What should I focus on for Edexcel GCSE Biology?

Always show full working in magnification calculations—even if the final answer is wrong, method marks are available.

What should I focus on for Edexcel GCSE Biology? (2)

Use precise terminology: ‘cell wall’ is not the same as ‘cell membrane’; ‘resolution’ is not ‘magnification’.

What should I focus on for Edexcel GCSE Biology? (3)

In practical-based questions, describe how to improve reliability, such as repeating measurements and calculating a mean.

What should I focus on for Edexcel GCSE Biology? (4)

When comparing microscopes, structure your answer around magnification, resolution, sample preparation, and cost.

What should I focus on for Edexcel GCSE Biology? (5)

Ensure you can distinguish between the lytic and lysogenic pathways of viruses

What are common mistakes in Edexcel GCSE Biology?

Confusing magnification with resolution, stating that a light microscope can magnify unlimitedly.

What are common mistakes in Edexcel GCSE Biology? (2)

Forgetting to convert units consistently when using the magnification equation, leading to off-by-factor-of-1000 errors.

What are common mistakes in Edexcel GCSE Biology? (3)

Misidentifying organelles in plant versus animal cells, such as believing all plant cells have chloroplasts in root tissue.

Biology

Edexcel

GCSE

Specification: Pearson-GCSE-Biology

This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

Topics

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

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Study Guides

9 revision guides for Edexcel GCSE Biology

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Key Features

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

Assessment Objectives

AO1

40%

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: • scientific ideas • scientific techniques and procedures

AO2

40%

Apply knowledge and understanding of: • scientific ideas • scientific enquiry, techniques and procedures

AO3

20%

Analyse information and ideas to: • interpret and evaluate • make judgements and draw conclusions • develop and improve experimental procedures

What Gets Top Grades

A*/Grade 9

Knowledge & Understanding

Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

Uses correct subject-specific terminology
Shows detailed understanding of concepts
Makes accurate connections between topics
Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

Application

Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

Selects relevant knowledge for the question
Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
Uses examples appropriately
Shows awareness of context

Analysis & Evaluation

Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

Constructs logical chains of reasoning
Considers multiple perspectives
Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
Acknowledges limitations and nuances

Key Command Words

Edexcel

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name, select, or recognise

Outline

2 marks

Set out main features briefly

Describe

2-4 marks

Give an account of what something is like or what happens

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

Compare

2-4 marks

State similarities AND differences (both required)

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

Evaluate

6-12 marks

Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

Assess

6-12 marks

Make judgments about importance with justification

Calculate

2-4 marks

Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Confusing magnification with resolution, stating that a light microscope can magnify unlimitedly.
•Forgetting to convert units consistently when using the magnification equation, leading to off-by-factor-of-1000 errors.
•Misidentifying organelles in plant versus animal cells, such as believing all plant cells have chloroplasts in root tissue.
•Drawing biological specimens with shading or artistic detail instead of clear, labeled line drawings.
•Confusing communicable and non-communicable diseases
•Assuming antibiotics can kill viruses
•Misunderstanding the role of memory lymphocytes in secondary immune response
•Incorrectly calculating BMI or waist:hip ratios

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Always show full working in magnification calculations—even if the final answer is wrong, method marks are available.
•Use precise terminology: ‘cell wall’ is not the same as ‘cell membrane’; ‘resolution’ is not ‘magnification’.
•In practical-based questions, describe how to improve reliability, such as repeating measurements and calculating a mean.
•When comparing microscopes, structure your answer around magnification, resolution, sample preparation, and cost.
•Ensure you can distinguish between the lytic and lysogenic pathways of viruses
•Be prepared to calculate cross-sectional areas of bacterial cultures using pi*r^2
•Understand the ethical and practical implications of using monoclonal antibodies
•Know the specific physical and chemical barriers of the human body

Specification Topics

10 topics

E2E stub topic

This subtopic explores the fundamental structures of plant and animal cells, including organelle functions, and develops practical skills in microscopy. Students learn to prepare slides, use a light microscope safely, and calculate magnifications. These skills underpin many areas of biology, from genetics to ecology.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

Topic 5 – Health, disease and the development of medicines

This topic explores the definition of health and the distinction between communicable and non-communicable diseases, including the role of pathogens. It covers human and plant defence mechanisms, the development of medicines, and the impact of lifestyle factors on non-communicable diseases.

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

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Biology

Ready to practise?

Study Guides

Key Features

Assessment Objectives

What Gets Top Grades

Knowledge & Understanding

Application

Analysis & Evaluation

Key Command Words

Common Exam Mistakes

Top Examiner Tips

Specification Topics

E2E stub topic

Topic 5 – Health, disease and the development of medicines

Topic 6 – Plant structures and their functions

Topic 8 – Exchange and transport in animals

Topic 3 – Genetics

Topic 4 – Natural selection and genetic modification

Topic 9 – Ecosystems and material cycles

Topic 2 – Cells and control

Topic 1 – Key concepts in biology

Topic 7 – Animal coordination, control and homeostasis

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