Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0): complete guide to the nine topics, the core practicals and the exams

Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Biology (specification 1BI0) is a linear course assessed by two written papers at the end of the course. There is no coursework, but practical skills from the eight core practicals are examined in both papers. This page is the index: below is a map of the nine topics, the exam structure, and how to study each one.

The nine Edexcel Biology topics

The specification has nine topics. Paper 1 covers topics 1 to 5; Paper 2 covers topics 1, 6, 7, 8 and 9. Topic 1 is examined on both papers, so it is worth knowing especially well.

Topic 1. Key concepts in biology

Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, specialised cells, microscopy and magnification, enzymes and the effect of pH, temperature and substrate concentration, the food tests, and transport by diffusion, osmosis and active transport.

Topic 2. Cells and control

Mitosis and the cell cycle, cancer, growth and percentile charts, cell differentiation and stem cells, the brain and the nervous system, reflex arcs, and (Biology only) the structure and defects of the eye.

Topic 3. Genetics

Sexual and asexual reproduction, meiosis, DNA structure and the genome, protein synthesis (Biology only), monohybrid inheritance with Punnett squares and pedigrees, sex determination, variation and mutation, and the Human Genome Project.

Topic 4. Natural selection and genetic modification

Darwin and Wallace, evolution by natural selection, evidence from fossils, stone tools and the pentadactyl limb, classification and the three domains, selective breeding, tissue culture, and genetic engineering.

Topic 5. Health, disease and the development of medicines

Communicable and non-communicable disease, the four pathogen types, how pathogens spread, plant defences and disease detection, the body's physical, chemical and immune defences, immunisation, antibiotics, and developing new medicines.

Topic 6. Plant structures and their functions

Photosynthesis and its limiting factors, the inverse square law, root hair cells, xylem and phloem, transpiration and translocation, the leaf, and (Biology only) plant adaptations and plant hormones.

Topic 7. Animal coordination, control and homeostasis

Hormones and the endocrine system, adrenalin and thyroxine, the menstrual cycle, contraception and assisted reproduction, blood glucose control and diabetes, thermoregulation, and (Biology only) the kidney and osmoregulation.

Topic 8. Exchange and transport in animals

Surface area to volume ratio and exchange surfaces, the alveoli, Fick's law, the blood and blood vessels, the heart and circulation, respiration, and cardiac output.

Topic 9. Ecosystems and material cycles

Levels of organisation, abiotic and biotic factors, interdependence, sampling with quadrats and transects, energy transfer and biomass, biodiversity and human impact, the carbon, water and nitrogen cycles, and decomposition.

Exam structure

Edexcel GCSE Biology is assessed by two written papers, both sat at the end of the course. A calculator is allowed in both.

• Paper 1 (1BI0/1) covers topics 1 to 5. 1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks, 50%.
• Paper 2 (1BI0/2) covers topics 1, 6, 7, 8 and 9. 1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks, 50%.

Both papers mix multiple-choice, short-answer, calculation and extended open-response questions. Around 15% of marks assess practical skills, and at least 10% assess maths.

How to study Edexcel Biology

Biology rewards precise vocabulary, clear links between structure and function, and confident data handling.

1. Work from the specification statements. Each numbered point (for example 1.1 or 7.13) is a checklist, and questions are written from them. The B suffix marks Biology-only statements that are not in Combined Science.
2. Learn definitions precisely. Mark schemes reward exact wording for terms like enzyme, homeostasis, allele, codominance and biodiversity.
3. Master the eight core practicals. Their methods, variables and data analysis recur across both papers.
4. Drill the maths. Magnification, percentage change, the inverse square law, Fick's law, genetic ratios, BMI, cardiac output and energy-transfer efficiency all appear.
5. Practise application and extended answers. Apply ideas to unfamiliar contexts and rehearse the longer six-mark open-response questions.

The nine topics, dot point by dot point

Each topic has specification-statement-level answer pages with worked exam questions and cross-links, plus an overview guide and quiz. Browse the full set at /gcse-edexcel/biology/syllabus.

For the official specification

Pearson publishes the full specification (1BI0), past papers, mark schemes and the practical handbook at qualifications.pearson.com. Always revise from the current specification and Edexcel's own past papers, because question style is board-specific.