Through the IGCSE Human Biology course, you will learn about the
human body and how it maintains itself, and understand the
relationships between humans and other animals, and the dependence
on plants. You will also learn how humans can modify their
environment and behaviour to produce healthy conditions for present
and future populations.
You will study human biology at all levels, from cells and
tissues up to bones, muscles and joints and the internal organs and
their functions.
The IGCSE Human Biology course also takes a wider perspective
and looks at the relationship of humans with their environment and
biological resources.
Through human biology study you will gain a knowledge of facts
and principles about human biology at the same time as developing
experimental skills.
You don't need any previous experience or qualifications to
enrol in our IGCSE Human Biology course. That's because we believe
in making home study - and a rewarding future - as accessible as
possible.
The study of biology is essential if you plan a career in
medicine, but also for a number of other career options. Having an
IGCSE Human Biology also tells a prospective employer you have the
useful ability to think analytically and logically.
The IGCSE Human Biology can also provide progression to GCE AS
and Advanced GCE level, and other equivalent qualifications.
This course will prepare you to sit the Edexcel IGCSE Human
Biology exam
ICS Assessment
- 6 x tutor marked test papers
- 2 x mock examination papers
External Assessment
- Exams take place every January and June
- First examination series is June 2011
- The final IGCSE exam consists of two written examination papers
set and marked by Edexcel
- Paper 1 - 2 hours
- Paper 2 - 1 hour
Human Biology - Paper 1
- All content will be assessed in this paper and the paper will
focus on the core knowledge of the specification. There will be a
range of compulsory short-answer, structured questions in paper 1
which are ramped to ensure accessibility for less-able students, as
well as to stretch more-able students. The maximum mark for this
paper will be 120.
Human Biology - Paper 2
- All content will be assessed in this paper. The paper will
focus on investigation and the analysis of data. The maximum mark
will be 60.
- In both papers, students may be required to perform
calculations, draw graphs and describe, explain and interpret
biological phenomena. Some of the question content will be
unfamiliar to students; these questions are designed to assess
data-handling skills and the ability to apply biological principles
to unfamiliar information. Questions targeted at grades A* - B will
include questions designed to test knowledge, understanding and
skills at a higher level, including some questions requiring longer
prose answers.
Because we're experts in home learning, ICS knows about and
offers all the support you need along the way. You'll receive study
materials that have been specially designed for distance learning,
and have access to tutors both online and over the phone.
You'll also be part of the ICS Online Student Community, where
you'll have access to library materials and your account
information, as well as vital links with your fellow students.
Please note that you are responsible for making your own
exam arrangements. You will have to pay an examination fee as well
as a centre fee which will vary depending on exam
centre.
Find out more information about arranging your
examinations.
See your course content
The Human Biology IGCSE course is designed to prepare students
for the Edexcel IGCSE in Human Biology
(4HB0) Specification for
examinations in June 2012 and later years.
Key topics
Cells and tissues
- You will learn about cells and cell structures, and understand
cell division and the grouping of cells into organs and into
tissues such as bone, muscle and blood.
Biological molecules
- You will learn about carbohydrates, proteins and fats and their
structures. You will also learn about enzymes and the role they
play in metabolic reactions.
Movement of substances into and out of
cells
- You will learn about diffusion, osmosis and active transport
and understand the factors that affect the rate of movement. You
will also carry out simple experiments into diffusion and osmosis
using living and non-living systems.
Bones, muscles and joints
- You will be taught the main parts of the skeleton and the
structure of a long bone. You will learn about the functions of the
skeleton and of the different types of joints. You will also learn
how muscles and bones together bring about movement.
Coordination
- You will learn about the central nervous system and its
component parts and functions. The brain will be described, as will
the sense organs such as the eye and the ear. You will also be
taught comparisons between the nervous and hormonal systems and the
concept of negative feedback as an essential means of temperature
control and endocrine secretion.
Nutrition and energy
- You will learn about what constitutes a balanced diet and what
factors may cause this to vary. The human digestive system will be
described and you will learn how and why food is moved through the
system and what processes take place at different stages.
Respiration
- You will learn the function of respiration and the differences
between aerobic and anaerobic respiration. You will carry out
simple controlled experiments to demonstrate the production of
carbon dioxide in respiration.
Gas exchange
- You will learn the physical organs and mechanisms of breathing
and about the gas exchange between the air in the lungs and the
blood in capillaries. The effects of smoking on the lungs and
circulatory system will be explained, as well as the effects of
exercise.
Internal transport
- You will learn about the circulatory system and the composition
and functions of blood. The workings of the heart will be
explained, along with the effects of exercise and the causes of
heart attacks. You will learn about problems associated with blood
transfusions and transplants.
Homeostatic mechanisms
- You will learn how the human body maintains a constant internal
environment and about the structure and functions of sweat glands,
skin, lungs and kidneys. You will also learn about the liver and
its functions, and about the effect alcohol has on it.
Reproduction and heredity
- You will learn about the male and female reproductive systems
and the process of fertilisation, embryo development and birth. The
structure and role of chromosomes, DNA and genes will be explained.
You will also learn how genetic make-up is expressed.
Disease
- You will learn about the general course of a disease and of the
means of infection, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and
parasites. You will also learn about immunity, vaccines and
antibiotics.
Non-pathogenic organisms and their
importance
- You will learn about the role of non-pathogenic bacteria and
fungi useful to humans in the decomposition of organic matter, and
about the process of sewage treatment in a modern sewage works and
in a pit latrine.
Environment
- You will learn about the relationship between humans and their
environment and about the dependence on green plants for food and
oxygen. As part of this you will learn about food chains and energy
transfer and the importance of and problems with purification and
storage of water. You will also learn about pollution, greenhouse
gases and the effects of deforestation.
You can either pay for your course in full or opt for a monthly
payment plan.
Standard Course Fee: £379
Or speak to one of our course advisors now for payment
plans.
Please note that you are responsible for making your own
exam arrangements. You will have to pay an examination fee as well
as a centre fee which will vary depending on exam
centre.
Find out more information about arranging your
examinations.
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