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International GCSE Human Biology

In studying an International GCSE in Human Biology, students will learn the basics of human physiology, the reproductive system, cells and diseases. There are also lessons covering the environment and microorganisms, but (unlike the ‘regular’ Biology GCSE) you avoid having to develop a detailed understanding of the plant world.

Specialising in Human Biology provides a solid footing for those looking to study in areas such as sports science, physiotherapy and science-related courses at A level as well as providing a useful general knowledge of how our bodies work.

The Human Genome Project

Human Biology International GCSE

£14.99 / month and a £9.99 sign-up fee

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How does a course work

Step one – Subscribe to our online course materials

Subscribe to the courses you wish to study.  The courses contain all the study material you require to pass your chosen subject including many self assessment questions and assignments with comprehensive suggested answers. The course also includes assignments which you can choose too have marked by one of our fully qualified tutors

The minimum subscription period is 6 months, after that you can cancel your subscription at any time.  If you wish you can optionally purchase a physical course pack at the point of enrolment.

Step two

You will be allocated a tutor from our bank of PGCE qualified tutors.  Your tutor will arrange a free 15 minute induction call with you to introduce themselves and the course to you. As you require further assistance, you can purchase:

  • Tutorial Time in our virtual classroom,
  • Assignment Marking and Mock Exam Marking,

Course Outline

Throughout this challenging International GCSE, students will learn what makes up a human body and how it functions throughout the course of a lifetime. Scientific facts will be detailed and explained throughout the course, enabling students to understand not only the science behind complex topics such as the reproductive system, but also how this relates to the world we live in.

While studying each of the modules detailed below, students will be encouraged to read widely and practise a number of experiments that can either be carried out at home within a supervised environment. Although not essential to exam success, these practical experiments may prove useful, helping students with practical methodology and the recording of data.

The lessons are planned so that all the material and preparation required for the final examination papers are in the following five course modules:

Module 1: Cell Processes

  • Cells, Tissues and Organs
  • Movement of Substances into and out of Cells
  • Respiration and Enzymes

Module 2: Human Physiology A

  • Nutrition
  • The Circulatory System
  • Heart Disease and Exercise
  • Breathing and Gas Exchange

Module 3: Human Physiology B

  • Homeostasis and Excretion
  • Sensory Receptors
  • The Nervous System
  • Bones, Muscles and Joints
  • Hormones, Drugs, Liver, and Kidney Failure

Module 4: Reproduction and Heredity

  • Reproduction
  • Chromosomes, Genes and Nucleic Acids
  • Cell Division
  • Genes and Inheritance
  • Gene Technology

Module 5: Microorganisms, Disease and Environment

  • Pathogens and Disease
  • Defence against Disease

This Oxford Home Schooling course is designed to prepare home learners for the Edexcel International GCSE Human Biology specification 4HB1.

 

Exams and Assessment

The course is assessed by two written papers.

Both papers are 1 hour and 45 minutes long, are marked out of 90. Each accounts for 50% of the total mark in the examination.

Both papers examine the entire subject content for the specification and include:

  • multiple choice questions
  • short answer questions
  • calculations
  • extended open-response questions

Course duration and study time

The Recommended number of study hours for this course is 200 hours.  You will need to fit all of this in

Because of the unique way Oxford Home Schooling courses are structured your support will last for as long as you are subscribed to the course, regardless of whether you decide to do the course in 12 months or 18.

Human Biology Student Book

You will need to use a copy of this textbook throughout the course. It is referred to in every lesson and provides excellent coverage of the material. By using the textbook and the course you will have very full coverage of all the material.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose Oxford Home Schooling?
  • Oxford Home Schooling is a long-established educational company that prides itself on
    • treating every student as an individual
    • excellent customer service
    • comprehensive, quality courses.
  • We’re rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot by students who have studied with us.
  • We provide online and printed resources so you can study your way – other providers do not give you that choice.
  • We make it easy for you to home-educate your children with our flexible schedule, tutor support, and subscribtion based payment plan.
  • Every year we help hundreds of children who have left mainstream education obtain the qualifications they need to progress and achieve their goals.
Can I complete the IGCSE Human Biology exam in one year?

Our cut-off for enrolling on an A level Spanish course for the following summer examination series is mid-October each year. So yes you can.  However, remember that you will still need to fit around 200 hours of study time into your schedule before the examination.  The earlier you enrol, the less study you must do each week!

What is an International GCSE?

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1 grades) are directly comparable to the UK GCSE specifications, with appropriate international content and assessment that will enable successful progression for learners.

Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs are studied in over 80 countries worldwide and they are very popular in independent schools in the UK. Available in 37 subjects, they are equivalent, grade for grade, to UK GCSEs and accepted by universities globally. Aimed at learners aged 14 to 16, they provide the skills and knowledge needed to progress to A Levels, International A Levels, university and into employment.

Full details of Pearson Edexcel’s International GCSEs can be found here

Is there an age limit?
There isn’t a specific agae limit for a GCSE course but we strongly recommend that the pupil is a minimum of 13 when they start the GCSE course and that they are academically capable of starting the course.  If the student is not 13 before they start, we may have difficulty allocating you a tutor.

 

When can I enrol?
You can enrol and start any time you like, the earlier the better. The important thing to think about is when you wish to sit your exam and to give yourself plenty of time to work through your materials and revise successfully. Our cut-off dates for enrolment can be found here.

Once you have enrolled, you will get access to your course online immediately and your printed course materials will arrive a few days later.

When will I sit my exam?
The Biology IGCSE papers are available in both the Summer or the Autumn examination series. The Summer series typically runs from mid-May to late June and the Autumn series is in November.
How and when do I book an exam?

The final date for booking summer exams with the exam board without incurring late entry fees is the 21st of February. You should book your place at an exam centre well in advance of this date. Start looking once the autumn term begins.

All the information you need to book an exam centre can be found in our Exams Hub. Here you will find

  • detailed instructions
  • entry codes needed to book exams
  • our map of examination centres where our students have taken exams in recent years.

Tutors & Exams offers discounts to Oxford Home Schooling students and has ten current exam venues across the UK: Birmingham, Bolton,  Coventry, Doncaster, High Wycombe, Romford, St Neots, Taunton and Wimbledon.

Pearson Edexcel also publishes a list of exam centres that accept private candidates. This won’t list every available centre, so if there’s nothing shown in your area, we recommend contacting local schools and colleges directly.

How much does an IGCSE examination cost?
Your exam fees aren’t included in the course cost as they’re paid directly to the exam centre. They will vary depending on which centre you choose. Generally speaking, dedicated examination services will be more expensive than a local school or college. Prices range from £100 to £350 pounds.
Can I enrol for both the Biology and Human Biology IGCSE courses?

Yes, you can. Whilst there is some overlap between the two syllabuses this is not a combination which the examination board has prohibited. There are some topics which are required by both specifications.

Which is easier, Biology or Human Biology?

These two IGCSEs are designed to be equally challenging but, depending on your study background, you may find it more interesting to concentrate on humans than to look at plants and the environment as well.

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