Edexcel, specification 1BI0
Edexcel GCSE Biology
Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) is the separate science (Triple Biology), sat as two papers of 1 hour 45 minutes and 100 marks each. Here are all 9 topics and 8 core practicals, with free revision notes, exam questions with mark schemes, flashcards and mind maps.
What do you want to do?
Revision notesShort notes for every spec point, with diagrams172 notesExam questionsExam-style questions with mark schemes252 questionsFlashcardsFlip, mark and practise what you don't know532 cardsMind mapsEach topic on one page9 mind mapsTopic testsPrintable tests with the mark scheme9 printable testsPracticalsMethod, variables and safety for each one8 practicals
Topics
Paper 1
1 hour 45 minutes · 100 marks- 1Key concepts in biologyCell structure and specialised cells · Microscopy and measuring cells · Enzyme action and activity · Biological catalysts, food tests and energy in food · Transport in cellsExamined on both papers5 subtopics
- 2Cells and controlMitosis and cancer · Growth, differentiation and stem cells · Neurones and reflexes · The brain · The eye5 subtopics
- 3GeneticsReproduction and meiosis · DNA and the genome · Protein synthesis and gene variants · Inheritance · Variation, mutations and the Human Genome Project5 subtopics
- 4Natural selection and genetic modificationDarwin, natural selection and antibiotic resistance · Evidence for evolution and classification · Selective breeding and tissue culture · Genetic engineering · Agriculture and evaluating biotechnology5 subtopics
- 5Health, disease and the development of medicinesHealth and disease · Pathogens and infections · Plant defences and plant disease · Human defences and immunity · Antibiotics, culturing microorganisms and new medicines · Non-communicable diseases6 subtopics
Paper 2
1 hour 45 minutes · 100 marks- 6Plant structures and their functionsPhotosynthesis and limiting factors · Transport in plants · Leaves, water uptake and extreme environments · Plant hormones4 subtopics
- 7Animal coordination, control and homeostasisHormones and the endocrine system · The menstrual cycle and fertility control · Homeostasis and temperature control · Blood glucose and diabetes · The urinary system and the kidneys5 subtopics
- 8Exchange and transport in animalsTransport and exchange surfaces · Factors affecting the rate of diffusion · Blood and blood vessels · The heart and circulation · Respiration5 subtopics
- 9Ecosystems and material cyclesCommunities and interdependence · Fieldwork and sampling · Energy transfer in ecosystems · Human impacts, biodiversity and food security · Material cycles · Indicator species and decomposition6 subtopics
What the labels mean
- Triple only
- Only in Triple Biology. Combined Science students can skip it.
- Higher tier
- Only on the Higher tier papers. Foundation students can skip it.
Anything without a label is for everyone taking Edexcel GCSE Biology.
About Edexcel GCSE Biology
Pearson Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) is the separate science, or Triple Biology. It has nine topics and two papers at Foundation or Higher tier. Topic 1, Key concepts in biology, can be examined on both papers, so it is worth revising first.
Paper 1
- Time
- 1 hour 45 minutes
- Marks
- 100 marks, 50% of the GCSE
- Topics
- Topics 1 to 5: Key concepts, Cells and control, Genetics, Natural selection and genetic modification, Health and disease
Paper 2
- Time
- 1 hour 45 minutes
- Marks
- 100 marks, 50% of the GCSE
- Topics
- Topics 1 and 6 to 9: Key concepts, Plant structures, Animal coordination, Exchange and transport, Ecosystems