Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1)
Study organisms, biological processes and their environmental and practical applications through two written examinations.
Specification Issue 3, September 2024
Course structure and assessment routes
- All candidates take both papers. Paper 1 covers the non-bold content; Paper 2 can assess all content, including the additional B-labelled statements.
Main syllabus content
- Nature and variety of living organisms
- Structures and functions in organisms
- Reproduction and inheritance
- Ecology and the environment
- Use of biological resources
Use Syllabus for the topic checklist. Where the qualification offers options, follow your chosen route rather than treating every option as compulsory.
4BI1 assessment structure
Use the route above to identify which components you take. Marks below are raw marks; the stated weightings determine their contribution to the award.
4BI1/1B
Biology Paper 1
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Marks
- 110
- Weighting
- 61.1%
4BI1/2B
Biology Paper 2
- Duration
- 1 hour 15 minutes
- Marks
- 70
- Weighting
- 38.9%
Key assessment information
- Both papers are externally assessed and permit calculators. Paper 1 is shared with 4SD0 Biology; this does not make the full Biology and Double Award qualifications interchangeable. Core content here does not indicate a Cambridge-style tier.
Official sources and verification
Checked 2026-09-04 against the official 4BI1 syllabus/specification (PDF). Specification Issue 3, September 2024.
Source PDF pages: 13, 14. PDF page positions may differ from printed page numbers.
IGCSEfy is an independent study aid. Check the full official document and your exam-paper instructions, especially exam-year options, equipment and centre arrangements. Older archive papers may follow an earlier syllabus.