GCSE Biology Higher Tier

Association of Learning

About This Course

Looking for a way to study your Biology GCSE higher tier online from home? With the support of our personal tutors, you’ll ace your exam and leave stressful revision behind!

Our online GCSE Biology higher tier course will help you learn the important content required to pass your GCSE exam. Designed for students aspiring to pursue A-Level Biology, enter biology-related fields, or simply expand their knowledge.

This course covers a wide range of topics, including cell biology, human biology, genetics, ecology, and more. It provides students with a solid understanding of biology and its relevance to the world around them.

The GCSE Biology higher tier is a more challenging version of the GCSE Biology foundation tier. It covers more in-depth content, and is suitable for students who have a strong interest in biology or plan to pursue science-related subjects in the future. Students taking the higher tier course will be able to achieve grades in the range of 4-9 (with 9 being the highest). It’s intended for students who find Biology straightforward and are looking for more in-depth study.

Qualification Title: GCSE Biology Higher Tier
Qualification Number: 601/8752/9

Course Units

Unit 1: Cell Biology

• Cell Structure and Function
• Microscopes and Cell Division (Mitosis and Meiosis)

Unit 2: Organisation

• The Human Circulatory System
• The Human Respiratory System
• The Digestive System
• Enzymes and Digestion
• The Human Excretory System

Unit 3: Infection and Response

• Communicable Diseases and Pathogens
• The Immune System and Vaccination
• Antibiotics and Drug Resistance

Unit 4: Bioenergetics

• Photosynthesis
• Cellular Respiration
• Energy transfers in living organisms

Unit 5: Homeostasis and Response

• The Nervous System and Control of Body Functions
• The Endocrine System and Hormones
• Homeostasis and Negative Feedback Mechanisms

Unit 6: Inheritance, Variation, and Evolution

• DNA, Genes, and Chromosomes
• Genetic Inheritance (Punnett Squares, Genetic Crosses)
• Genetic Mutations
• Natural Selection and Evolution

Unit 7: Ecology

• Ecosystems and Interdependence
• Biotic and Abiotic Factors
• Adaptations and Food Webs
• Human Impact on the Environment

Unit 8: Key Ideas

• The Scientific Method and Experimental Design
• The Use of Models in Biology
• The Role of Ethics in Science

Assessment

In order to achieve your Biology GCSE, you will need to pass two written exams, as well as a practical examination. These will need to be completed under the supervision of an examiner at an exam centre. There is a separate fee for the examinations, which are paid directly to the exam centre at the time of booking. We’ll assist you in the booking of your exams when you’re ready (We recommend booking early on to ensure your place). Exams will occur in May and June.

Paper 1

This is a written exam, and will take 1 hour and 45 minutes. It’s worth 50% of your total GCSE mark. The exam assesses units 1-4 (Cell Biology, Organisation, Infection and Response, and Bioenergetics)

Paper 2

This is a written exam and will take 1 hour and 45 minutes. Similar to paper 1, it is weighted as 50% of your marks. In this paper, you will be assessed on units 5-8 (Homeostasis and Response, Inheritance, Variation and Evolution, and Ecology, and Key Ideas).

Practical Assessment

Practicals are required to achieve this qualification but if you are unable to participate, you can enrol on the IGCSE Biology instead. In this qualification, you would not be required to complete the practicals, however examination is still required.

There is no entry requirement for GCSE Biology Higher Tier.

Assessment

You will first complete the assessments included in your course materials. These will be marked by your dedicated tutor and will prepare you for your exam.

Exams

You are required to complete 2 written exams that take place in May and June. Each exam is worth 50% of your overall GCSE mark.

• Paper 1: 1 hour 45 minutes written exam, 50% of marks.
• Paper 2: 1 hour 45 minutes written exam, 50% of marks.

Exam Fees

There is a separate fee for the examinations paid directly to the exam centre at the time of booking. We’ll help you book them when you are ready.