Qualification
Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
International GCSE Human Biology specification 4HB1.
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE · Specification 4HB1
Online IGCSE Human Biology Course
Explore how the human body works, from cells and organ systems
to reproduction, inheritance, microorganisms and disease. This
flexible home-study course develops scientific knowledge,
investigative understanding and the ability to apply biology
to unfamiliar information.
Immediate access to the online course
Five modules and 24 structured lessons
Optional tutor marking, tutorials and printed materials
Start your Human Biology course
£14.99 / month
Today’s payment:
£24.99
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- Course materials subscription
- Academic induction session and booking fee
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Course overview
A flexible route to IGCSE Human Biology
Study the biology of the human body through a carefully ordered course covering cells, physiology, reproduction, inheritance, microorganisms and disease. The course is suitable for students with limited previous scientific experience while also providing a strong foundation for further biological study.
Course structure
5 modules · 24 lessons
Progress from cell processes through human physiology, inheritance, microorganisms and disease.
Recommended study time
Approximately 200 hours
Work through the course at a pace that suits your timetable and intended examination date.
Enrolment
Start at any time
There is no fixed term date, so you can begin when it suits your study plans.
Assignments
8 Tutor-marked Assignments
Examination-style assignments are placed throughout the course, followed by practice papers for both examinations.
Assessment
2 written papers
Both papers last 1 hour 45 minutes and contribute 50% of the final qualification.
Practical skills
Assessed in writing
Investigative and experimental skills are developed during the course and assessed through the written papers.
Entry and grading
Untiered · grades 9–1
All students sit the same examination papers, with grades awarded from 9 to 1.
Understand the human body and apply biological ideas
Human Biology connects scientific knowledge with health, physiology and everyday life. Alongside other suitable qualifications, it provides useful preparation for Biology or Human Biology at A level.
How the course works
Structured lessons with flexible home study
Begin at any time and work through the five modules in their recommended order. Each lesson combines course notes, textbook reading, activities, key terminology and opportunities to check your understanding.
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Enrol and start online
Receive immediate access to your online Human Biology course and begin studying without waiting for a fixed term date.
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Work through structured lessons
Follow the five modules in sequence, using the course notes, required Pearson textbook, activities and selected digital resources.
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Check your understanding
Use lesson summaries, key words, self-assessment questions and optional Tutor-marked Assignment marking to identify areas requiring further work.
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Prepare for your examinations
Consolidate your knowledge, practise calculations and data handling, and complete practice papers under timed conditions.
Optional extra support
Add tutor support when it would help
Assignment marking, practice-paper marking, Email Tutor Support and one-to-one tutorials can be added to your course when you need feedback, explanation or exam preparation.
What you’ll study
Five modules covering modern Human Biology
The 24 lessons build knowledge progressively, beginning with cells and biological processes before moving through human physiology, reproduction, genetics, microorganisms and disease. Three lessons focus specifically on investigative skills.
Module 1 Cell Processes Cells, movement across membranes, respiration, enzymes and the design and performance of investigations. 5 lessons
- Cells, Tissues and Organs
- Movement of Substances into and out of Cells
- Investigative Skills A: Design
- Respiration and Enzymes
- Investigative Skills B: Carrying Out
Tutor-marked Assignment A
Module 2 Human Physiology A Nutrition, digestion, circulation, heart health, exercise, breathing and gas exchange. 6 lessons
- Nutrition
- Investigative Skills C: Interpreting
- Digestion
- The Circulatory System
- Heart Disease and Exercise
- Breathing and Gas Exchange
Tutor-marked Assignment B
Tutor-marked Assignment C
Module 3 Human Physiology B Homeostasis, excretion, the senses, nervous control, movement, hormones, drugs and organ failure. 5 lessons
- Homeostasis and Excretion
- Sensory Receptors
- The Nervous System
- Bones, Muscles and Joints
- Hormones, Drugs, Liver and Kidney Failure
Tutor-marked Assignment D
Tutor-marked Assignment E
Module 4 Reproduction and Heredity Human reproduction, chromosomes, genes, cell division, inheritance and modern gene technology. 5 lessons
- Reproduction
- Chromosomes, Genes and Nucleic Acids
- Cell Division
- Genes and Inheritance
- Gene Technology
Tutor-marked Assignment F
Tutor-marked Assignment G
Module 5 Microorganisms and Disease Pathogens, disease transmission, the body’s defences and the final specification topics. 3 lessons
- Pathogens and Disease
- Defence against Disease
- Final Topics
Tutor-marked Assignment H
Practice Exam — Paper 1
Practice Exam — Paper 2
Follow the modules in order
The course has been written so that knowledge and investigative skills develop progressively. Complete the modules in sequence, revising earlier work regularly rather than leaving all revision until the end.
Exams and assessment
How the IGCSE Human Biology course is assessed
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Human Biology is assessed through two written examination papers. Both papers cover the full specification and test biological knowledge, application, calculations, data handling and practical understanding.
Human Biology Paper 1
4HB1/01
1 hour 45 minutes
Exam duration
90 marks
Available marks
50%
Of the qualification
Paper 1 assesses content from across the complete Human Biology specification. Questions may include multiple choice, short answers, calculations and extended open responses.
Human Biology Paper 2
4HB1/02
1 hour 45 minutes
Exam duration
90 marks
Available marks
50%
Of the qualification
Paper 2 also assesses the full specification, including the application of biological principles to data, calculations and information that may be presented in unfamiliar contexts.
Practical assessment
No separate practical exam
There is no practical examination or practical coursework. Experimental and investigative skills are assessed through questions in both written papers.
Question formats
Varied compulsory questions
Both papers contain multiple-choice questions, short answers, calculations and extended open-response questions.
Entry tier
Untiered examination
All students sit the same papers rather than choosing Foundation or Higher Tier.
Grading
Grades 9–1
The qualification is graded from 9, the highest grade, to 1. Work below grade 1 is unclassified.
Examination entry
You arrange your examination centre separately
Course enrolment does not automatically enter you for the examinations. Private candidates should locate a centre that accepts Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Human Biology and confirm its entry arrangements, fees and deadlines.
Support and add-ons
Choose the level of Human Biology support you need
Your subscription provides the structured course materials. Optional add-ons let you purchase feedback, direct tutor contact, live explanations and printed materials when they would be useful.
Written feedback
Assignment marking
Purchase marking for individual tutor-marked assignments and receive feedback on your biological knowledge, calculations, explanations and examination technique.
Assignment marking bundle£71.93
Exam preparation
Practice-exam marking
Complete the Paper 1 and Paper 2 practice examinations under timed conditions and purchase marking to identify strengths, weaknesses and priorities for final revision.
Practice examination marking bundle£47.50
Written tutor contact
Email Tutor Support
Ask focused questions about difficult biological ideas, calculations, practical methods or course activities through the managed Email Tutor Support service.
Email Tutor Support£10.00 / month
Live support
One-to-one tutorials
Book a live tutorial for personalised explanation, help with challenging topics, assignment preparation or focused examination revision.
Tutorial time Purchased separately
Study your way
Printed course materials
Add printed Oxford Home Schooling course materials if you prefer studying from paper. The required Pearson textbook must still be obtained separately.
Printed course materials£50.00
Flexible support
Add support when you need it
Begin with the core course and add marking, tutor contact, tutorials or printed materials as your studies progress.
Course support
See all available Human Biology support
Prospective students can compare the available support services. Existing students can purchase Human Biology marking, tutorials and other course-specific add-ons through their account.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the IGCSE Human Biology course
Find answers about previous scientific experience, practical work, examinations, assignments, the required textbook and progression after completing the course.
Do I need previous experience of Biology?
The course is designed to be accessible to students who may have only a limited previous background in science. Students who have already studied Biology will recognise some ideas, but prior specialist knowledge is not required.
Do I need to buy a textbook?
Yes. The course is designed to be used alongside the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) Human Biology Student Book by Phil Bradfield and Steve Potter. The textbook is referenced throughout the lessons and must be obtained separately.
Do I have to carry out practical experiments?
It is not essential to carry out all the practical work described in the course. Completing suitable practical activities at home or through supervised laboratory work can, however, help you develop the investigative skills assessed in the written examinations.
Is there a practical exam or coursework?
No. There is no separate practical examination and no practical coursework component. Practical and experimental skills are tested through questions in both written papers.
How many examinations are there?
There are two written papers: 4HB1/01 and 4HB1/02. Each paper lasts 1 hour 45 minutes, carries 90 marks and contributes 50% of the qualification.
Is the Human Biology examination tiered?
No. Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Human Biology is untiered, so all candidates sit the same two examination papers. Grades are awarded on the 9–1 scale.
What types of examination questions will I answer?
The papers contain compulsory multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. You may also need to draw graphs and apply biological principles to unfamiliar information.
How are Tutor-marked Assignments used?
The course contains eight Tutor-marked Assignments in examination style, together with practice papers for both examinations. Marking can be purchased when you want feedback on your answers and examination technique.
Can I study Biology and Human Biology?
Pearson does not prohibit this subject combination. However, the specification warns that colleges and universities are likely to regard Biology and Human Biology together as one GCSE subject rather than two separate science qualifications.
Do I need internet access?
Internet access is needed for the online course and is useful for the selected websites and ClickView films. These films provide additional depth and context, but the core course can still be studied successfully without watching every optional film.
What can I study after IGCSE Human Biology?
In combination with other suitable IGCSE subjects, the course provides useful preparation for students who intend to continue to Biology or Human Biology at A level.
Course materials
Required Human Biology textbook
The Oxford Home Schooling course is designed to be studied alongside the specified Pearson student book. It is referenced
throughout the lessons and must be obtained separately.
Ready to begin?
Start your online IGCSE Human Biology course
Enrol at any time and begin working towards the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Human Biology qualification through a structured, flexible home-study course.
- Start studying at any time
- Immediate access to the online course
- Work at a pace that suits your examination plans
Start your Human Biology course
Return to the enrolment panel to review today’s payment and add the course to your basket.