Excel in iGCSE Biology with Targeted Practice
Prepare for iGCSE Biology with practice on cells, genetics, ecology, human physiology, and experimental skills.
Content reviewed February 2026 · Aligned to current specifications
About iGCSE Biology
iGCSE Biology provides students with a thorough understanding of living organisms, their structures, functions and interactions with the environment. Offered by Cambridge International and Edexcel International, the syllabus covers cell biology, human physiology, plant biology, genetics, ecology and evolution, all within an international scientific context.
The qualification is assessed through written examination papers, typically including multiple-choice, structured questions and free-response sections. Unlike some UK GCSE Biology courses, the iGCSE does not include mandatory practical assessments counted towards the final grade, although practical skills are tested through questions about experimental design and data interpretation. Cambridge offers a Core and Supplement structure similar to the Core/Extended model in other subjects.
Studying iGCSE Biology develops scientific literacy, analytical thinking and an appreciation of how biological knowledge is applied to real-world challenges from medicine to conservation. It is excellent preparation for International A-Level Biology or the IB Diploma.
Topics Covered
Exam Boards
iGCSE Biology is available from these exam boards
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Study Tips for Biology
- ✓ Create detailed diagrams of key biological structures (cells, organs, body systems) and label them from memory - visual recall is heavily tested in iGCSE Biology.
- ✓ Learn the precise definitions of biological terms as the iGCSE mark scheme requires specific scientific vocabulary, not everyday language.
- ✓ Practice interpreting experimental data, drawing conclusions from graphs and evaluating experimental methods, as these skills carry significant marks across all papers.
- ✓ Make connections between topics (for example, linking respiration to exercise physiology to gas exchange) because iGCSE questions often span multiple areas of the syllabus.
Exam Tips for iGCSE Biology
- ✓ When describing biological processes, use numbered steps or a clear sequence. iGCSE examiners mark step-by-step, so missing a key stage can cost you marks even if the rest is correct.
- ✓ In questions asking you to explain a difference, always state both sides of the comparison explicitly. Simply describing one side without contrasting it will not earn full marks.
- ✓ Check the command word carefully - describe, explain, suggest and evaluate each require different levels of response in iGCSE Biology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between iGCSE Biology and GCSE Biology? +
Is there practical work in iGCSE Biology? +
What grade do I need in iGCSE Biology for A-Level? +
How many papers are there in iGCSE Biology? +
Useful Resources
Biology at other levels: GCSE Biology · A-Level Biology · International A-Level Biology
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