IGCSE Level Biology

Introduction to Biology

(Course spans Year 9, Year 10 and is examined in Year 11 during May/June)

With an emphasis on human biology, the Biology syllabus helps students to understand the technological world in which they live and take an informal interest in science and scientific developments. Students gain an understanding of the basic principles of Biology through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. Topics include:

• Characteristics and classification of living organisms

• Movement into and out of cells

• Biological molecules and enzymes

• Plant and human nutrition

• Transport in plants and animals

• Disease and immunity

• Gas exchange in humans

• Respiration and excretion

• Coordination and response

• Pharmaceutical drugs

• Reproduction in plants and animals

• Inheritance, variation, and selection

• Organisms in the environment

• Biotechnology and genetic engineering

• Human influences on the environment

All students are taught the Extended Curriculum but students may choose to sit either Core or Extended level IGCSE examinations. In both cases, there is a strong practical component.