IGCSE Human Biology

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.

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.

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.

You don't need any previous experience or qualifications to enrol in our IGCSE Human Biology course.