Edexcel A-Level Biology B exam papers and weighting (9BI0)
Guide overview All 10 topics Sample questions Papers and weighting Look inside Questions and answers
What each Edexcel A-Level Biology B paper assesses
Edexcel A-Level Biology B (specification 9BI0) is the concept-led route, taught as ten topics with no optional content. Paper 1 examines topics 1 to 7, Paper 2 topics 1 to 4 and 8 to 10, and Paper 3 draws on all ten, with synoptic questions that span two or more. The first four topics are examined on every paper, so they carry the most weight of anything on the course.
| Paper | Covers | Length | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Paper 1 Advanced Biochemistry, Microbiology and Genetics |
Draws on topics 1 to 7 Questions are broken into parts and include extended response Assesses knowledge, application and the handling of experimental data |
1 hour 45 minutes | 90 marks | 30% |
|
Paper 2 Advanced Physiology, Evolution and Ecology |
Draws on topics 1 to 4 and topics 8 to 10 Questions are broken into parts and include extended response Assesses knowledge, application and the handling of experimental data |
1 hour 45 minutes | 90 marks | 30% |
|
Paper 3 General and Practical Principles in Biology |
Draws on all ten topics and includes synoptic questions spanning two or more Carries the heaviest weighting of the three papers Carries the largest share of the analysis and evaluation marks, and targets understanding of experimental methods |
2 hours 30 minutes | 120 marks | 40% |
|
9BI0/04 Science Practical Endorsement |
Teacher assessed against the common practical assessment criteria across at least 12 practical activities, and monitored by Pearson Reported separately as a pass, and does not contribute to the A-level grade |
Completed during the course | Reported separately | — |
Every topic, and where it is examined
| Topic | Examined on | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Biological Molecules | Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3 | 256 |
| Cells, Viruses and Reproduction of Living Things | Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3 | 243 |
| Classification and Biodiversity | Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3 | 134 |
| Exchange and Transport | Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3 | 383 |
| Energy for Biological Processes | Paper 1, Paper 3 | 181 |
| Microbiology and Pathogens | Paper 1, Paper 3 | 191 |
| Modern Genetics | Paper 1, Paper 3 | 100 |
| Origins of Genetic Variation | Paper 2, Paper 3 | 103 |
| Control Systems | Paper 2, Paper 3 | 265 |
| Ecosystems | Paper 2, Paper 3 | 217 |
Assessment details from the Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Biology B, specification 9BI0. Pearson Edexcel specification.
Every paper is covered, because the guide runs the whole specification.Get the guide, £8
Edexcel A-Level Biology B Active Recall Guide
2,073 questions across every paper on the specification.