Biology

Key Information

Examination Board Cambridge International Examinations
Syllabus Code  0610

Introduction

Students who opt to take science through this route will still have to study all three sciences at extended level.

The Science curriculum is delivered by Biology, Chemistry and Physics specialists, in separately timetabled classes. The aim of the course is to allow the students with a science oriented career to develop understanding and knowledge of the concepts, principles and applications of science. Through stimulating curiosity, interest and enjoyment in science, students should develop an informed interest in matters of scientific importance. During the course, they will have the opportunity to develop good practical, analytical and evaluative skills and will learn to apply their mathematical skills in a practical context. On completion of the course, the students should be suitably prepared to embark upon post-16 studies in any of the pure and applied sciences.

Course Content

  1. Characteristics and classification of living organisms
  2. Organisation of the organism
  3. Movement in and out of cells
  4. Biological molecules
  5. Enzymes
  6. Plant nutrition
  7. Human nutrition
  8. Transport in plants
  9. Transport in animals
  10. Diseases and immunity
  11. Gas exchange in humans
  12. Respiration
  13. Excretion in humans
  14. Coordination and response
  15. Drugs
  16. Reproduction
  17. Inheritance
  18. Variation and selection
  19. Organisms and their environment
  20. Biotechnology and genetic engineering
  21. Human influences on ecosystems

Assessment

At the start of year 10, all students taking the Single Science route will be following the extended syllabus.
There are three papers, all taken at the end of year 11.
Paper 1 (30% of total marks) (45 minutes) A multiple-choice paper.
Paper 3 (extended) (50% of total marks) (1 hour 15 mins) Short-answer and structured questions.
Paper 6 Alternative to practical (1 hour) Theory paper testing practical skills.

Careers and Progression

Cambridge IGCSE Biology is accepted by universities and employers as proof of essential knowledge and ability. As well as a subject focus, the biology syllabus enables learners to:
  • better understand the technological world, with an informed interest in scientific matters
  • recognise the usefulness (and limitations) of scientific method, and how to apply this to other disciplines and in everyday life
  • develop relevant attitudes, such as a concern for accuracy and precision, objectivity, integrity, enquiry, initiative and inventiveness
  • develop an interest in, and care for, the environment
  • better understand the influence and limitations placed on scientific study by society, economy, technology, ethics, the community and the environment
  • develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for both further study and everyday life. Other candidates beginning this course should have achieved an equivalent level of general education.
Progression Cambridge IGCSE Certificates are general qualifications that enable candidates to progress either directly to employment, or to proceed to further qualifications. Candidates who are awarded grades A* to C for this qualification are well prepared to follow courses leading to Level 3 AS and A Level GCE Biology, Cambridge Pre-U Biology, IB Certificates in Biology or the Cambridge International AS and A Level Biology.

For more information, contact Ms Bell