NEO’s primary science qualification — chosen because it is the most therapeutically resonant science qualification at IGCSE level. The specification covers the body, the nervous system, mental health and the brain, nutrition, reproduction, disease and immunity, and the relationship between exercise and physical health. For learners managing anxiety, SEMH difficulties, or disordered relationships with their bodies, this is not abstract scientific content — it is a structured framework for understanding their own experience.
Papers
- Paper 1 (4HB1/01) — externally assessed, 1h 45min, 90 marks, 50% of grade
- Paper 2 (4HB1/02) — externally assessed, 1h 45min, 90 marks, 50% of grade
Both papers untiered. Calculator allowed. Mixture of multiple-choice, short-answer, calculations, comprehension, and extended open-response questions.
Content areas
Twelve content areas split across the two papers:
- 1. Cells and tissues
- 2. Biological molecules
- 3. Movement of substances in and out of cells
- 4. Bones, muscles and joints
- 5. Coordination
- 6. Nutrition and energy
- 7. Respiration
- 8. Gas exchange
- 9. Internal transport
- 10. Homeostatic mechanisms
- 11. Reproduction and heredity
- 12. Disease
What’s NOT in Human Biology
- Chemistry content — for chemistry-rich science, learners need Combined Science or single-science routes
- Physics content — same
- Ecology — formal ecological content sits in Combined Science, not Human Biology. A learner with environmental interests would be served by Combined Science.
Tests canonical
Each content area page wikilinks to the canonical KS4 Science strands it tests.
Practical investigations
Appendix 6 of the spec lists suggested practical investigations. Practical work is woven through every content area (“practical: investigate…”) and is examined within the standard papers (no separate practical exam). For NEO’s online delivery, practitioner-supported home experiments, virtual lab simulations, and structured observation tasks are the working pattern.