Overview
This page is a comprehensive resource for GCSE Biology revision, offering a full list of key topics, access to past papers, worksheets, revision cards, and predicted exam papers.
Core GCSE Biology Topics
Cell Biology
- Includes topics: cell structure, differentiation, microscopy, cell division, culturing microorganisms, stem cells, diffusion, exchange surfaces, osmosis, and active transport.
Organisation
- Covers: organisation of cells, enzymes and digestive system, lungs and gas exchange, circulatory system, heart, blood, cardiovascular diseases, health issues, cancer, and plant tissues/organs.
Infection and Response
- Topics: pathogens, disease examples, human defence systems, vaccinations and drugs, developing drugs, monoclonal antibodies (higher), and plant disease.
Bioenergetics
- Encompasses: photosynthesis, rate of photosynthesis, respiration, the effect of exercise on respiration, and metabolism.
Homeostasis and Response
- Focus areas: homeostasis, nervous system, brain, eyes, thermoregulation, endocrine system, blood glucose control, water and nitrogen balance, human reproduction, feedback systems (higher), and plant hormones.
Inheritance, Variation and Evolution
- Includes: DNA, reproduction, meiosis, genetic inheritance, inherited disorders, variation, evolution, evidence for evolution, selective breeding, genetic engineering, cloning, and classifying organisms.
Ecology
- Topics: ecosystems, investigating ecosystems, water/nutrient cycles, decomposition, human impact on biodiversity, trophic levels, food production, and biotechnology.
Scientific Methods
- Covers: exam question help, rounding/significant figures, standard form, unit conversions, rearranging equations, useful formulae, data/graphs, statistics, errors/uncertainty, scientific method, peer review, ethics, experimental design, scientific thinking, comparing results, sampling, lab safety, and using equipment.
Resources and Study Tools
- GCSE Biology revision cards, triple and combined science cards, predicted papers, past papers, worksheets, and topic exam questions are available.
- Revision materials are designed for both foundation and higher tier levels.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Non-communicable diseases — Diseases that cannot be transmitted from one organism to another, such as asthma, cancer, and coronary heart disease.
- Diffusion — The movement of particles from high to low concentration.
- Osmosis — The movement of water through a partially permeable membrane from a dilute to a more concentrated solution.
- Active Transport — Movement of substances against a concentration gradient, using energy.
- Pathogens — Microorganisms that cause disease.
- Homeostasis — The maintenance of a stable internal environment.
- Feedback Systems — Biological mechanisms that maintain balance by adjusting physiological processes.
- Photosynthesis — The process by which plants make food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review each topic area and complete available online tests for practice.
- Download and attempt past and predicted exam papers.
- Use worksheets and revision cards to reinforce understanding.
- Focus extra attention on higher tier topics if aiming for top grades.