Biology IGCSE

Studying IGCSE Biology will teach you about the fascinating biodiversity of life
on Earth along with how to preserve and protect it.

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  • Overview
  • What you'll learn
  • Extra info
  • FAQs

Are you ready to change your world?

Due to high capacity this course is temporarily unavailable until early May 2023.

We sincerely apologise for this inconvenience. We’ve experienced a high level of interest this year. We hope you will consider joining us in May!

Our learning advisers are available to answer any queries you may have:

 

 

 

 

 

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To get on our waiting list or speak to our learning advisers about the course please get in touch with any queries you may have.

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Have complete control over the pace and style of your learning needs. Choose to study from your phone, laptop, or tablet, 24/7. Online Learning has never been so simple, or so much fun!

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Online but not alone. Join our growing community of Oxbridge students! Benefit from insider tips and tricks to suit your learning style whilst interacting and engaging with your fellow peers. Don’t forget to also connect with our college’s socials.

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Whatever your starting point, we believe in empowering our students with complete flexibility and expert guidance at their fingertips. Take learning into your own hands with courses designed around you and achieve your potential with Oxbridge.

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All Oxbridge home learning courses are delivered to a high-quality standard with full access to course materials. If you prefer a printed copy of your course material, choose our print option. Note: extra charges will apply.

What you get Online Print
My oxbridge - access to online portal
Unlimited Tutor Support
Course material - online
Course material - printed copy

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'll learn

Unit 1 - Living Organisms

There are diverse types of living organisms including plants, animals, bacteria, viruses, protoctists, and fungi. Throughout this, you’ll understand the characteristics that they share with one another, including movement, respiration, sensitivity, homeostasis, growth and development, reproduction, excretion and nutrition.

Unit 2 - Structure and Function in Living Organisms

Organisms are made from organisations of smaller structures; during this unit, you’ll need to know the hierarchy of these structures. You’ll consider the differences between plant and animal cells and their functions. You’ll come to understand the procedures of diffusion, osmosis and active transport by which substance transfers in and out of cells. You’ll learn how metabolising is key to obtaining energy in any living thing, but in organisms, this is done slightly differently than through consuming food. You’ll understand how organisms respond to changes in their environment and how they adapt to this.

Unit 3 - Reproduction and Inheritance

To maintain a species, and to pass on genetic information to the next generation, all living things reproduce either asexually or sexually. In this topic, we contrast asexual and sexual reproduction and explore how genetic information is preserved and passed on to offspring. You’ll also look at the importance of DNA as genetic instruction, and how it determines the characteristics we inherit.

Unit 4 - Ecology and the Environment

Life exists in every corner of the globe, within complex communities of different species of animals and plants. The species within a community and the communities within ecosystems live in a constant state of flux. Species simultaneously compete for food, territory and water, but in many ways, they are dependent on each other too.

In this topic, we look at the transfer between living organisms and non-living parts of the environment, the consumption of nutrients by animals and plants and how this is then released back into the environment via death and decomposition. Over time, humans have caused a significant upsurge in the levels of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere; this unit will cover topics such as global warming and water pollution, highlighting the influences that human consumption has had on the environment.

Unit 5 - Use of Biological Resources

To complete your Biology IGCSE, you’ll expand on your knowledge of biological resources. You’ll examine deforestation and learn the impact of cutting trees down, resulting in environmental issues. Next, you’ll look at food chains and the production of food, considering micro-organisms, fish farming and selective breeding. Finally, you’ll look at genetic modifications, such as the process of genetic engineering, cloning and how these can also be beneficial in agriculture.

Extra info

Calendar
Fast Track - In a rush? You'll have the option to complete this course within a year.
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Guaranteed Exam Venue - Finding exam spaces can be tough, so with Oxbridge, you'll get guaranteed access to our network of exam centres around the UK
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Exam Pass Guarantee - We're so confident, that if you don't pass the first time, we'll support you to the next exam for free

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 the best suited to distance learning.

How is this course assessed or examined?

You can enrol now for examinations for Summer 2024.

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.

FAQs

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Can I sign up for a Student Beans account and get Student Discounts?

Yes! One of the many benefits of being an Oxbridge student is that you get access to great discounts with a Student Beans account! Eligibility criteria apply and acceptance is made at the discretion of Student Beans. Find out how to sign up.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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…

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Do Universities prefer IGCSEs or GCSEs?

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Is IGCSE harder than GCSE?

International General Certificate of Secondary Education courses (ICGSEs) cover some of the same subjects as GCSE’s such as GeographyEnglish 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Why study AQA GCSE Biology online?

This distance learning course follows the new Edexcel GCSE Biology syllabus and has been designed specifically to be studied online in your own time, at your own pace. You’ll also benefit from well-structured assignments to help develop your skills and knowledge in preparation for your exam. 

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What will you learn on this IGCSE Biology Course?

In this online IGCSE biology course, you’ll delve into the deepest mechanisms of cell division and cell functions within different organisms, and discover how the various systems of the human body work together to facilitate life. From genetics and evolution to biodiversity and deforestation, you’ll have a solid foundation in biological studies after completing this online IGCSE Biology course.

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Are you ready to change your world?

We appreciate being bold is easier said than done. This is why the team at Oxbridge aim to help you feel confident and rest assured in taking your next steps. Our friendly, knowledgeable Learning advisers are always on hand to offer you the best guidance.