IGCSE Biology

About this GCSE Biology Course

The GCSE Biology course that we offer is the international version, also known as the IGCSE, as this course is more suited to distance learning and can be taken by people in any country. Students studying the Biology GCSE will learn about the variety found in living organisms as well as the structures and functions of living creatures. The course covers ecology, the environment, reproduction and the structure of living organism to give a broad knowledge of biological systems. Once this course is completed, many students look to move on to further study such as A Level Biology and continue on to further their knowledge and understanding of this topic.

Study Time:	120 hours
Enrolment length:	12 months
Course Format:	Online
Entry Requirements:	None Specific

To get the full Edexcel GCSE, students must enter themselves as a private candidate for the exam. You can learn all about this process by visiting our GCSE exam guide page.

Qualification

The Edexcel GCSE Biology qualification is available both in the UK and internationally and is seen as a global standard for knowledge in business. The course is accredited with Edexcel, an industry leader with decades of expertise in academic qualifications. For more information regarding Edexcel, click on the Edexcel tab further up this page.

Course Content

Included in this GCSE Biology course are the following units:

Topic 1 – The nature and variety of living organisms

In the first topic of this course we will look at the nature and variety of living organisms. This will include how living organisms respire, take in nutrients, dispose of waste, reproduce and develop. A number of different characteristics of plants, animals, fungi and protoctists will be explained thoroughly.

Topic 2 – Cells and biological structures

Next we will start to look at cells and their structures. Cells are the basic building blocks of all living things and come in a number of different shapes and sizes.

The most common cell types will be introduced as well as how substances move in and out of the cell. Chemicals that are present in cells will also be explained as well as the differences between plant and animal cells.

Topic 3 – Nutrition

In this topic we will move on to look at nutrition of both plants and humans. All living things require good nutrition so that their cells have the correct chemicals to do their job. This topic will explore what photosynthesis is and what vitamins and minerals humans need for their organs to operate.

Topic 4 – Respiration and gas exchange

This topic will focus on respiration and gas exchange in both plants and animals and what this process involves. The structure and function of the lungs will be explored as well as how smoking can impact lung function.

Topic 5 – Transport

The transportation of substances in both plants and humans will be covered in this topic. It is vital for any living organism to be able to move substances from one area of the body to another to ensure that chemicals are in the locations they are needed.

This topic will focus on osmosis in plants and the role of blood in the human body. The workings of the heart and composition of the blood will be explained in full so that you fully understand how the blood transports substances around your body.

Topic 6 – Co-ordination and response

Next we will move on to look at how living organisms respond to various changes in their environment. The ability to notice a change and then respond to this change is used as a way for organisms to ensure they are safe.

Various different stimuli (something that triggers a change) will be explored and we will look at how organisms respond to these.

Topic 7 – Reproduction and inheritance

In this topic we will study the principles of reproduction in flowering plants and humans. We will understand the differences between asexual and sexual reproduction and describe the processes of fertilisation and pollination. The roles of hormones including oestrogen, progesterone, FSH and LH in the human menstrual cycle will be explained along with the ways in which the male and female reproductive systems are adapted to their functions.

The structures of DNA and RNA will be described, along with the stages of protein synthesis. The process of inheritance will be explored including the use of genetic cross diagrams to predict the phenotypic outcomes of fertilisation along with the causes, incidence and implications of genetic mutations.

Topic 8 – Ecology and environment

Ecology is the study of how living things impact each other and how various environments impact organisms. In this topic we will look at environments in detail as well as food chains and the way in which different plants and animals impact the life of others.

Topic 9 – Use of biological resources

In this topic we will study the methods used in food production including the use of glasshouses, polythene tunnels and fertilisers in growing crop plants. We will also look at the role of microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria in the production of food, for example bread and yoghurt, and the methods used to farm large numbers of fish.

The use of selective breeding to develop plants and animals with desired characteristics and the role of genetic modification in the manufacture of insulin and improvement in food production, as well as the process of cloning will be discussed along with their advantages and disadvantages.

Online study and instant enrolment

All of our students are given access to our Online Campus through their own personal login and password. As soon as you complete your enrolment, you would have immediate access to your account which allows you to make a start working through the lessons. Tackle your assignments as your own pace and contact your tutor to access any help and support you need. The course itself is set out in a very simple layout, making it easy to work through the topics and complete your assessments.

Our Online Campus includes:

• Instant enrolment – access everything on your course from the moment you enrol.
• Personal account logins – login any time, 24/7.
• Full support throughout – message your tutor, use our online chat or give us a call.
• Online assignment submissions – upload work online from the comfort of home.
• Self-led learning – study at your own pace so you can pass much faster.
• Safe e-portfolio system – store all of your work in your account.
• Progression tracking – easily see what assignments you have left to complete.
• Details help centre – get instructions and guidance every step of the way.
• Unlimited attempts – submit as many attempts at your assignments as you need.

Unlimited assessment submissions

All of the assessments for this course are completed through our Online Campus. You can attempt each one as many times as needed to ensure you pass. After every attempt, your tutor will provide detailed feedback and tips on how you can improve going forward. Quickly see your progress during your studies by checking your progress bar and seeing the remaining assessments you need to complete.

On this IGCSE Biology course you are required to enter yourself for the Edexcel examinations. This means that you will need to contact an Edexcel centre local to you in order to sit your exam and pay any fees that are required for this. Exam fees can vary between centres but are much cheaper when organised early so we advise to book your exams long before the actual examination date.

Get full tutor support

Throughout your enrolment with the Online Learning College, you can access support at any time you need. All students are assigned a personal tutor who will mark all of your work and provide detailed feedback after every submission. Your tutor will be an industry expert with a full knowledge of the course content and will be able to help you at any point along your learning journey. One of the best tools at your disposal is your tutor – you can ask as many questions of them as you wish to and they will be happy to help at any time.

We also have a brilliant support team on hand and available through email, online chat and over the phone. This team is there to help with any questions which are more generic, such as providing support in submitting work through your account or getting your certificate when you have completed your course. We pride ourselves on ensuring the support you receive is the best in the business – help and guidance is fast and detailed every time you contact a member of the team.

Assessments

On this GCSE Biology course you are required to enter yourself for the Edexcel examinations. This means that you will need to contact an Edexcel centre local to you in order to sit your exam and pay any fees that are required for this. Exam fees can vary between centres but are much cheaper when organised early so we advise to book your exams long before the actual examination date.

Enrolment Length

All of our courses are allocated plenty of time for students to complete their studies and all materials are self-led so that you can complete the course at your own pace, but you have access to the course on the Campus for 12 months from your enrollment date. Should you require additional time on one of our courses you can extend your enrolment by 30 days for an additional fee of £60. As well as this we operate a 14 day money back guarantee on every one of our qualifications- that’s how confident we are of how you will love studying with us!