SchoolIGCSEYear 10–11 / Grade 9–10 (ages 14–16)$12 – $32

Edexcel IGCSE Biology (4BI1)

Edexcel IGCSE Biology (International GCSE, 4BI1) is an untiered course assessed by Paper 1 (2 hours, 110 marks) and Paper 2 (1 hour 15 minutes, 70 marks), which also tests the content shown in bold. Our Edexcel International GCSE Biology course follows the 4BI1 specification: the nature and variety of living organisms, structure and functions in living organisms, reproduction and inheritance, ecology and the environment, and use of biological resources. You prepare for Paper 1 and Paper 2 and the suggested practicals. Lessons are live and one-to-one with a verified subject tutor, who sets past-paper questions, marks them against the mark scheme and plans revision for the May/June or October/November series. Suitable for international school students, home-schoolers and private candidates.

Reviewed by N. Kanik, Master's in Biology / Life SciencesLast updated

501 enrolled·60 lessons·60h·Intermediate·English
60
Lessons
60h
Total duration
501
Students enrolled
Intermediate
Level

What you will learn

Learning outcomes

  • Understand cell structure and organisation
  • Explain biological processes in plants and animals
  • Analyse photosynthesis and respiration
  • Understand ecology and biodiversity
  • Explain homeostasis and body coordination
  • Understand inheritance and genetic variation
  • Explain evolution by natural selection
  • Plan and evaluate biological investigations
  • Interpret scientific data
  • Answer Pearson Edexcel International GCSE examination questions effectively

Prerequisites

  • Basic Science
  • Elementary Biology
  • Basic Mathematics
  • English Reading and Writing

Tags

Edexcel IGCSE BiologyEdexcel International GCSE Biology 4BI1IGCSE Biology tutorPearson Edexcel Biology4BI1 past papersPaper 2 only contentGrade 9Grade 10

Course structure

Syllabus(5 modules)

  • Characteristics of Living Organisms
  • Common Features: Eukaryotic Organisms
  • Common Features: Prokaryotic Organisms
  • Pathogens

What is Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1)?

In short: this course gives one-to-one online tutoring for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1). A verified tutor teaches the core and the bold Paper 2 content, practical skills and exam technique, using Edexcel past papers.

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1) is an international GCSE qualification taken by students aged about 14 to 16 in the UK and worldwide. It has no tiers, is graded 9 to 1 and is assessed by two written exams, with practical skills tested inside those papers.

This course covers the full 4BI1 specification one to one with a verified biology tutor.

Official specification: Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1). Papers and content can change, so check the current specification on the board's website.

For wider support, see our biology tutoring page, or the Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) course if your school follows Cambridge.

What are the Edexcel International GCSE Biology papers?

Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1, first taught 2017) is untiered, calculators are allowed, and there is no non-exam assessment. Check the current specification on the board's website.

PaperTimeMarksWeightingContent
Paper 12 hours11061.1%Core content
Paper 21 hour 15 minutes7038.9%All content, including the bold content

Which topics does 4BI1 cover?

The 4BI1 specification covers: the nature and variety of living organisms; structure and functions in living organisms; reproduction and inheritance; ecology and the environment; and use of biological resources.

How are practical skills assessed?

There is no separate practical exam. The specification lists suggested practicals, such as investigating osmosis, enzyme activity and photosynthesis, and the written papers ask you to plan experiments, analyse results and evaluate methods. Tutors walk through each practical and the questions examiners ask about it.

Exam technique and past papers

Tutors use Pearson Edexcel past papers and mark schemes to teach exactly what examiners reward: precise key terms, units in every calculation, and well-structured six-mark answers. Topics marked Paper 2 only get extra attention, because students often neglect them.

What does a worked biology question look like?

Here is a typical calculation: an image of a cell is 30 mm long at × 1,500 magnification. Find its real length.

StepWorking
FormulaReal size = image ÷ magnification
Calculation30 mm ÷ 1,500 = 0.02 mm
Convert20 µm

Where do students lose marks in Edexcel International GCSE Biology?

Students most often lose marks through the habits below. Each is easy to fix with practice and feedback.

Mark-loserWhat to do instead
Units missingGive units with every answer
Vague explanationsUse specification terms and logical steps
Graphs unlabelledLabel axes with units
Practical answers vagueName variables, method and improvements
Bold content skippedRevise the Paper 2 bold content too

How the lessons work

Lessons are live and one to one on video with a shared whiteboard. Your tutor explains each topic, checks understanding with exam-style questions and builds a revision plan towards your exam date. See also Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610), our Biology subject page and Edexcel A-Level Biology A (SNAB).

Edexcel IGCSE Biology tutor online: who this 4BI1 course is for, prerequisites and study plan

An Edexcel IGCSE Biology tutor online gives you live 1-to-1 lessons on the 4BI1 topics, with practice for Paper 1, the bold content on Paper 2 and practical-skills questions.

This course suits Edexcel International GCSE students at school and private candidates, in any country.

Prerequisites: basic science and maths, and English reading.

Course length: 60 lessons across 5 sections.

StageTopicsWhat you can do afterwards
1The nature and variety of living organismsDescribe the main groups of organisms
2Structure and function in living organismsExplain cells, nutrition, transport and coordination
3Reproduction and inheritanceSolve genetics problems
4Ecology and the environment; use of biological resourcesExplain ecosystems, food production and biotechnology

Where it leads: see the Cambridge IGCSE Biology course if your school follows Cambridge, or our biology tutoring page.

Edexcel IGCSE Biology (4BI1): frequently asked questions

What is the Edexcel International GCSE Biology code?

The specification code is 4BI1.

Is Edexcel IGCSE Biology tiered?

No. Everyone sits the same papers and can achieve grades 9 to 1.

What does 'Paper 2 only' mean?

Some content is examined only on Paper 2. Students taking the Science Double Award don't study it.

Is there a practical exam?

No. Practical skills are assessed through questions in the written papers.

What is the hardest topic in IGCSE Biology?

Many students find genetics, transport and coordination the most challenging; tutors give these extra practice.

How do I get a 9 in Edexcel IGCSE Biology?

Learn the specification wording, practise six-mark answers, master the suggested practicals and use past papers with mark schemes.

Do you use Edexcel past papers?

Yes. Tutors use Pearson Edexcel past papers and mark schemes.

How much does an IGCSE Biology tutor cost?

The price depends on the tutor and session length. You see the hourly rate before booking, with no subscription.

Can I study online from any country?

Yes. Lessons are online and scheduled around your time zone.

How is Edexcel International GCSE Biology assessed?

Paper 1 (2 hours, 110 marks, 61.1%) on core content and Paper 2 (1 hour 15 minutes, 70 marks, 38.9%) on all content including the bold content.

What are the Edexcel IGCSE Biology grade boundaries?

Pearson publishes grade boundaries for Edexcel IGCSE Biology after each exam series, and they change from year to year with paper difficulty. They show the raw marks needed for each grade. Your tutor marks full past papers and compares your scores with recent boundaries to estimate your grade and target the topics that matter most.

Can I use a calculator?

Yes. Calculators are allowed.

Which textbook is best for Edexcel IGCSE Biology?

Most schools use a student book endorsed or approved by Pearson for Edexcel IGCSE Biology, alongside the official specification and a good revision guide. Choose a book written for the current specification so the content and terminology match your exam. Your tutor links lessons to your textbook chapters and fills any gaps with exam-style practice.

What is the bold content?

Content in bold in the specification, which is assessed only in Paper 2.

Where can I find Edexcel IGCSE Biology past papers?

Pearson publishes recent Edexcel IGCSE Biology past papers, mark schemes and examiner reports on its website, and schools can access more through their secure portals. Use them under timed conditions, then mark your answers carefully with the mark scheme. Your tutor sets past-paper questions topic by topic, then full timed papers closer to your exam.

How do I calculate magnification?

Magnification = image size ÷ real size; convert mm to µm by multiplying by 1,000.

Can I book a single lesson first?

Yes. You can book one session to see if the tutor suits you, with no subscription.

How often should I have lessons?

Weekly lessons suit most students; add extra sessions before exams.

Can my tutor set practice between lessons?

Yes. Tutors can set past-paper questions and go through them in the next session.

Do you offer lessons in my time zone?

Yes. Lessons are online, so you can book times that suit your time zone.

Can I get an Edexcel IGCSE Biology tutor online?

Yes. You can learn with a 1-to-1 Edexcel IGCSE Biology tutor online through live video lessons from any country. Your tutor explains each 4BI1 topic, covers the bold content for Paper 2, practises practical-skills questions and uses past papers to find and fix your weak areas.

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