Resources for IB and IGCSE
These pages are general and specific resources that can be useful for the student. Please email me if you have a good suggestion for a biology resource site for this page.
Useful Resources
Suggested Textbooks
(DO NOT get all these books! There are many more IGCSE books on Biology being produced, but having one or two good books should be enough. Try to get one or two CIE-endorsed books, and then use online resources and practicals to supplement your work).
Syllabus
To have most success at passing the CIE examinations, it is important to read through the syllabus for the year that the student is taking the examination. Syllabuses for 2014 and 2015 can be accessed on the CIE website at
http://www.cie.org.uk/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-biology-0610/
CIE Past Papers
1. Past papers for IGCSE Biology can be obtained from the CIE website under the specific subject at
http://www.cie.org.uk/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-biology-0610/past-papers/
There are examiners’ reports, question papers and marking schemes for one of the previous year’s exam sessions.
2. If you want more past papers, go to the CIE website and click on the publications tab. There are usually three years' worth of past papers, examiners' reports and marking schemes. For minimal cost, you get a CD-Rom with all the papers in your specific subject. Check here for the latest publications catalogue:
http://www.cie.org.uk/profiles/teachers/orderpub
Websites
(Online resources can be a great way to supplement learning or make it more interesting. Please let me know if any links are broken.)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/
Though the material on the BBC Bitesize website is not specifically for the CIE examinations, there are plenty of useful revision topics, especially in the Additional Science category. Mini tests at the end of revision work can help the student consolidate knowledge, or find gaps. Teachers might find this site more useful to send students to when there is a specific topic to reiterate, or revise.
http://www.cellsalive.com/
Quite an interesting site that shows mitosis and meiosis, for example. Mini quizzes on cell biology too.
http://www.purchon.com/biology/
An excellent site for students and teachers on many aspects of biology. This site was created by an experienced teacher.
http://www.biology-resources.com/
David Mackean’s site with PowerPoint presentations, experiments sheets to set up, with discussion and answers as well. A site I keep going back to, for ideas, and assistance with experiment set up.
http://bio.rutgers.edu/~gb101/virtuallabs_101.html
Virtual lab work on cell structure, reproduction and transport. Worth looking at, for students and teachers.
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/biology
There is a good revision section here for students.
http://www.adaptivecurriculum.com/us/
A subscription-based site, this is a good resource for virtual labs. The student works through the interactive lessons, and can ‘use’ lab equipment, take assessment tests, make notes and so on. The high school curriculum is being updated and improved all the time.
http://www.apchute.com/biolab/index.htm
Although this is aimed at AP Level in the USA, this is a site worth looking through by the teachers, as there are many useful exercises. The ‘Various types of cells’ shows most of the common cells under a microscope, and then labels them.
http://www.emc.maricopa.edu/faculty/farabee/BIOBK/BioBookTOC.html
Sometimes a an online reference book can consolidate knowledge or add to the notes that the student already has on a topic. Aimed at teachers.
http://www.khanacademy.org/
This is a really comprehensive site, mainly for maths and science. Geared at students of all ages, it is a wonderful site for self-paced learning. Teachers can use the site for lesson planning or to supplement what they are doing. It’s also fun to earn badges for completion of skill levels.
http://www.biology-online.org/
This site has been visited countless times by students, for dictionary definitions of words and terms, tutorials and more. The site can be an excellent reference source for teachers and students.
www.sciencespot.net
An American site, this resource is split into various sections of biology and other sciences. It is a portal for other websites and materials, including lesson plans, worksheets and more. Worth having a look at, if you have something specific in mind to supplement your work.
www.scienceinschool.org/
A really comprehensive science research site, useful for teachers or students motivated and eager to learn more in the field of biology. Some really interesting articles posted and updated.
http://www.schoolscience.co.uk/ages_14-16/view_resources.cfm
What a great resource - it is like having a team of science teachers at your fingertips. Have a look at this site and try to decide which resources to use to supplement work or to extend a topic.
http://www.saps.org.uk/
This site gives examples of student projects in science and plants. Worth looking at for information or inspiration.
http://www.middleschoolscience.com/
This American website has plenty of links to lesson plans, worksheets, and lab work. HOWEVER, I noticed that the domain name is for sale, so this website might change. If you are interested, research the website and the useful resources NOW before it disappears. (I will check back on the webiste, but please let me know if it has gone).
http://www.learnerstv.com/
A great resource for video lectures for all the science subjects. This is worth looking at before a lesson so that you can focus on the specific topic (for me, it is easy to get lost on the website, checking out all their resources).
http://lgfl.skoool.co.uk/keystage4.aspx?id=315
Interactive topics on biology. Quite fun, and useful for students who prefer learning online. This is one of the sections of the London Grid for Learning, and there are more resources offered for other subjects.
http://www.biology.arizona.edu/
An American based website for biology topics. This might be useful for students who like to research their information online.
http://www.biotopics.co.uk/
This site is full of information on a variety of biology topics. It is very busy so you need to take your time with it.
http://mrskingsbioweb.com/AICEBioPPT.htm
An American based website for AS Level biology.
http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/teachers
Investigations for selected biology topics by the Nuffield Foundation.
http://www.click4biology.info/index.htm
Online resource of notes on various biology topics.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/
Lots of information about genetics, for the interested Biologist!
Useful Resources
- BBC Bitesize - GCSE Revision Notes, Activities, and Test questions (AQA/Edexcel/OCR)
- BBC Bitesize: 16+ Biology revision - Covers general topics of Photosynthesis, Respiration, Genetics, Control and Regulation.
- Revision Centre - GCSE Revision Notes.
- Biology Mad - Designed for students studying AS/A-level, however IB students would also find this website very useful. Detailed notes, links to other useful websites and additional resources.
- www.biology.arizona.edu is the Biology Project of the University of Arizona. It provides some excellent virtual labs, such as determining the phases of mitosis, and is a mine of information.
- Revision Notes: IB Biology IB Biology SL Notes.
- The Open Door Website: IB Biology IB Biology Notes.
- IB Biology Notes - This website is incomplete in many of the topics but useful in those available: SL Cells, Chemistry of Life, Ecology, Plant Science, Options A, D, E, G and H
- Kimball's Biology Pages Not IB Biology, but an online biology textbook, organized by topics.
- Guide to writing a lab report How to write a lab report.
- Human Biology Guide A-level Biology notes, but still useful for studying IB Biology.
- Race Rocks IB Biology Syllabus.
- Biology for Life Some great resources.
- Biology Syllabus New syllabus for May 2003 onwards (pdf file)
- Biology IB Stuff Notes in .doc files.
- Scirus This science-only search engine searches scientific journals and websites for quality information.
- PubMed Central is an archive of life sciences journals with many articles in full-text.
- Cold Spring Harbor Lab DNA Learning Center
- Department of Energy Genomes Site is a gateway to vast amounts of information on human and microbial genome programs. It includes news, fact sheets, educational resources and overviews of ethical, legal and social issues in genetic engineering.
- DNA from the Beginning is a multimedia site that explores several concepts of genetics using text, graphics, animation and video clips.
- National Human Genome Research Institute Check out the fact sheets and news links on this page.
- Issues in Bioethics includes many links on a variety of issues in genetics and biotechnology.
- Genethics is a clearing house for information on the social, ethical and policy issues associated with genetic and genomic knowledge and technology.
- The President's Council on Bioethics
- Medline: Genetic Testing provides a great overview of genetic testing and the issues associated with it.
- Mad Scientist
- Science Magazine
- New Scientist
- Interpol DNA Profiling Page
- DNA Bioscience
- Canadian DNA Profiling and Forensic Center
- Human Genome Project Resources Lots of links here.
- Cloning Fact Sheet
- Genetic Science Learning Center
Suggested Textbooks
- Kearsey, S; Price, G; Clegg, J; Smith, M (2013) Collins Cambridge IGCSE Biology Student Book ISBN 978 0007454426
- Kearsey, S; Price, G; Clegg, J; Smith, M (2013) Collins Cambridge IGCSE Biology Teacher Pack ISBN 9780007454464
- Jones, M & Jones, G (2009) Cambridge IGCSE Biology Coursebook Second Edition ISBN 978 0521147798
- Jones, M. & Jones, G. (2010) Cambridge IGCSE Biology Workbook ISBN 978 0521124430
- Hayward, D (2005) IGCSE Study Guide for Biology ISBN 978 0719579042
- Williams, G, Fosbery, R. & Adams, J. (2009) Biology for IGCSE ISBN 978 1408500170
- Pickering, R (2011) Complete Biology for Cambridge IGCSE Second Edition ISBN 978 0199138760
- Pickering, R (2011) Complete Biology for Cambridge IGCSE Teacher's Resource Kit (with CD Rom) ISBN 978 0199138791
- Mackean, D.G (2009) IGCSE Biology ISBN 978 0340981863
- Clegg, J. & Smith, M (2006) IGCSE Biology for CIE ISBN 978 007755424
- Jones, M (2009) IGCSE Biology ISBN 978 0435966805
- Pickering, R (2009) IGCSE Biology Revision Guide ISBN 978 0199152650
- (2005) Experiment Simulator CD-ROM: Experiments for IGCSE, GCSE and A Level
(DO NOT get all these books! There are many more IGCSE books on Biology being produced, but having one or two good books should be enough. Try to get one or two CIE-endorsed books, and then use online resources and practicals to supplement your work).
Syllabus
To have most success at passing the CIE examinations, it is important to read through the syllabus for the year that the student is taking the examination. Syllabuses for 2014 and 2015 can be accessed on the CIE website at
http://www.cie.org.uk/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-biology-0610/
CIE Past Papers
1. Past papers for IGCSE Biology can be obtained from the CIE website under the specific subject at
http://www.cie.org.uk/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-biology-0610/past-papers/
There are examiners’ reports, question papers and marking schemes for one of the previous year’s exam sessions.
2. If you want more past papers, go to the CIE website and click on the publications tab. There are usually three years' worth of past papers, examiners' reports and marking schemes. For minimal cost, you get a CD-Rom with all the papers in your specific subject. Check here for the latest publications catalogue:
http://www.cie.org.uk/profiles/teachers/orderpub
Websites
(Online resources can be a great way to supplement learning or make it more interesting. Please let me know if any links are broken.)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/science/
Though the material on the BBC Bitesize website is not specifically for the CIE examinations, there are plenty of useful revision topics, especially in the Additional Science category. Mini tests at the end of revision work can help the student consolidate knowledge, or find gaps. Teachers might find this site more useful to send students to when there is a specific topic to reiterate, or revise.
http://www.cellsalive.com/
Quite an interesting site that shows mitosis and meiosis, for example. Mini quizzes on cell biology too.
http://www.purchon.com/biology/
An excellent site for students and teachers on many aspects of biology. This site was created by an experienced teacher.
http://www.biology-resources.com/
David Mackean’s site with PowerPoint presentations, experiments sheets to set up, with discussion and answers as well. A site I keep going back to, for ideas, and assistance with experiment set up.
http://bio.rutgers.edu/~gb101/virtuallabs_101.html
Virtual lab work on cell structure, reproduction and transport. Worth looking at, for students and teachers.
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/gcse/biology
There is a good revision section here for students.
http://www.adaptivecurriculum.com/us/
A subscription-based site, this is a good resource for virtual labs. The student works through the interactive lessons, and can ‘use’ lab equipment, take assessment tests, make notes and so on. The high school curriculum is being updated and improved all the time.
http://www.apchute.com/biolab/index.htm
Although this is aimed at AP Level in the USA, this is a site worth looking through by the teachers, as there are many useful exercises. The ‘Various types of cells’ shows most of the common cells under a microscope, and then labels them.
http://www.emc.maricopa.edu/faculty/farabee/BIOBK/BioBookTOC.html
Sometimes a an online reference book can consolidate knowledge or add to the notes that the student already has on a topic. Aimed at teachers.
http://www.khanacademy.org/
This is a really comprehensive site, mainly for maths and science. Geared at students of all ages, it is a wonderful site for self-paced learning. Teachers can use the site for lesson planning or to supplement what they are doing. It’s also fun to earn badges for completion of skill levels.
http://www.biology-online.org/
This site has been visited countless times by students, for dictionary definitions of words and terms, tutorials and more. The site can be an excellent reference source for teachers and students.
www.sciencespot.net
An American site, this resource is split into various sections of biology and other sciences. It is a portal for other websites and materials, including lesson plans, worksheets and more. Worth having a look at, if you have something specific in mind to supplement your work.
www.scienceinschool.org/
A really comprehensive science research site, useful for teachers or students motivated and eager to learn more in the field of biology. Some really interesting articles posted and updated.
http://www.schoolscience.co.uk/ages_14-16/view_resources.cfm
What a great resource - it is like having a team of science teachers at your fingertips. Have a look at this site and try to decide which resources to use to supplement work or to extend a topic.
http://www.saps.org.uk/
This site gives examples of student projects in science and plants. Worth looking at for information or inspiration.
http://www.middleschoolscience.com/
This American website has plenty of links to lesson plans, worksheets, and lab work. HOWEVER, I noticed that the domain name is for sale, so this website might change. If you are interested, research the website and the useful resources NOW before it disappears. (I will check back on the webiste, but please let me know if it has gone).
http://www.learnerstv.com/
A great resource for video lectures for all the science subjects. This is worth looking at before a lesson so that you can focus on the specific topic (for me, it is easy to get lost on the website, checking out all their resources).
http://lgfl.skoool.co.uk/keystage4.aspx?id=315
Interactive topics on biology. Quite fun, and useful for students who prefer learning online. This is one of the sections of the London Grid for Learning, and there are more resources offered for other subjects.
http://www.biology.arizona.edu/
An American based website for biology topics. This might be useful for students who like to research their information online.
http://www.biotopics.co.uk/
This site is full of information on a variety of biology topics. It is very busy so you need to take your time with it.
http://mrskingsbioweb.com/AICEBioPPT.htm
An American based website for AS Level biology.
http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/teachers
Investigations for selected biology topics by the Nuffield Foundation.
http://www.click4biology.info/index.htm
Online resource of notes on various biology topics.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/
Lots of information about genetics, for the interested Biologist!