IGCSE Biology
Explore the science of life — from the smallest cell to entire ecosystems, discover how living things work and interact
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About IGCSE Biology
Cambridge IGCSE Biology helps learners to understand the biological world in which they live. They study the characteristics of living organisms, the processes that keep them alive, how they reproduce, how traits are inherited, and how living organisms interact with their environments. The course develops scientific skills including experimental design, data analysis, and critical evaluation — skills that are essential for Cambridge International A Level and beyond. Learners gain a thorough grounding in biology through both theoretical and practical studies, preparing them for a future in medicine, environmental science, biotechnology, and many other fields.
Full syllabus — cells to ecosystems
Expert Cambridge-trained tutors
Practical & ATP skills mastery
Diagram & data analysis training
Core Biology
The Core syllabus covers the essential principles of Biology, from cell structure and biological molecules to human physiology, genetics, and ecology. It provides a broad and thorough foundation, ideal for students targeting grades C to A*.
Key Topics:
- Characteristics & Classification of Living Organisms - features of life, classification systems, keys
- Organisation of the Organism - cell structure, biological molecules, enzymes, plant and animal cells
- Movement in and out of Cells - diffusion, osmosis, active transport
- Biological Molecules - carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and water; food tests
- Enzymes - enzyme action, factors affecting enzyme activity
- Plant Nutrition - photosynthesis, leaf structure, factors affecting the rate
- Human Nutrition - diet, digestive system, absorption, assimilation
- Transport in Plants - xylem, phloem, transpiration, translocation
- Transport in Animals - blood, heart, blood vessels, lymph
- Diseases and Immunity - pathogens, body defences, immunity, vaccination
- Gas Exchange & Respiration - breathing system, aerobic and anaerobic respiration
- Excretion - kidneys, osmoregulation, the liver
- Coordination & Response - nervous system, hormones, homeostasis, plant hormones
- Reproduction - sexual and asexual reproduction, flowers, fertilisation, germination
- Inheritance - chromosomes, genes, DNA, mitosis, meiosis, monohybrid inheritance
- Organisms & their Environment - food chains and webs, energy flow, nutrient cycles, ecology
Extended Biology
The Extended syllabus builds on all Core content with greater scientific depth — exploring molecular genetics, biotechnology, advanced ecology, hormonal control, and enzyme kinetics. Designed for students aiming for grades A to A* and planning further study in life sciences.
Key Topics:
- Cell Biology in Depth - ultrastructure, eukaryotes vs prokaryotes, stem cells
- Advanced Enzyme Kinetics - activation energy, competitive and non-competitive inhibition
- Molecular Genetics - DNA structure, replication, transcription, translation, genetic engineering
- Advanced Genetics - codominance, sex-linkage, dihybrid crosses, mutation
- Hormonal Control - insulin, glucagon, ADH, adrenaline, reproductive hormones
- Advanced Ecology - population dynamics, conservation, sustainability, climate change impacts
- Biotechnology - uses of microorganisms, genetic modification, monoclonal antibodies
- Control of Disease - antibiotics, drug resistance, treatment and prevention strategies
Core Biology - Exam Paper Coverage
Our comprehensive program covers all examination components to ensure you’re fully prepared for success
Paper 1
Multiple Choice - 40 questions covering Core Biology content across all syllabus topics
⏱ Duration:
45 minutes
📑 Total Marks:
40 marks
Paper 3
Theory - Core structured questions requiring detailed written responses, diagrams, and biological explanations
⏱ Duration:
1 hour 15 minutes
📑 Total Marks:
80 marks
Paper 6 (ATP)
Alternative to Practical - Questions based on practical skills, microscopy, experimental design, results analysis, and evaluation
⏱ Duration:
1 hour
📑 Total Marks:
40 marks
Our Preparation Approach:
- Complete topic coverage aligned with exam board syllabus
- Timed mock exams under exam conditions
- Practical/ATP skills development with hands-on training
- Practice with past papers from previous years
- Detailed marking schemes and examiner tips
- Personalized feedback on performance
Extended Biology - Exam Paper Coverage
Our comprehensive program covers all examination components to ensure you’re fully prepared for success
Paper 2
Multiple Choice Extended - 40 questions covering Core and Extended Biology content with higher-order thinking
⏱ Duration:
45 minutes
📑 Total Marks:
40 marks
Paper 4
Theory Extended - In-depth structured questions requiring detailed analysis, evaluation, and application of Core and Extended content including data interpretation
⏱ Duration:
1 hour 15 minutes
📑 Total Marks:
80 marks
Paper 6 (ATP)
Alternative to Practical - Advanced practical skills including experimental planning, microscopy analysis, data handling, and critical evaluation
⏱ Duration:
1 hour
📑 Total Marks:
40 marks
Our Preparation Approach:
- Complete topic coverage aligned with exam board syllabus
- Timed mock exams under exam conditions
- Practical/ATP skills development with hands-on training
- Practice with past papers from previous years
- Detailed marking schemes and examiner tips
- Personalized feedback on performance
Extended Biology - Exam Paper Coverage
Cell Biology
Cell structure, organelles, biological molecules, enzymes, diffusion, osmosis, and active transport across membranes.
Plant Biology
Photosynthesis, leaf structure, transpiration, translocation, plant hormones, and the factors affecting plant growth.
Human Physiology
Nutrition, digestion, circulation, respiration, excretion, nervous system, hormones, and homeostasis.
Genetics & Inheritance
DNA structure, cell division (mitosis & meiosis), monohybrid and dihybrid crosses, mutation, and genetic engineering.
Ecology
Ecosystems, food chains and webs, energy flow, carbon and nitrogen cycles, population dynamics, and conservation.
Disease &
Immunity
Types of pathogens, body defences, active and passive immunity, vaccination, antibiotics, and drug resistance.
Student Success Stories - Chemistry
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Recommended Cambridge Resources
Cambridge IGCSE Biology
Coursebook by D. G. Mackean & Dave Hayward
We Use Official Cambridge Materials
- Cambridge IGCSE Biology Coursebook
- Cambridge IGCSE Biology Workbook
- Cambridge IGCSE Biology Practical Workbook
- Cambridge IGCSE Biology Revision Guide
- Past examination papers and marking schemes
- Specimen papers and examiner reports
