Edexcel International GCSE Biology Course Overview¶

Revision notes organised by course overview, topic-area hubs, topic pages, practical reference pages and cross-topic syntheses.

Scope¶

• Qualification: Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology
• Qualification code: 4BI1
• Scope anchor: Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1) specification
• This overview covers the full course, including Topics 1 to 5, the bold B content, mathematical expectations and suggested practical investigations

Assessment Shape¶

• Paper 1 (4BI1/1B): 2 hours, 110 marks, 61.1% of the qualification; assesses core content that is not in bold and does not have a B reference
• Paper 2 (4BI1/2B): 1 hour 15 minutes, 70 marks, 38.9% of the qualification; assesses all content, including bold B content
• Both papers can draw questions from any topic area across the specification
• Questions include multiple choice, short answer, calculations and extended open-response questions
• Experimental skills are assessed through written examinations rather than a separate practical paper

Route Labels¶

• All students means the content is required for both Biology-only and Combined Science students.
• **Biology-only** means the content is required for Biology-only students and is not required for Combined Science students.
• All students + **Biology-only** detail means the objective includes core content plus an extra Biology-only element.

Topic Map¶

• 1 The Nature and Variety of Living Organisms: 2 topic pages and 4 learning objectives.
• 2 Structure and Functions in Living Organisms: 10 topic pages and 30 learning objectives.
• 3 Reproduction and Inheritance: 2 topic pages and 7 learning objectives.
• 4 Ecology and the Environment: 4 topic pages and 12 learning objectives.
• 5 Use of Biological Resources: 4 topic pages and 11 learning objectives.