In-Depth Guide to IGCSE Biology | Course Content, Exam Structure & Study Tips

IGCSE Biology is a core subject offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), designed for students aged 14 to 16 worldwide. This course focuses on understanding life processes, covering essential biology topics such as cells, ecosystems, genetics, and physiological mechanisms. It provides a solid foundation for further study in A-Level or IB Biology.

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What is IGCSE Biology?

IGCSE Biology teaches students about the living world, including human anatomy and function, plant growth, microorganisms, and environmental interactions. Through practical experiments and analysis, students develop scientific skills like observation, hypothesis formulation, analysis, and evaluation.

The course offers Core and Extended levels, allowing students to select based on their ability and academic goals.

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Core vs Extended Levels

Aspect	Core Level	Extended Level
Difficulty	Suitable for intermediate students	Includes all Core topics + advanced concepts
Grading Range	C to G	A* to E
Academic Purpose	For general vocational or diploma courses	Recommended for A-Level or IB Biology
Content Coverage	Basic concepts and skills	Deeper understanding and complex questions

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Course Content Overview (Cambridge IGCSE 0610 Example)

IGCSE Biology covers twelve main topics:

1. Characteristics of Living Organisms
2. Cells and Microscopy
3. Biological Molecules (enzymes, water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins)
4. Movement In and Out of Cells (diffusion, osmosis, active transport)
5. Plant Nutrition (photosynthesis, mineral uptake)
6. Human Nutrition (digestive system, diet, nutrients)
7. Transport Systems (plant vascular system, human circulatory system)
8. Respiration and Gas Exchange (aerobic & anaerobic respiration)
9. Coordination and Response (nervous and endocrine systems, senses)
10. Reproduction (plant & human reproductive systems, inheritance)
11. Ecology and Environment (food chains, ecosystems, environmental issues)
12. Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (Extended only: GM technology, applied biology)

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Exam Structure and Grading

Paper Type	Core Papers	Extended Papers
Paper 1	Multiple Choice (45 mins, 40 marks)	Paper 2: Multiple Choice (45 mins, 40 marks)
Paper 3	Structured and short answer (1 hr 15 mins, 80 marks)	Paper 4: Advanced structured questions (1 hr 15 mins, 80 marks)
Paper 5 or 6	Paper 5: Practical exam (1 hr 15 mins) or Paper 6: Alternative to practical (1 hr)	Same as Core

• Students sit three papers in total.
• Paper 5 or 6 depends on whether practical lessons are offered.
• Final grade is based on combined scores from all papers.

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Progression and Career Relevance

IGCSE Biology is internationally recognized and suitable for students aiming for:

• Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing
• Environmental Science and Ecology
• Biotechnology and Bioengineering
• Psychology and Neuroscience

Recommended for those pursuing A-Level or IB Biology.
Accepted by universities in UK, US, Australia, Canada, and more.

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Study Tips and Preparation Advice

Effective Learning Strategies

• Review topics weekly by theme (e.g., Cell Biology, Genetics)
• Use visual aids such as diagrams of cell structures and circulatory pathways
• Practice experimental design and data analysis, especially for practical exams
• Utilize additional resources like BBC Bitesize and biology video tutorials

Recommended Resources

• Cambridge IGCSE Biology Coursebook (Official Textbook)
• Past Exam Papers
• Online revision sites: S-cool, Save My Exams, IGCSE Centre
• YouTube channels: FuseSchool, CrashCourse Biology

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Who Should Choose Biology?

Student Profile	Recommendation
Interested in biology, human body, or environment	Highly recommended
Planning to study medicine or science at university	Essential
Enjoys hands-on experiments and observations	Suitable
Struggles with memorizing terminology and mechanisms	Consider other subjects

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Expert Exam Tips

• Build a comprehensive topic checklist and focused notes.
• Practice integrated questions combining multiple biology themes.
• Strengthen understanding of experimental methods and variable controls.
• To aim for top grades (A/A*), take the Extended course and master advanced question types.