Edexcel A-Level Biology B
Explore your course, one topic at a time.
Course overview
The PEARSON-EDEXCEL A-Level Biology B specification covers 11 study areas with 264 learning objectives (9BI0). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.
- 11 study areas
- 264 learning objectives
Verified courseQuestions and notes checked against the official specification.
- 201
- verified practice questions
- 78
- verified teaching notes
- 11
- topics
Your exams
- Paper 1: Advanced Biochemistry, Microbiology and GeneticsMonday, 7 June 2027, PM
- Paper 2: Advanced Physiology, Evolution and EcologyMonday, 14 June 2027, PM
- Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in BiologyFriday, 18 June 2027, AM
Always confirm dates and times with your exam centre.
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Advanced Biochemistry, Microbiology and Genetics | 105 min | 90 | 30% |
| Paper 2: Advanced Physiology, Evolution and Ecology | 105 min | 90 | 30% |
| Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Biology | 150 min | 120 | 40% |
Explore your topics
11 study areas
Biological Molecules2 topics
Cells, Viruses and Reproduction of Living Things2 topics
Classification and Biodiversity1 topic
Exchange and Transport2 topics
Energy for Biological Processes2 topics
Microbiology and Pathogens2 topics
Modern Genetics1 topic
Origins of Genetic Variation1 topic
Control Systems2 topics
Science Practical Endorsement14 topics
- Topic 1: Biological Molecules8 specification points covering 1.1 Carbohydrates i Know the difference between monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides.28 objectives
- Topic 2: Cells, Viruses and Reproduction of Living Things8 specification points covering 2.1 Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell structure and function i Understand that cell theory is a unifying concept that states…27 objectives
- Topic 4: Exchange and Transport11 specification points covering 4.1 Surface area to volume ratio i Understand how surface area to volume ratio affects transport of molecules in living…38 objectives
- Topic 5: Energy for Biological Processes10 specification points covering 5.1 Aerobic respiration i Know that cellular respiration yields ATP which is used as a source of energy for metabolic…33 objectives
- Topic 6: Microbiology and Pathogens10 specification points covering 6.1 Microbial techniques i Understand the basic aseptic techniques used in culturing organisms.33 objectives
- Topic 9: Control Systems10 specification points covering 9.1 Homeostasis i Know that homeostasis is the maintenance of a state of dynamic equilibrium.35 objectives
- Topic 10: Ecosystems6 specification points covering 10.1 The nature of ecosystems i Understand what is meant by the term ecosystem and that they range in size.18 objectives
About this course
About Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology B
Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology B is a concept-led course that explores the fundamental principles of biology through a systems-based approach. You will study topics ranging from the molecular building blocks of life to the complex interactions within ecosystems, with a strong emphasis on how biological processes work together to maintain life. The specification is structured into ten topics, each building on core themes such as energy transfer, information flow, and homeostasis.
The course encourages you to think like a scientist, developing your ability to design experiments, analyse data, and evaluate evidence. Practical skills are integrated throughout, and you will complete a minimum of twelve core practical activities that prepare you for the written exams and a practical endorsement. The specification also highlights the relevance of biology to modern society, including applications in medicine, biotechnology, and environmental management.
Assessment Structure
This qualification is assessed through three written exam papers, all taken at the end of the two-year course. Paper 1 covers topics 1-5 and includes a mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-writing questions, worth 90 marks and 31% of the total. Paper 2 covers topics 6-10 and follows the same format, also worth 90 marks and 31%. Paper 3 is a synoptic paper that tests content from all topics and includes a pre-released scientific article, worth 120 marks and 38% of the total. There is no coursework; however, students must complete a minimum of twelve core practicals to achieve the Practical Endorsement, which is reported separately.
Why Choose Pearson Edexcel?
- Edexcel Biology B offers a clear, logical structure that helps students see the bigger picture of biology, making it easier to connect ideas across different topics.
- The course includes a synoptic paper with a pre-released article, which develops critical reading and analysis skills highly valued by universities.
- Edexcel provides a wide range of support materials, including past papers, mark schemes, and exemplar answers, giving students ample opportunity to practice and refine exam technique.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Edexcel Biology A and Biology B?
How many exams are there in Edexcel A-Level Biology B and what do they cover?
Is there a practical endorsement for Edexcel A-Level Biology B?
What topics are covered in Edexcel A-Level Biology B?
How can I prepare effectively for the Edexcel Biology B exams?
Assessment and exam guidance
Assessment Objectives
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures.
Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures in a theoretical context, in a practical context, when handling qualitative data and when handling quantitative data.
Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues, to make judgements and reach conclusions and to develop and refine practical design and procedures.
Exam Structure
Paper 1: Advanced Biochemistry, Microbiology and Genetics
1h 45m
Duration
90
Marks
30%
Weighting
Paper 2: Advanced Physiology, Evolution and Ecology
1h 45m
Duration
90
Marks
30%
Weighting
Paper 3: General and Practical Principles in Biology
2h 30m
Duration
120
Marks
40%
Weighting
Tips and common mistakes
Common Exam Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exams
- •Thinking all polysaccharides are identical: correction is that starch is amylose plus amylopectin, glycogen is highly branched, and cellulose has straight chains with beta glucose.
- •Saying condensation adds water: correction is that condensation releases water, while hydrolysis uses water to split a glycosidic bond.
- •Confusing alpha and beta glucose: correction is that they differ only in the hydroxyl group position on carbon 1.
- •Mixing up the disaccharide components: correction is sucrose from glucose and fructose, lactose from glucose and galactose, maltose from two glucose units.
- •Saying a triglyceride contains three ester bonds but forgetting water is released: correction is that each condensation releases one water molecule as an ester bond forms.
- •Treating saturated and unsaturated as about energy content only: correction is that the key difference is the presence or absence of carbon-carbon double bonds in the fatty acid chains.
- •Describing phospholipids as having three fatty acids: correction is that phospholipids have two fatty acids plus a phosphate group.
- •Saying the phospholipid bilayer blocks all substances: correction is that it is a barrier to water-soluble substances while allowing lipid-soluble substances through.
Top Examiner Tips
Expert advice for exam success
- •Learn each disaccharide as a pair of named monosaccharides so you can answer quickly and accurately.
- •When asked about structure and function, name the structural feature first, then state the functional advantage it gives.
- •Use the words condensation, hydrolysis and glycosidic bond precisely in multiple-choice options.
- •Sketch alpha and beta glucose side by side and label carbon 1 so the difference is clear.
- •Count the bonds and water molecules: three fatty acids mean three ester bonds and three water molecules released.
- •Use the terms hydrophilic and hydrophobic when explaining bilayer formation.
- •Link each lipid property to a named role, such as energy storage, waterproofing, insulation or membrane function.
- •Check whether a question asks about triglycerides or phospholipids before choosing an answer.
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