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IGCSE Biology Tuition
Understand the syllabus, exam format and get free resources.
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82%
Improved their scores by 20%
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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.
Speak to an advisor todayIGCSE 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 SyllabusIGCSE 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
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
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
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
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
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
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 PaperIGCSE 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
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
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