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Pearson Edexcel · IGCSE

Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Biology

Biology for Pearson Edexcel IGCSE (syllabus 4BI1) — what the qualification covers, and the study material Marlbridge publishes for it.

Syllabus
4BI1
Board
Pearson Edexcel
Qualification
IGCSE

At a glance

Qualification
Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Biology
Spec code
4BI1
Does Marlbridge teach it?
Yes
Are resources available?
Yes — 9 published
Is enrolment open?
Enquire to join — no online enrolment yet
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)

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. — Pearson Edexcel, official 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

Assessment components for Pearson Edexcel Biology 4BI1
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).

Assessment FAQs

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.

The subject

Biology teaching and study resources, organised by level and topic.

All Biology at Marlbridge

Syllabus topics

The 5 topics below are the official subject content of Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology (4BI1), for the Issue 3 examination series, reproduced from the Pearson Edexcel syllabus document.

A topic listed here is part of the syllabus. It does not mean Marlbridge has published material for it — topics with resources are marked. Marlbridge currently has resources for 3 of 5 topics.

  1. 1 The nature and variety of living organisms

    3 Marlbridge resources

  2. 2 Structures and functions in living organisms

    3 Marlbridge resources

    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

  3. 3 Reproduction and inheritance

    3 Marlbridge resources

    Reproduction · Inheritance

  4. 4 Ecology and the environment

    Syllabus topic · no resource yet

  5. 5 Use of biological resources

    Syllabus topic · no resource yet

Source: Pearson Edexcel -- official International GCSE Biology (4BI1) specification PDF, Issue 3, September 2024 — Issue 3 series. Verified 2026-08-19. Always check the current syllabus for your examination year.

Study resources

Revision material

Exam preparation

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.

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