Edexcel IGCSE Biology Specification (Syllabus) Checklist — Track Every Topic You've Mastered
The complete Edexcel IGCSE Biology (4BI1) specification — often called the syllabus — reorganised as an interactive revision checklist. Tick off each learning objective as you master it: your progress is saved on this device, so you can come back any time. Content assessed only on Paper 2 is clearly flagged.
How the two Edexcel IGCSE Biology papers cover the syllabus
Paper 1 (4BI1/1B) is a 2-hour exam worth 110 marks — 61.1% of your grade. It assesses the core content only: every statement below without a P2 badge.
Paper 2 (4BI1/2B) is 1 hour 15 minutes, worth 70 marks — 38.9% of your grade. It can assess everything , including the deeper 'B' statements badged P2 ONLY below. Both papers mix multiple-choice, short-answer, calculation and extended-response questions, and both are offered in June and November.
Ticked the topics — now practise them the way examiners mark them
Every Edexcel IGCSE Biology past paper from 2019–2026, fully solved and classified by these exact syllabus points, with mark-scheme keywords highlighted in every answer. The complete notes eBook is included free.
Get the Solved Past Papers → See the Biology Notes eBook⬇ Download the syllabus PDF (4BI1)
About the Edexcel IGCSE Biology (4BI1) specification — the official syllabus
The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE in Biology (specification code 4BI1) is assessed through two written papers, with grades from 9 to 1 and a combined total of 180 marks. The content is organised into five sections — The Nature and Variety of Living Organisms, Structures and Functions in Living Organisms, Reproduction and Inheritance, Ecology and the Environment, and Use of Biological Resources — and every examinable idea is written as a numbered specification point, which is exactly what this checklist tracks. In everyday use, "specification" and "syllabus" mean the same thing here: the official list of everything Edexcel can examine in IGCSE Biology. The same content is examined on both the linear route (4BI1) and the modular route (Unit 1: 4WBI1/1B and Unit 2: 4WBI2/1B), so this checklist works for both.
Core statements can be tested on either paper. Statements printed in bold with a 'B' reference in the official document (for example stem cells, transpiration, the kidney and nephron, protein synthesis, the nitrogen cycle, fish farming and cloning) are examined on Paper 2 only — that's what the P2 ONLY badge above means. Specified practicals are assessed through written questions, not coursework, so you need to know each method, its variables and how to evaluate the results.
Use this page as your master revision tracker: work through your Edexcel IGCSE Biology notes topic by topic, tick each point once you can answer questions on it, then confirm it with real exam questions from the Edexcel IGCSE Biology solved past papers (2019–2026). Also sitting Chemistry? Use the matching Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry specification checklist. Cambridge student instead? See the Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 notes.
Edexcel IGCSE Biology specification — FAQ
Is the Edexcel IGCSE Biology specification the same as the syllabus?
Yes. Edexcel officially calls the document a "specification", but most students, parents and schools call it the syllabus. Both refer to the same thing: the complete list of topics and learning objectives examined in IGCSE Biology 4BI1 — exactly what this checklist covers.
What is the specification code for Edexcel IGCSE Biology?
The subject code is 4BI1 for the linear route. Paper 1 is 4BI1/1B and Paper 2 is 4BI1/2B, available in the June and November series. The modular route uses Unit 1 (4WBI1/1B) and Unit 2 (4WBI2/1B) with cash-in code 4XBI1.
What's the difference between Paper 1 and Paper 2 content?
Paper 1 (2 hours, 110 marks, 61.1%) tests core content only. Paper 2 (1 hour 15 minutes, 70 marks, 38.9%) can test all content, including the bold 'B' statements that cover certain sub-topics in greater depth — flagged P2 ONLY in this checklist.
Is there a practical exam in Edexcel IGCSE Biology?
No. Practical skills are assessed through written questions in both papers. The specification lists required practicals — such as food tests, enzyme investigations, osmosis, photosynthesis and quadrat sampling — which are marked PRACTICAL in this checklist.
How do I use this checklist to revise?
Open a section, study the topic from your notes, then tick each specification point once you can answer exam questions on it without help. Your ticks are saved in your browser, and finishing a whole topic earns you some confetti. Finish the loop by practising real questions from the solved past papers.
How many topics are in the Edexcel IGCSE Biology specification?
Five sections: The Nature and Variety of Living Organisms, Structures and Functions in Living Organisms (cells, enzymes, nutrition, respiration, gas exchange, transport, excretion, co-ordination), Reproduction and Inheritance, Ecology and the Environment, and Use of Biological Resources.
Turn this syllabus checklist into an A*
Notes written for the mark scheme and the latest syllabus, every past paper 2019–2026 fully solved and classified by topic, quizzes, flashcards and direct WhatsApp support from Mr Hosni.
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