Excel in IGCSE Biology

Topics for IGCSE Biology

1 Characteristics and classification of living organisms.

 Characteristics of living organisms.

 Classification systems.

 Features of organisms

 2 Organisation of the organism

 Cell structure and organisation

Size of specimens.

3 Movement into and out of cells

 Diffusion

Osmosis

 Active transport.

4 Biological molecules

 Biological molecules

 Structure of DNA.

 5 Enzymes

 Enzyme action.

 6 Plant nutrition

 Photosynthesis

 Mineral requirements

 Leaf structure.

7 Human nutrition

Diet

Digestive system

 Physical digestion

 Chemical digestion

 Absorption.

 8 Transport in plants

 Xylem and phloem

 Leaf, stem and root structure

 Water uptake

 Transpiration

 Translocation.

9 Transport in animals

Circulatory systems

Heart

Blood vessels

Blood

10 Diseases and immunity

 Pathogens and transmission

 Defences against disease.

11 Gas exchange in humans

Gas exchange in humans.

12 Respiration

 Respiration

Aerobic respiration

 Anaerobic respiration.

13 Excretion in humans

 Excretion.

14 Coordination and response

Coordination and response

Nervous control in humans

Hormones

Homeostasis

Tropic responses.

15 Drugs

Drugs

16 Reproduction

Asexual reproduction

Sexual reproduction

Sexual reproduction in plants

Sexual reproduction in humans

Sexual hormones in humans

Sexually transmitted infections.

17 Inheritance

Chromosomes, genes and proteins.

Mitosis

Meiosis

Monohybrid inheritance.

18 Variation and selection

Variation

Adaptive features

Selection.

19 Organisms and their environment

 Energy flow

 Food chains and food webs

 Nutrient cycles

 Populations 

20 Human influences on ecosystems

Food supply

Habitat destruction

Pollution

Conservation.

21 Biotechnology and genetic modification:

Biotechnology and genetic modification.

Biotechnology.

Genetic modification.

Learning points in Biotechnology and modification for Examination

Biotechnology is the use of living organisms, cells, and biological systems to develop products and technologies for human welfare.
➤ Key Areas of Biotechnology:

1. Microbial biotechnology – Use of microorganisms (e.g., E. coli, yeast) for making insulin, antibiotics, enzymes.
2. Agricultural biotechnology – Enhancing crop yield, disease resistance (e.g., Bt cotton).
3. Industrial biotechnology – Using enzymes in detergents, food processing.
4. Medical biotechnology – Development of vaccines, gene therapy, diagnostic tools.
   ➤ Processes Involved in Biotechnology:
   Fermentation
   Recombinant DNA technology
   Use of bioreactors
   Enzyme technology
5. 
   ➤ Applications of Biotechnology:

• Production of human insulin-Humulin
• Biodegradable plastics
  -Production of novel organisms- plants and animals (Genetically modified)
• Biofuels
  🧬 Genetic Modification (GM)
  ➤ Definition:
  Genetic modification/Genetic engineering is the technique of altering the genetic material of an organism to introduce desired traits. Such organisms are called Transgenic organisms
  ➤ Steps in Genetic Engineering:
  (i) Identification of the gene of interest(desirable gene).
  (ii) Introduction of the identified DNA into a target/host cell,
  (iii) Maintenance of the introduced DNA in the host and transfer of the DNA to its progeny.

Roadmap to Excel in IGCSE Biology Examination 2025

Tips to excel in the IGCSE Biology Examination

1. Understand the Exam Format

 As given in the table, the IGCSE Biology Exam includes multiple-choice questions, structured questions, practical papers, and alternative to practical exams.

Familiarize yourself with marking schemes and common question patterns by reviewing past papers.

2. Master Key Concepts

 Focus on understanding biological processes, structures, and systems, instead of just memorizing facts.

Ensure clarity in topics like cell biology, genetics, human physiology, ecosystems, and evolution.

  Use graphic organizers such as concept maps and flowcharts to visualize complex ideas.

3. Develop Effective Study Techniques

   – Use active recall methods: quiz yourself instead of passively reading.

Apply the Pomodoro technique (study in focused 25–30 minute sessions with short breaks).

   – Revise using past exam papers to recognize common question types.

4. Improve Application and Analytical Skills

  Many questions require interpretation of data , diagrams, and experimental results.

   Practice analyzing graph trends, tables, and experimental setups .

   Work on structured answers that include key points relevant to the question.

5. Strengthen Practical and Experimental Knowledge

   If your school includes a lab-based practical , ensure you are confident with microscopy, enzyme activity, osmosis experiments, and food tests .

  If you have an Alternative to Practical Paper , revise experiment-based questions using past papers.

6. Use Resources Wisely

   Study from IGCSE Biology textbooks like Cambridge IGCSE Biology (Mary Jones & Geoff Jones) .

  Refer to online platforms such as BBC Bitesize , Save My Exams , or YouTube tutorials for explanations and diagrams.

7. Perfect Your Exam Technique

   Read instructions carefully, especially for data interpretation and extended response questions.

  Use clear, concise language when answering questions—avoid overly detailed explanations that go beyond the syllabus requirements.

  Manage your time wisely: dedicate appropriate minutes per question based on mark allocation.

8. Stay Consistent and Healthy

 Develop a structured revision timetable with enough time for review and breaks.

  Stay mentally and physically healthy: exercise, eat well, and get enough sleep .

  Practice stress-management techniques like deep breathing or meditation before exams.

9. Practice makes perfect

 Nothing like consistent practice of examinations! It builds confidence and mastery in the subject.

Resources for practice Exams: Websites like Cambridge Past Papers, IGCSE Study Guides, and Quizlet. They provide quizzes and study tools.

 You can self-grade the exam using official mark schemes or take/send it to your instructor for evaluation and feedback.