Biology IGCSE
IGCSE Biology is a challenging, rewarding course that helps students develop the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career
- Unlimited Tutor Support
- Get as much help as you want from your expert personal tutor
- Fast Track
- In a rush? You can complete this course under a year at no extra charge
- 98% Pass Rate
- Students have enjoyed a 98% pass rate
- Exam Pass Guarantee
- If you don't pass first time, we'll support you for free until your next exams
- Online Learning
- Study on your own terms with our our learning platform, MyOxbridge
Course Introduction
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.
If you are studying IGCSEs or taking other online courses, our expert tutors will be there to support you every step of the way. You can gain valuable qualifications from your own home, or anywhere you feel comfortable when enrolling with Oxbridge.
Course Info
- Duration
- Study Hours
- Difficulty
- Outcome
- Syllabus Code
- Units
-
9–24 months
-
150
-
Level 2
-
Edexcel IGCSE
-
4BI1
-
6
units
(view
units)
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.
What you will learn
Below is an outline of the course material you will study:
Unit 1: Living Organisms
- Characteristics of living organisms
- Variety of living organisms
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
Unit 3: Reproduction and Inheritance
- Reproduction in animals
- Reproduction in plants
- Genetics and inheritance
- Evolution and natural selection
- Treating and preventing disease
Unit 4: Ecology and the Environment
- Biodiversity and feeding relationships
- Nutrient cycles
- Human influences on the environment
Unit 5: Use of Biological Resources
- Food production and selective breeding
- Genetic modification and cloning
Unit 6: Preparing for Your Exam: 4BI1
- Paper 1 (4BI1/1B)
- Paper 2 (4BI1/2B)
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.
Progression Routes
Studying IGCSE Biology offers a solid foundation in biological concepts and processes. After successfully achieving this qualification, you can study A-levels such as Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Psychology and Mathematics.
Examinations and Assessments
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.
Exam FAQs
Are exams required to pass the course?
For A-levels and GCSEs you will need to sit an exam. You can purchase your exams when you enrol on a course, or you can book them later via MyOxbridge. Either way, once you're on board with us, your tutor will guide you through the process.
Where are the exams held?
Exams will require attendance at a physical exam centre, with detailed information available on our Exam Centres page. We offer guaranteed exam spaces at our partnership centres across the UK, or you can register as a private candidate at a centre of your choice, keeping in mind that fees may vary by location.
When do exams take place - are there set dates?
Exam dates are set nationally and cannot be changed, so it's important to plan accordingly. They are usually late spring to early summer. For example, forthcoming A-level exams are scheduled from 1st March to 31st May 2025, while GCSE exams will run from 5th May to 25th June 2025.
Can exams be taken online?
For A-level and GCSE courses, exams must be taken in person at a designated exam centre.
Are mock exams available? Are they compulsory?
Yes, we offer both compulsory Internal Mocks in the autumn (included in your course fees and delivered online) and optional External Mocks in the spring (for an additional fee, taken at an exam centre). Mock exams are a great way to prepare for the real thing, and we encourage you to take advantage of them.
How and when do I register for exams?
Exam registration opens in the autumn before the summer exam period, so if you plan to take exams next summer, you should register by November of the preceding year. You can complete the exam registration form in your student portal, and our Student Support team is available to help with the process.
Can you take exams outside of the UK?
While our MyOxbridge learning portal is accessible worldwide, most exams must be taken within the UK. Check with us for specific exam requirements to avoid any surprises.
Do I have to buy the exam from Oxbridge in order to study with you?
No, you are not obligated to purchase your exam through Oxbridge. You can either book your own exam centre independently, or take advantage of our partnerships with exam centres for a more streamlined process.
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.