who are just as passionate about their teaching as they are in helping you succeed. On average, by studying Oxbridge online GCSE courses, we find that our students get grades that are 20% higher and pass around 30% quicker than students in traditional colleges. We’d love to help you do the same! If you aren’t sure which course is right for you, speak to one of our learning advisers, they’d be more than happy to help you find the right path.

Why Study GCSE courses or IGCSE courses online?

GCSEs remain a basic requirement for further education and some workplaces, so adding them or an IGCSE equivalent to your CV can be essential for personal success. Studying these GCSE qualifications online has opened up a world of possibilities for people who haven’t been able to learn around their jobs or family commitments before. If traditional education has held you back long enough, take the reins and build a future you’re proud of.

Is IGCSE harder than GCSE?

International General Certificate of Secondary Education courses (ICGSEs) cover some of the same subjects as GCSE’s such as Geography, English Language and the sciences, but they are recognised internationally. The level of difficulty is equal to a GCSE course, and universities view both qualifications as equal.

Can Adults take GCSE Courses?

It’s never too late to gain a GCSE qualification. Oxbridge teach thousands of adult GCSE courses every year. So, whether there’s a specific career you’ve always been interested in but couldn’t pursue because you didn’t have the right qualifications, or you want to take up a college or university course, an online General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) course can help get you there. The same can be said for our adult A-level courses too.

What does GCSE stand for?

GCSE stands for: General Certificate of Secondary Education and IGCSE stands for 'International General Certificate of Secondary Education'. Whatever your aspirations and goals for the future, you’ll most likely need GCSEs to get there. Introduced in 1988, the General Certificate of Secondary Education remains the UK’s primary recognised certificate of foundation-level education and is viewed by employers, colleges and universities as the minimum expected standard for prospective candidates.

How much do exams cost?

Many of our courses do not require exams however, A-levels, GCSEs and some other courses do require exams to complete the qualification. Exam fees are additional to the cost of the course and prices vary depending on the course and where you sit them - find out more. Planning on studying A-levels or GCSEs with us? We can add your exams during enrolment and blend them into your monthly payment plan if you wish. If you're not ready to book your exam(s) yet, you can book them at a later date - all of the information is available on MyOxbridge under NEAS and Exams.