At a glance
- Year 1 (common)
- Biology 1, up to 60 periods
- Year 2
- Biology 2, up to 144 periods
- Health and Life track extras
- Health sciences (96), health care (108), human body systems (84)
- Language in public schools
- Arabic
Biology and health science courses in secondary school
| Year | Course | Max periods per year | Track |
|---|---|---|---|
| First (common) | Biology 1 | 60 | All students |
| Second | Biology 2 | 144 | General, Computer Science and Engineering, Health and Life |
| Second | Principles of Health Sciences | 96 | Health and Life |
| Third | Health Care | 108 | Health and Life |
| Third | Human Body Systems | 84 | Health and Life |
Source: Saudi Ministry of Education study plans guide, fifth edition (2025).
Where biology students lose marks
- Cell biology: structures and their functions, and the differences between plant and animal cells.
- Processes in sequence: photosynthesis, cellular respiration, DNA replication and protein synthesis.
- Genetics: monohybrid crosses with genotypes, gametes and ratios.
- Human body systems: linking structure to function in the circulatory, respiratory and nervous systems.
- Classification and ecology: food webs, energy flow and the terms used to describe them.
- Precise terminology: near-miss words cost marks in written answers and in multiple choice.
Arabic or English lessons: an honest note
Biology in Saudi public schools is taught in Arabic. LiveTutor has a small number of Arabic-speaking tutors, so Arabic-medium lessons depend on availability; ask when you book. English-medium explanation of the same biology is always available, with the tutor working from your child's textbook and pairing terms: الخلية cell, الوراثة genetics, البناء الضوئي photosynthesis, الجهاز الدوري circulatory system.
This matters for Health and Life students who plan to study medicine or health sciences in a programme taught in English: knowing biology vocabulary in English means less to catch up in the first year. A student who is struggling with the content itself may be better served by an Arabic-speaking tutor, and we will say plainly if we cannot provide one.
How one-to-one lessons work
Lessons are 60 minutes, one to one, in LiveTutor's online classroom with video and a shared whiteboard, where processes are drawn as flowcharts and diagrams labelled together. The tutor follows the school's biology course, uses school tests to find weak topics, and for final-year students adds Tahsili-style multiple-choice practice.
When to start
Biology 2 in the second year has more than twice the periods of Biology 1, so the start of the second year is the natural time to begin. For Health and Life students aiming at medicine, steady support from then until Tahsili keeps science grades strong. One lesson a week usually keeps pace.
Common questions
Which track is best for medicine?
The Health and Life track is the track built around health sciences: it keeps Biology 2, Chemistry and Physics and adds Principles of Health Sciences, Health Care and Human Body Systems. Check the admission requirements of the universities you are considering.
Is there biology in the third year?
Not as a Biology course in the General, Computer Science and Engineering, or Health and Life study plans. The Health and Life track continues with Health Care and Human Body Systems in the third year.
Can lessons be in Arabic?
Sometimes. We have a small number of Arabic-speaking tutors, so it depends on availability. English-medium lessons covering the same Saudi biology are always available.
Does school biology help with Tahsili?
Yes. Tahsili draws on secondary school science, including biology. See our Tahsili science page for test-specific preparation.
How much do lessons cost?
$15 a lesson, the same for every subject and level, on a weekly plan of 1 to 5 lessons billed monthly. The first lesson is a free trial.
Sources
Dates and figures on this page come from these official and published sources. Always confirm deadlines on the official page before acting on them.