IGCSE Biology Tuition

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AP Biology Tuition

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What is IGCSE Biology? Why study it?

IGCSE Biology (0610) is an internationally recognized qualification designed for secondary school students. The course focuses on understanding the biological concepts, principles, and processes that are essential to life. Students will explore a wide range of topics, from the molecular level to the interactions of organisms within their environment.

Studying IGCSE Biology provides students with a solid foundation in biological science, which is essential for further studies in medicine, environmental science, biotechnology, and other related fields. The subject also helps develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deeper understanding of the natural world.

Your track record in the IGCSE Biology Tuition course is one of the key factors that will determine your college acceptances. Work with certified IGCSE Biology Tuition Examiners to get that 7/7.
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IGCSE Biology Syllabus: Topics + Overview

The IGCSE Biology syllabus covers a wide range of topics, ensuring students gain a thorough understanding of biological principles. Below is a detailed breakdown of the topics covered, along with the prior knowledge needed for each topic:

Topic

Core + Extended

Only Extended

Characteristics and Classification of Living Organisms

Recommended Learning 10 Hours

Content Description
Understanding the characteristics of living organisms and the basics of classification. (5-10% weight)

What you’ll learn:
In-depth study of classification systems and evolutionary relationships. (5-10% weight)

Organisation of the Organism

Recommended Learning 15 Hours

Content Description
Study of cell structure and organisation in plants and animals. (5-10% weight)

What you’ll learn:
Detailed examination of cell specialisation and the role of different cell types. (5-10% weight)

Movement into and out of Cells

Recommended Learning 10 Hours

Content Description
Exploring the processes of diffusion, osmosis, and active transport. (5-10% weight)

What you’ll learn:
Detailed exploration of factors affecting these processes. (5-10% weight)

Biological Molecules

Recommended Learning 10 Hours

Content Description
Understanding the structure and function of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. (5-10% weight)

What you’ll learn:
Detailed study of DNA structure and function. (5-10% weight)

Enzymes

Recommended Learning 10 Hours

Content Description
Study of enzyme action and factors affecting enzyme activity. (5-10% weight)

What you’ll learn:
Detailed exploration of enzyme kinetics and specificity. (5-10% weight)

Plant Nutrition

Recommended Learning 15 Hours

Content Description
Photosynthesis and the role of chlorophyll in plants. (10-15% weight)

What you’ll learn:
In-depth study of factors affecting photosynthesis and leaf structure. (10-15% weight)

Human Nutrition

Recommended Learning 15 Hours

Content Description
Understanding the components of a balanced diet and the human digestive system. (10-15% weight)

What you’ll learn:
Detailed study of nutrient absorption and the role of enzymes in digestion. (10-15% weight)

Transport in Plants and Animals

Recommended Learning 15 Hours

Content Description
Study of xylem, phloem, and the circulatory system. (10-15% weight)

What you’ll learn:
Detailed examination of transport mechanisms and adaptations. (10-15% weight)

Diseases and Immunity

Recommended Learning 10 Hours

Content Description
Understanding the role of pathogens and the immune response. (5-10% weight)

What you’ll learn:
In-depth study of immunity, including active and passive immunity. (5-10% weight)

Gas Exchange and Respiration

Recommended Learning 15 Hours

Content Description
Study of gas exchange surfaces and the process of respiration. (10-15% weight)

What you’ll learn:
Detailed examination of aerobic and anaerobic respiration. (10-15% weight)

Coordination and Response

Recommended Learning 10 Hours

Content Description
Exploring the nervous and hormonal systems in humans. (5-10% weight)

What you’ll learn:
In-depth study of homeostasis and the endocrine system. (5-10% weight)

Reproduction

Recommended Learning 15 Hours

Content Description
Study of sexual and asexual reproduction in plants and humans. (10-15% weight)

What you’ll learn:
Detailed examination of reproductive systems and genetic inheritance. (10-15% weight)

Inheritance

Recommended Learning 15 Hours

Content Description
Understanding genetic inheritance and variation. (10-15% weight)

What you’ll learn:
In-depth study of Mendelian genetics and genetic crosses. (10-15% weight)

Ecology and the Environment

Recommended Learning 10 Hours

Content Description
Study of ecosystems, energy flow, and human impact on the environment. (5-10% weight)

What you’ll learn:
Detailed exploration of nutrient cycles and population dynamics. (5-10% weight)

Biotechnology and Genetic Modification

Recommended Learning 10 Hours

Content Description
Understanding the applications of biotechnology and genetic engineering. (5-10% weight)

What you’ll learn:
In-depth study of modern biotechnological techniques. (5-10% weight)

Characteristics and Classification of Living Organisms

Topic

Recommended Learning 10 Hours

Core + Extended

Content Description
Understanding the characteristics of living organisms and the basics of classification. (5-10% weight)

Only Extended

What you’ll learn:
In-depth study of classification systems and evolutionary relationships. (5-10% weight)

Organisation of the Organism

Topic

Recommended Learning 15 Hours

Core + Extended

Content Description
Study of cell structure and organisation in plants and animals. (5-10% weight)

Only Extended

What you’ll learn:
Detailed examination of cell specialisation and the role of different cell types. (5-10% weight)

Movement into and out of Cells

Topic

Recommended Learning 10 Hours

Core + Extended

Content Description
Exploring the processes of diffusion, osmosis, and active transport. (5-10% weight)

Only Extended

What you’ll learn:
Detailed exploration of factors affecting these processes. (5-10% weight)

Biological Molecules

Topic

Recommended Learning 10 Hours

Core + Extended

Content Description
Understanding the structure and function of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. (5-10% weight)

Only Extended

What you’ll learn:
Detailed study of DNA structure and function. (5-10% weight)

Enzymes

Topic

Recommended Learning 10 Hours

Core + Extended

Content Description
Study of enzyme action and factors affecting enzyme activity. (5-10% weight)

Only Extended

What you’ll learn:
Detailed exploration of enzyme kinetics and specificity. (5-10% weight)

Plant Nutrition

Topic

Recommended Learning 15 Hours

Core + Extended

Content Description
Photosynthesis and the role of chlorophyll in plants. (10-15% weight)

Only Extended

What you’ll learn:
In-depth study of factors affecting photosynthesis and leaf structure. (10-15% weight)

Human Nutrition

Topic

Recommended Learning 15 Hours

Core + Extended

Content Description
Understanding the components of a balanced diet and the human digestive system. (10-15% weight)

Only Extended

What you’ll learn:
Detailed study of nutrient absorption and the role of enzymes in digestion. (10-15% weight)

Transport in Plants and Animals

Topic

Recommended Learning 15 Hours

Core + Extended

Content Description
Study of xylem, phloem, and the circulatory system. (10-15% weight)

Only Extended

What you’ll learn:
Detailed examination of transport mechanisms and adaptations. (10-15% weight)

Diseases and Immunity

Topic

Recommended Learning 10 Hours

Core + Extended

Content Description
Understanding the role of pathogens and the immune response. (5-10% weight)

Only Extended

What you’ll learn:
In-depth study of immunity, including active and passive immunity. (5-10% weight)

Gas Exchange and Respiration

Topic

Recommended Learning 15 Hours

Core + Extended

Content Description
Study of gas exchange surfaces and the process of respiration. (10-15% weight)

Only Extended

What you’ll learn:
Detailed examination of aerobic and anaerobic respiration. (10-15% weight)

Coordination and Response

Topic

Recommended Learning 10 Hours

Core + Extended

Content Description
Exploring the nervous and hormonal systems in humans. (5-10% weight)

Only Extended

What you’ll learn:
In-depth study of homeostasis and the endocrine system. (5-10% weight)

Reproduction

Topic

Recommended Learning 15 Hours

Core + Extended

Content Description
Study of sexual and asexual reproduction in plants and humans. (10-15% weight)

Only Extended

What you’ll learn:
Detailed examination of reproductive systems and genetic inheritance. (10-15% weight)

Inheritance

Topic

Recommended Learning 15 Hours

Core + Extended

Content Description
Understanding genetic inheritance and variation. (10-15% weight)

Only Extended

What you’ll learn:
In-depth study of Mendelian genetics and genetic crosses. (10-15% weight)

Ecology and the Environment

Topic

Recommended Learning 10 Hours

Core + Extended

Content Description
Study of ecosystems, energy flow, and human impact on the environment. (5-10% weight)

Only Extended

What you’ll learn:
Detailed exploration of nutrient cycles and population dynamics. (5-10% weight)

Biotechnology and Genetic Modification

Topic

Recommended Learning 10 Hours

Core + Extended

Content Description
Understanding the applications of biotechnology and genetic engineering. (5-10% weight)

Only Extended

What you’ll learn:
In-depth study of modern biotechnological techniques. (5-10% weight)

Download full sub-topic list for the IGCSE Biology Tuition Core and Extended.

Download Syllabus

IGCSE Biology Exams and Past Papers: Overview

The assessment of IGCSE Biology (0610) is divided into three main objectives: knowledge with understanding, handling information and problem-solving, and experimental skills and investigations. Each paper is weighted differently based on these objectives:

Paper 1

Only Core students

30% of final grade

Time Alloted:
45 minutes

Format:
40 marks – in the form of multiple-choice questions

Content:
Multiple choice questions based on the Core syllabus and tests assessment objectives AO1 and AO2

Example Question

Organisation of the Organism

Which tissues are found in vascular bundles? a. Palisade mesophyll and phloem b. Palisafe mesophyll and spongy mesophyll c. Phloem and xylem d. Spong mesophyll and xylem

Paper 2

Only Extended students

30% of final grade

Time Alloted:
45 minutes

Format:
40 marks – in the form of multiple-choice questions

Content:
Multiple-choice questions based on the Core and Supplement subject content and tests assessment objectives AO1 and AO2

Example Question

Biotechnology and Genetic Modification

“Which process makes use of a genetically engineered organism? a. Using bacteria to produce insulin b. Using enzymes in biological washing powders c. Using pectinase in fruit juice production d. Using yeast to produce ethanol”

Paper 3

Only Core students

50% of final grade

Time Alloted:
1 hour 15 minutes (75 mins)

Format:
56 marks – in the form of short answer questions

Content:
This paper only includes the Core syllabus and tests assessment objectives AO1 and AO2

Example Question

Gas Exchange and Respiration

(a) A football team has w wins and d draw. The team scores 3 points for each win and 1 point for each draw. Write an expression, in terms of w and d, for the total number of points scored by the team. (b) Athletic, Rovers and United are three football teams. Athletic have a point score of x. Rovers have 12 points more than Athletics point score. United have 3 points fewer than twice Athletics point score. The total point score of all three teams is 121. Use this information to write down an equation in terms of x. Solve your equation to work out the pont score of each team. (c) Simplify 4a - 3b + 5a + 6b 6(2x+1) - 5(x-2) Solve the simultaneous equations. You must show all your working. 3x + 5y = 11 2x - 3y = 20

Paper 4

Only Extended students

50% of final grade

Time Alloted:
1 hours (60 mins)

Format:
80 marks – in the form of compulsory short-answer questions and structured questions

Content:
This paper includes the Core and Supplement subject content and tests assessment objectives AO1 and AO2

Example Question

Ecology and the Environment

a. State the genus name of the Mulanje cedar tree. b. Explain the undesirable effects of deforestation on habitats that are on mountains, such as mount Mulanje. c. Scientists in Malawi are working to prevent the extinction of the Mulanje cedar tree in its natural habitat. Explain the benefits to other organisms on Mount Mulanje of conserving the Mulanje cedar tree in its natural habitat. d. The seeds of many endangered tree species are kept in seed banks. Suggest why it is important to collect seeds from many individual trees of each species rather than just one tree.

Paper 5

Both Core and Extended students

20% of final grade

Time Alloted:
1 hour 15 minutes (75 mins)

Format:
40 marks – in the form of a practical test

Content:
This paper tests students’ experimental skills; assessing planning, observation and evaluation and tests assessment objective AO3. Students will be required to do experiments in a laboratory as part of this test.

Example Question

Investigation

“Plan an investigation to determine the effect of pH on the activity of amylase.”

Paper 6

Both Core and Extended students

20% of final grade

Time Alloted:
1 hour (60 mins)

Format:
40 marks – alternative to practical

Content:
This paper includes written questions assessing understanding of practical skills and tests assessment objective AO3. Students will not be required to do experiments in a laboratory as part of this test.

Example Question

The results of the investigation described in 2(b) are shown in Table 2.1.

1. Using the information in Table 2.1, calculate the percentage decrease in the average root length when the concentration of sodium chloride was changed from 4g per dm3 to 6g per gm3. 2. Plot a line graph on the grid of the data in Table 2.1.”

Download all the free past papers

Download Free Test Paper

IGCSE Biology Exam Overview - Core and Extended

The assessment of IGCSE Biology (0610) is divided into three main objectives: knowledge with understanding, handling information and problem-solving, and experimental skills and investigations. Each paper is weighted differently based on these objectives:

Assessment Objective

Papers 1 & 2

Papers 3 & 4

Papers 5 & 6

AO1 Knowledge with Understanding

63%

63%

0%

AO2 Handling Information and Problem-Solving

37%

37%

0%

AO3 Experimental Skills and Investigations

0%

0%

100%

Is IGCSE Biology Difficult?

IGCSE Biology can be challenging due to the breadth of content covered, ranging from cellular biology to complex ecosystems. It requires a solid understanding of scientific concepts and the ability to apply these concepts in both theoretical and practical contexts. However, with regular study, good organization, and practice in interpreting data and experiments, students can manage the workload effectively. The subject is rewarding for those who have a strong interest in understanding the living world and its processes.

2023 Cumulative Grades

Cumulative grades of IGCSE students
IGCSE Biology Tuition
275,000+
Students took IGCSE Biology
B
IGCSE Biology Average Score

Ascend Now Examiner Tips

Understand Key Concepts

“Ensure that you thoroughly understand key biological concepts rather than just memorizing facts. This understanding will help you apply your knowledge to new and unfamiliar situations in the exam.”

Ashley

IGCSE Tutor

14+ years experience teaching Biology

Practice Past Papers

“Regularly practice with past papers under timed conditions. This will help you become familiar with the exam format and improve your time management skills during the actual exam.”

Sandip

IGCSE Tutor

20+ years experience teaching Biology

Focus on Diagrams and Labels

“Many biology questions involve diagrams. Make sure you can accurately label all diagrams and understand what each part does. Clear and precise labeling can earn you valuable marks.”

Dr. Laura

IGCSE Tutor

9+ years experience teaching Biology
View All IGCSE Biology Tuition Tutors

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