Pearson Edexcel · IGCSE
Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Biology
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology (4BI1). What it covers, how it is assessed, a link to the official specification, and the free study material Marlbridge publishes for it.
- Syllabus
- 4BI1
- Board
- Pearson Edexcel
- Qualification
- IGCSE
- Not your course?
- Change course
Topics and resources
Each topic below is from the official Pearson Edexcel document for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology (4BI1), with its study guides, revision notes and practice questions together. Everything here is for Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Biology (4BI1) only.
- Learn with study guides
- Revise with revision notes
- Practise with practice questions
Searches topic names and resource titles for this course only.
No Biology (4BI1) resources match “”.
- Try one shorter word, or check the spelling.
- Try the wording the syllabus uses for the topic, as listed below once you clear the search.
- Some topics have no Marlbridge resource yet; they are still listed.
- Topic 1
The nature and variety of living organisms
Revision notes
Practice questions
- Topic 2
Structures and functions in living organisms
Covers Level of organisation, Cell structure, Biological molecules, Movement of substances into and out of cells, Nutrition, Respiration, Gas exchange, Transport, Excretion, Co-ordination and response
Study guides
- Co-ordination and response Read guide
- Excretion Read guide
- Gas exchange Read guide
- Level of organisation and biological molecules Read guide
- Movement of substances into and out of cells Read guide
- Respiration Read guide
- Transport Read guide
- Cell Structure and Biological Molecules (4BI1) Read guide
- Nutrition Read guide
Revision notes
- Co-ordination and response Revise topic
- Excretion Revise topic
- Gas exchange Revise topic
- Level of organisation and biological molecules Revise topic
- Movement of substances into and out of cells Revise topic
- Respiration Revise topic
- Transport Revise topic
- Cell Structure and Biological Molecules — Revision Notes (4BI1) Revise topic
- Nutrition Revise topic
Practice questions
- Co-ordination and response Try questions
- Excretion Try questions
- Gas exchange Try questions
- Level of organisation and biological molecules Try questions
- Movement of substances into and out of cells Try questions
- Respiration Try questions
- Transport Try questions
- Cell Structure and Biological Molecules — Practice Questions (4BI1) Try questions
- Nutrition Try questions
- Topic 3
Reproduction and inheritance
Covers Reproduction, Inheritance
Study guides
Revision notes
- Topic 4
Ecology and the environment
Study guides
Revision notes
Practice questions
- Topic 5
Use of biological resources
Study guides
Revision notes
Practice questions
Source: Pearson Edexcel – official International GCSE Biology (4BI1) specification PDF, Issue 3, September 2024 — Issue 3. Verified 2026-08-19. Subtopics are shown where Marlbridge has entered them; a topic may have more in the official document. A topic listed here is part of the syllabus; it does not mean Marlbridge has published material for it. Always check the current syllabus for your examination year.
About this course
- Qualification
- Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Biology
- Spec code
- 4BI1
- Does Marlbridge teach it?
- Yes — request a free trial class
- Who teaches it?
- Harris Zaman · Hina Mogul · Ameer Hamza
- Are resources available?
- Yes — 45 published
- Is enrolment open?
- Enquire to join — no online enrolment yet
- Official specification
- Pearson Edexcel specification
- Topic checklist
- Printable 4BI1 checklist
- Where was this verified?
- 2026-08-19, official Pearson Edexcel specification
Compiled and maintained by the Marlbridge Academic Team, checked against the official Pearson Edexcel specification on 2026-08-19.
Spotted something wrong on this page? Report an error — see the corrections policy.
The qualification
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology (4BI1)
Marlbridge's summary of the course
The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology gives students the opportunity to experience biology within the context of their general education, providing a solid basis for progression to Advanced GCE level or equivalent qualifications.
The board's own description is on the official Pearson Edexcel syllabus page.
Issue 3 (September 2024), first teaching September 2017. Untiered, linear qualification: two written papers (Biology Paper 1 and Paper 2) taken in the same series.
Specifications change between examination series. Always confirm the current syllabus and assessment structure on the Pearson Edexcel syllabus page for your examination year.
Assessment structure
Linear qualification
| Component | Duration | Marks | Weighting | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4BI1/1B: Biology Paper 1 | 2h | 110 | 61.1% | Written exam |
| 4BI1/2B: Biology Paper 2 | 1h 15m | 70 | 38.9% | Written exam |
Source: official Pearson Edexcel specification, verified 2026-08-28. Directly confirmed against the official PDF: linear qualification, two externally-assessed, untiered written papers taken in the same series. Paper 1 (2h, 110 marks, 61.1%) assesses only core (non-bold-referenced) content; Paper 2 (1h15, 70 marks, 38.9%) assesses all content including bold-referenced material – the identical assessment-weighting pattern used across Pearson's International GCSE sciences suite (matches sibling Chemistry 4CH1 and Physics 4PH1, independently re-confirmed from 4BI1's own source PDF). First teaching September 2017, first assessment June 2019, current specification Issue 3 (September 2024).
Questions about this course
How is Pearson Edexcel Biology (4BI1) assessed?
Pearson Edexcel Biology (4BI1) is assessed through: 4BI1/1B (Biology Paper 1) — 2h, 110 marks, 61.1% of the qualification; 4BI1/2B (Biology Paper 2) — 1h 15m, 70 marks, 38.9% of the qualification. It is a linear qualification. Source: official Pearson Edexcel specification, verified 2026-08-28.
What topics does Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Biology (4BI1) cover?
5 topics in the current syllabus: The nature and variety of living organisms; Structures and functions in living organisms; Reproduction and inheritance; Ecology and the environment; Use of biological resources. The printable topic checklist lists every topic and subtopic on one page.
Can I get a tutor for Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Biology (4BI1)?
Yes. Marlbridge teaches Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Biology (4BI1) live online, one-to-one or in small groups, taught by a named subject teacher from its academy in Lahore, Pakistan. The first trial class is free.
Are there free Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Biology (4BI1) revision notes and practice questions?
Yes. Marlbridge has published 45 free resources for this course (study guides, practice questions, revision notes), free to read with no sign-up.
The subject
Biology teaching and study resources, organised by level and topic.
Biology at other qualifications
These are separate qualifications with different syllabuses and assessments — not different names for the same course. Check which one your school enters you for.
- Cambridge A Level Biology Syllabus 9700
- Cambridge O Level Biology Syllabus 5090
- Pearson Edexcel A Level Biology Syllabus YBI11
- AQA GCSE Biology Syllabus 8461
- AQA A Level Biology Syllabus 7402
- OCR GCSE Biology Syllabus J247
- OCR A Level Biology Syllabus H420
- OxfordAQA A Level Biology Syllabus 9610
- International Baccalaureate IB Diploma Programme Biology Syllabus DP Biology
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