Edexcel IGCSE Biology specification (4BI1)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel IGCSE Biology exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Edexcel IGCSE Biology specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Edexcel IGCSE Biology (4BI1) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Edexcel International GCSE in Biology provides students with a strong foundation in biological concepts and processes, supporting progression to further scientific study. The course aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the natural world through five key themes: organisms, biological molecules, ecology, inheritance, and the use of resources. Emphasis is placed on practical skills, scientific enquiry, and applying knowledge to new contexts. The qualification encourages analysis, evaluation and a logical approach to problem-solving, equipping learners for future academic or career paths in science and healthcare fields.
Subject content breakdown
1 The nature and variety of living organisms
- Understand characteristics shared by all living things.
- Compare structures of eukaryotic, prokaryotic and viral organisms.
- Recognise pathogens including fungi, protoctists and viruses.
2 Structure and functions in living organisms
- Describe levels of organisation from organelles to systems.
- Compare plant and animal cells; understand stem cells.
- Understand macromolecules and test for nutrients.
- Explore enzymes, diffusion, osmosis, active transport.
- Describe plant and human nutrition, digestive system, enzymes and absorption.
- Compare aerobic and anaerobic respiration; investigate respiration in organisms.
- Understand gas exchange structures and processes in plants and humans.
- Examine transport systems in plants (xylem, phloem) and humans (heart, blood, vessels).
- Describe excretion processes in plants and humans; kidney function.
- Study coordination and response: nervous, hormonal systems and tropisms.
3 Reproduction and inheritance
- Compare sexual and asexual reproduction; structure of reproductive systems.
- Understand menstrual cycle, fertilisation, embryo development, and contraception.
- Explore inheritance: DNA, protein synthesis, alleles, genetic diagrams, mitosis/meiosis, mutation, variation, and natural selection.
4 Ecology and the environment
- Investigate ecosystems, quadrats, biodiversity, and abiotic/biotic factors.
- Interpret feeding relationships: food chains, energy pyramids.
- Understand carbon and nitrogen cycles.
- Evaluate human impact: pollution, greenhouse gases, eutrophication, deforestation.
5 Use of biological resources
- Examine food production techniques: glasshouses, fertilisers, biological control.
- Explore use of microorganisms in bread, yoghurt, fermentation.
- Understand selective breeding and genetic engineering processes (including insulin production).
- Learn about cloning in plants and animals, e.g. Dolly the sheep.
Assessment structure
Biology Paper 1 (4BI1/1B)
- 2 hours; 110 marks (61.1% of qualification)
- Assesses content without ‘B’ references (core topics only).
- Question types: multiple choice, short answers, calculations, and extended responses.
- Topics: all five areas (core content only).
Biology Paper 2 (4BI1/2B)
- 1 hour 15 minutes; 70 marks (38.9% of qualification)
- Assesses full specification content, including 'B' references (extended material).
- Includes similar question types to Paper 1.
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Knowledge & understanding (38–42%)
- AO2: Application, analysis & evaluation (38–42%)
- AO3: Experimental skills, data and method evaluation (19–21%)
Practical skills
- Assessed through written exams; embedded throughout specification.
- Includes specific practicals (italicised in spec) and suggested optional investigations.
Grading
- Total marks: 180 (combined from both papers).
- Graded 9–1 (9 highest); no coursework; first certification from June 2019.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel IGCSE Biology isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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