Master the Fundamentals of Biology (Part 2 of 4) NEW from Udemy

If you or your child are preparing for your Biology exams and want to ensure you achieve top scores, this is the course for you. Designed specifically for international school students, home schoolers, and independent candidates studying IGCSE Biology, GCSE Biology, Grade 9 & 10 Biology or Year 10 & 11 Biology, this course will provide you with everything you need to know to revise efficiently and effectively.

This comprehensive course covers all the key topics of IGCSE Biology, from the structure and function of living organisms to the physiology of plants and animals. You'll learn about the major systems and processes of the body, including digestion, respiration, and circulation, as well as genetics, evolution, and ecology. Our expert instructor will guide you through each topic, providing you with clear explanations, examples, and visual aids to help you understand and remember what you've learned.

With this course, you'll be able to:

Review the entire IGCSE Biology syllabus in a structured and focused manner.
Gain a deep understanding of each topic through clear and concise explanations.
Reinforce your knowledge with interactive quizzes and exercises.
Stay motivated and on track with helpful tips and strategies for success.
Get instant feedback on your progress and identify areas you need to work on.

This course includes:

Video lessons covering all the key topics of IGCSE Biology.
Quizzes and exercises to reinforce your understanding.
Downloadable revision notes and a comprehensive course syllabus.
Access to our expert instructors for support and guidance.
A supportive community of like-minded students to share your journey with.

Don't waste another minute feeling overwhelmed and unsure about your IGCSE Biology exams. Invest in your future and enrol in this high-impact revision course today. With our expert guidance, comprehensive coverage, and effective revision strategies, you'll be well on your way to achieving top scores and reaching your full potential.

Enroll now and take the first step towards success in your IGCSE Biology exams.

This course has two objectives:

To teach all aspects of IGCSE biology & GCSE biology theory: Content is delivered during quick, efficient video lessons that are easy to for students to understand and absorb.
To teach IGCSE biology & GCSE biology exam strategy: Exam strategy is one of the most important skills needed in the IGCSE exams. During this masterclass you will learn everything you need to know using full Past Exam Paper Walkthroughs.
Do you or your child need help learning high school biology like IGCSE biology, GCSE Biology or AP Biology from home? This course will give them the skills they need to feel confident for their exams.

This IGCSE biology (O Level) masterclass is offered by LearnFire on Udemy. This masterclass covers all the content needed to write the IGCSE and GCSE biology exams offered by Pearson Edexcel (double or triple) or Cambridge CIE (core or extended) or other exam boards like Oxford AQA.

What's inside

Learning objectives

In this course students will learn exactly what they need to know for their biology exams. students will learn about:
Understand that the genome is the entire dna of an organism and that a gene is a section of a molecule of dna that codes for a specific protein
Understand that the nucleus of a cell contains chromosomes on which genes are located
Describe a dna molecule as two strands coiled to form a double helix, the strands being linked by a series of paired bases: adenine (a) with thymine (t), and cy
Understand that an rna molecule is single stranded and contains uracil (u) instead of thymine (t)
Describe the stages of protein synthesis including transcription and translation, including the role of mrna, ribosomes, trna, codons and anticodons
Understand how genes exist in alternative forms called alleles which give rise to differences in inherited characteristics
Understand the meaning of the terms: dominant, recessive, homozygous, heterozygous, phenotype, and genotype
Understand the meaning of the term codominance
Understand that most phenotypic features are the result of polygenic inheritance rather than single genes
Describe patterns of monohybrid inheritance using a genetic diagram
Understand how to interpret family pedigrees
Predict probabilities of outcomes from monohybrid crosses
Understand how the sex of a person is controlled by one pair of chromosomes, xx in a female and xy in a male
Describe the determination of the sex of offspring at fertilisation, using a genetic diagram
Understand how division of a diploid cell by mitosis produces two cells that contain identical sets of chromosomes
Understand that mitosis occurs during growth, repair, cloning and asexual reproduction
Understand how division of a cell by meiosis produces four cells, each with half the number of chromosomes, and that this results in the formation of geneticall
Understand how random fertilisation produces genetic variation of offspring
Know that in human cells the diploid number of chromosomes is 46 and the haploid number is 23
Understand that variation within a species can be genetic, environmental, or a combination of both

Understand that mutation is a rare, random change in genetic material that can be inherited
Understand how a change in dna can affect the phenotype by altering the sequence of amino acids in a protein
Understand how most genetic mutations have no effect on the phenotype, some have a small effect and rarely do they have a significant effect
Understand that the incidence of mutations can be increased by exposure to ionising radiation (for example, gamma rays, x-rays and ultraviolet rays) and some ch
Explain darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection
Understand how resistance to antibiotics can increase in bacterial populations, and appreciate how such an increase can lead to infections being difficult to co
Understand the differences between sexual and asexual reproduction
Understand that fertilisation involves the fusion of a male and female gamete to produce a zygote that undergoes cell division and develops into an embryo
Describe the structures of an insect-pollinated and a wind-pollinated flower and explain how each is adapted for pollination
Understand that the growth of the pollen tube followed by fertilisation leads to seed and fruit formation
Understand how germinating seeds utilise food reserves until the seedling can carry out photosynthesis
Understand that plants can reproduce asexually by natural methods (illustrated by runners) and by artificial methods (illustrated by cuttings)
Understand how the structure of the male and female reproductive systems are adapted for their functions
Understand the roles of oestrogen and progesterone in the menstrual cycle
Understand the roles of fsh and lh in the menstrual cycle
Describe the role of the placenta in the nutrition of the developing embryo
Understand how the developing embryo is protected by amniotic fluid
Understand the roles of oestrogen and testosterone in the development of secondary sexual characteristics
Show more
Show less

In this course students will learn exactly what they need to know for their biology exams. students will learn about:
Understand that the genome is the entire dna of an organism and that a gene is a section of a molecule of dna that codes for a specific protein
Understand that the nucleus of a cell contains chromosomes on which genes are located
Describe a dna molecule as two strands coiled to form a double helix, the strands being linked by a series of paired bases: adenine (a) with thymine (t), and cy
Understand that an rna molecule is single stranded and contains uracil (u) instead of thymine (t)
Describe the stages of protein synthesis including transcription and translation, including the role of mrna, ribosomes, trna, codons and anticodons
Understand how genes exist in alternative forms called alleles which give rise to differences in inherited characteristics
Understand the meaning of the terms: dominant, recessive, homozygous, heterozygous, phenotype, and genotype
Understand the meaning of the term codominance
Understand that most phenotypic features are the result of polygenic inheritance rather than single genes
Describe patterns of monohybrid inheritance using a genetic diagram
Understand how to interpret family pedigrees
Predict probabilities of outcomes from monohybrid crosses
Understand how the sex of a person is controlled by one pair of chromosomes, xx in a female and xy in a male
Describe the determination of the sex of offspring at fertilisation, using a genetic diagram
Understand how division of a diploid cell by mitosis produces two cells that contain identical sets of chromosomes
Understand that mitosis occurs during growth, repair, cloning and asexual reproduction
Understand how division of a cell by meiosis produces four cells, each with half the number of chromosomes, and that this results in the formation of geneticall
Understand how random fertilisation produces genetic variation of offspring
Know that in human cells the diploid number of chromosomes is 46 and the haploid number is 23
Understand that variation within a species can be genetic, environmental, or a combination of both
Understand that mutation is a rare, random change in genetic material that can be inherited
Understand how a change in dna can affect the phenotype by altering the sequence of amino acids in a protein
Understand how most genetic mutations have no effect on the phenotype, some have a small effect and rarely do they have a significant effect
Understand that the incidence of mutations can be increased by exposure to ionising radiation (for example, gamma rays, x-rays and ultraviolet rays) and some ch
Explain darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection
Understand how resistance to antibiotics can increase in bacterial populations, and appreciate how such an increase can lead to infections being difficult to co
Understand the differences between sexual and asexual reproduction
Understand that fertilisation involves the fusion of a male and female gamete to produce a zygote that undergoes cell division and develops into an embryo
Describe the structures of an insect-pollinated and a wind-pollinated flower and explain how each is adapted for pollination
Understand that the growth of the pollen tube followed by fertilisation leads to seed and fruit formation
Understand how germinating seeds utilise food reserves until the seedling can carry out photosynthesis
Understand that plants can reproduce asexually by natural methods (illustrated by runners) and by artificial methods (illustrated by cuttings)
Understand how the structure of the male and female reproductive systems are adapted for their functions
Understand the roles of oestrogen and progesterone in the menstrual cycle
Understand the roles of fsh and lh in the menstrual cycle
Describe the role of the placenta in the nutrition of the developing embryo
Understand how the developing embryo is protected by amniotic fluid
Understand the roles of oestrogen and testosterone in the development of secondary sexual characteristics
Show more
Show less

Syllabus

Introduction to Reproduction & Inheritance

Introduction - DNA, Genes & Chromosomes

DNA, Genes & Chromosomes

Protein Synthesis

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a structured review of the entire IGCSE Biology content, which helps students focus their revision efforts and improve their exam performance

Teaches exam strategy using full past exam paper walkthroughs, which is a critical skill for success in IGCSE and GCSE Biology exams

Includes downloadable revision notes and a comprehensive course, which can serve as valuable resources for students during their exam preparation

Covers the content needed to write the IGCSE and GCSE biology exams offered by Pearson Edexcel or Cambridge CIE, which are globally recognized exam boards

Requires students to understand concepts such as transcription and translation, which may require prior knowledge of basic biology principles

Focuses specifically on the IGCSE and GCSE Biology curriculum, which may not be suitable for students studying other biology curricula

Reviews summary

Biology exam prep focus: genetics & reproduction

According to learners, this course offers a clear and structured approach to understanding key biology concepts like genetics and reproduction, specifically tailored for IGCSE/GCSE exam preparation. Many students found the video lessons easy to follow and appreciated the inclusion of quizzes to reinforce learning. Reviewers often highlight its effectiveness in building a solid foundation and providing helpful revision material. While largely positive, a few noted that the depth on certain complex topics could be expanded or that the pace might feel fast if unfamiliar with the basics.

Good foundation, some topics could go deeper.

"Provides an excellent overview and solid foundation, but I felt some advanced genetics parts could use more detail."

"Covered all the necessary points for the syllabus, but I sometimes wished for a bit more depth on certain mechanisms."

"Great as a revision tool or for getting the basics down, but might require supplementary reading for full mastery."

"Good coverage overall, though a couple of topics felt a bit rushed."

Well-organized lessons and helpful quizzes.

"The course structure is logical, flowing nicely from DNA to inheritance and reproduction."

"The video lessons are well-produced and keep me engaged. Not boring at all!"

"I found the quizzes after each section really helpful for testing my understanding immediately."

"Great structure with short, focused videos and reinforcing quizzes."

Helps prepare specifically for IGCSE/GCSE exams.

"This course was spot on for my IGCSE Biology syllabus. It covered everything I needed for the exam."

"The focus on exam strategy and past paper walkthroughs is invaluable for getting ready for GCSEs."

"It's exactly what I was looking for to revise efficiently for my international school biology exams."

"Feel much more confident going into my exam after reviewing with this course."

Concepts explained simply and effectively.

"The way the instructor explains complex topics like protein synthesis and meiosis is incredibly clear and easy to understand."

"I struggled with genetics before, but the clear explanations and examples in this course finally made it click for me."

"Everything is broken down into manageable parts, making it simple to absorb and remember the information."

"Very clear and concise lectures that helped simplify difficult biological processes."

Pace suits beginners, potentially fast for some.

"For someone new to these concepts, the pace felt just right – not too fast, not too slow."

"I had some prior knowledge, so parts of the course felt a little slow, but overall it was fine."

"If you're completely unfamiliar with biology, you might need to pause and rewatch some segments as it moves quite efficiently."

"Found the pacing a bit fast initially, but easy to follow along after adjusting."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Master the Fundamentals of Biology (Part 2 of 4) NEW with these activities:

Review Basic Genetics Concepts

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of fundamental genetics concepts like alleles, genotypes, and phenotypes to better grasp the inheritance patterns covered in the course.

Show steps

Review your notes from previous biology courses.
Complete online quizzes on basic genetics terminology.
Practice simple Punnett square problems.

Review Basic Genetics Concepts

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of fundamental genetics concepts like DNA, genes, and chromosomes to better grasp the more complex topics covered in this course.

Browse courses on Genetics

Show steps

Review your notes from previous biology courses.
Complete online quizzes on basic genetics terminology.
Watch introductory videos on DNA structure and function.

Review 'Campbell Biology'

Show steps

Use this book as a reference to deepen your understanding of core biological concepts and expand on the topics covered in the course.

View Biology: A Global Approach, Global Edition on Amazon

Show steps

Read the chapters related to genetics and reproduction.
Take notes on key concepts and definitions.
Work through the end-of-chapter questions.

Seven other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all ten activities

Review 'Campbell Biology'

Show steps

Supplement your learning with a comprehensive biology textbook to gain a broader and deeper understanding of the concepts.

View Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections,... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the chapters related to genetics, reproduction, and evolution.
Take notes on key concepts and definitions.
Work through the end-of-chapter questions.

Practice Monohybrid Cross Problems

Show steps

Sharpen your skills in solving monohybrid cross problems, a key component of understanding inheritance patterns in genetics.

Browse courses on Genetics

Show steps

Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
Draw Punnett squares to predict offspring genotypes and phenotypes.
Check your answers and review the solutions.

Create a Presentation on Meiosis

Show steps

Solidify your understanding of meiosis by creating a presentation that explains the process and its significance in sexual reproduction.

Browse courses on Meiosis

Show steps

Research the stages of meiosis.
Create slides with diagrams and explanations.
Practice presenting the material to a friend or family member.

Create a Presentation on Genetic Engineering

Show steps

Deepen your understanding of genetics by researching and presenting on the applications and ethical considerations of genetic engineering.

Show steps

Research different genetic engineering techniques.
Prepare a presentation outlining the process and applications.
Present your findings to a study group or family member.

Review 'Genetics: A Conceptual Approach'

Show steps

Use this book to gain a more in-depth understanding of genetics and inheritance, expanding on the concepts covered in the course.

View Genetics Essentials on Amazon

Show steps

Read the chapters on advanced genetics topics.
Work through the problem sets at the end of each chapter.
Compare the concepts presented in the book with those covered in the course.

Create a Family Pedigree Chart

Show steps

Apply your knowledge of family pedigrees by creating a chart for a specific trait, demonstrating your ability to track inheritance patterns.

Browse courses on Inheritance

Show steps

Gather information about a specific trait in your family or a fictional family.
Draw a pedigree chart using standard symbols.
Analyze the chart to determine the mode of inheritance.

Tutor a Peer in Genetics

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of genetics by tutoring a peer, explaining concepts and answering their questions.

Browse courses on Genetics

Show steps

Find a peer who needs help with genetics.
Review the material together and answer their questions.
Provide additional resources and support.

Career center

Learners who complete Master the Fundamentals of Biology (Part 2 of 4) NEW will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Biology Teacher

A biology teacher educates students on various aspects of the biological sciences, and this course provides a strong foundation in the core concepts necessary for instruction. The course covers the IGCSE Biology syllabus in detail, including genetics, evolution, and the structure and function of living organisms, offering a teacher a structured way to review key materials. A biology teacher should have a deep understanding of the topics covered like the reproductive systems, cell division, and genetic diagrams. The course specifically aims to enhance understanding of IGCSE and GCSE biology concepts which is perfect preparation for teaching these curricula.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biology Teacher

Science Tutor

A science tutor provides individualized instruction to students, and this course helps those who wish to tutor in high school biology. The course's comprehensive coverage of IGCSE Biology, including reproduction, inheritance, and genetics, is highly relevant. The course, with its focus on exam strategy and past paper walkthroughs, provides the kind of targeted approach that is effective in tutoring. Further, a science tutor would be inspired by the course's efficient teaching of complex topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Tutor

Curriculum Developer

A curriculum developer designs and creates educational materials, and this course can inform the development of high school biology curriculum. This course gives the curriculum developer a grasp of key topics in IGCSE Biology, such as genetics, protein synthesis, and evolutionary theory. The course's structure, with its video lessons, quizzes, and revision notes, offers insight to the curriculum developer on effective educational strategies. A curriculum developer would benefit from seeing how the course presents complex topics to students in clear, concise ways.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer

Textbook Editor

A textbook editor works on the content of educational materials, and this course gives them a deeper understanding of the subject and how it is taught. This course covers the IGCSE Biology syllabus in detail, providing a textbook editor with a solid understanding of the core content. The course structure of video lessons, quizzes, and revision notes provides a textbook editor with insight into effective presentation of materials. A textbook editor would find this course useful for familiarity with the level of detail and learning objectives typical for high school biology.

See salaries and explore the career path for Textbook Editor

Science Writer

A science writer communicates scientific information to the general public, and this course improves a writer's understanding of biology to write with confidence and accuracy. A science writer would benefit from the course's thorough coverage of fundamental biological concepts such as genetics and evolution, which are often topics of interest to the public. The course material provides a great source of information for a science writer that is accurate and up to date. A science writer may also gain inspiration from the way the course presents material.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Science Journalist

A science journalist reports on scientific breakthroughs and research, and this course helps someone in this role stay current on biology. This course covers essential areas such as genetics, cell division, and evolution, providing a solid foundation for a science journalist. The course's focus on exam strategy may also help a science journalist recognize when scientific studies are presented in a misleading or biased manner. A science journalist would benefit from increased confidence in the accuracy of their reporting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Journalist

Instructional Designer

An instructional designer creates learning experiences and materials, and this course provides examples of how to present complex biological topics in an accessible way. This course, with its structured video lessons and interactive quizzes, offers insight on effective instructional design strategies. The instructional designer can examine how key biology concepts like genetics and reproduction are presented and use that as inspiration for course design. An instructional designer would benefit from seeing how the course breaks down complex processes into manageable parts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Educational Consultant

An educational consultant provides expert advice on improving educational practices and this course provides a view into IGCSE biology instruction. This course provides a strong overview of the content and methods being used within IGCSE biology today. The course's emphasis on clear explanations, interactive quizzes, and effective revision strategies can help an educational consultant develop recommendations for other educators. An educational consultant would find the detailed explanation of topics like genetics, evolution, and cell division useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Consultant

Health Educator

A health educator teaches communities and individuals about health and wellness, and this course, focused on biology and human reproduction, provides a basis in the biological sciences. A health educator would benefit from the course's material on genetics, human reproduction, and cell division. The course can assist a health educator by providing a solid understanding of concepts related to human health and biology. A health educator can use this biological background to better communicate evidence based health information.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Science Communicator

A science communicator conveys scientific information to diverse audiences, and someone who wishes to hold this role may find this course helpful. This course covers a breadth of biological topics, including genetics, evolution, and reproduction, all of which are useful in science communication. The course can provide a science communicator with a source of understandable explanations on many biological topics. A science communicator would find the course helpful in developing techniques to translate complex scientific information into simpler language.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Communicator

Medical Writer

A medical writer produces documents related to medicine and healthcare, and a background in biology, which this course helps build, is very helpful. The medical writer can benefit from the course's detailed explanations of biological processes, such as genetics, human reproduction, and cell division. This course gives a medical writer a deeper understanding of cellular biology, which is often relevant to the medical field. A medical writer would be more effective with a foundation built on topics covered in this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Writer

Research Assistant

A research assistant supports scientific research, and this course helps build the biological foundation needed for this role. The course's review of fundamental topics such as genetics, DNA, and cellular biology will prove useful for a research assistant. A research assistant can also benefit from the course's detailed explanations of biological processes. Though this course is focused on a high school curriculum, it does provide background helpful for those beginning a career in scientific research.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Assistant

Medical Laboratory Assistant

A medical laboratory assistant performs routine tests under the supervision of medical technologists. Some background in biology would be useful, and this course can help build an understanding of the field. The course's coverage of genetics, cellular biology, and human reproductive systems will provide some useful information. A medical laboratory assistant may benefit from having an understanding of the underlying science in their work, and this course will serve as an introduction to relevant topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Laboratory Assistant

Laboratory Technician

A laboratory technician performs tests and experiments in a lab, and this course may provide some of the necessary biological background for a technician. This course provides a high level overview of many fundamental concepts in biology like genetics, reproduction, mutation, and cell division, which will help a laboratory technician understand what they are working with. A laboratory technician would find value in reviewing the fundamental lessons in this course which may give context to experiments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Laboratory Technician

Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

A pharmaceutical sales representative promotes and sells pharmaceutical products, and a background in biology, which this course provides, is useful. The course's content on human biology, reproduction, and genetics provide a foundation that can be helpful to understand the science behind the medicines being sold. A pharmaceutical sales representative may find that the more they understand about biology, the more effective they may be in their role. This course will build some foundational knowledge relevant to the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Reading list

We've selected three books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Master the Fundamentals of Biology (Part 2 of 4) NEW.

Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections, Global...

Save

Campbell Biology widely used introductory biology textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of biological concepts. It serves as an excellent reference for understanding the fundamental principles covered in the IGCSE Biology course. The book offers detailed explanations, diagrams, and examples that can enhance your understanding of complex topics. It is particularly helpful for students who want to delve deeper into the subject matter and gain a more thorough understanding of biology.

Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections, Global...

Paperback

$$$

Biology: A Global Approach, Global Edition

Save

Campbell Biology widely used introductory biology textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of biological concepts. It serves as an excellent reference for understanding the fundamental principles of biology, including genetics, cell biology, and evolution. is particularly helpful for students who need a more in-depth explanation of the topics covered in the IGCSE Biology syllabus. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.

Biology: A Global Approach, Global Edition

Paperback

Check price

Biology: A Global Approach, Global Edition

Kindle Edition

Check price

Genetics Essentials

Save

Provides a conceptual approach to genetics, focusing on the underlying principles and mechanisms of inheritance. It valuable resource for students who want to develop a deeper understanding of genetics beyond the IGCSE syllabus. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference. It is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions.

Genetics Essentials

Kindle Edition

$$$$

Master the Fundamentals of Biology (Part 2 of 4) NEW

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Biology exam prep focus: genetics & reproduction

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses