Qualification
Pearson Edexcel A-level
Biology B specification 9BIO. This is distinct from the separately taught Biology A Salters-Nuffield specification.
Pearson Edexcel A-level Biology B · Specification 9BIO
Online A-level Biology Course
Study cells, biological molecules, genetics, physiology, microbiology, evolution and ecosystems through a structured two-year home-study course. Develop the biological knowledge, mathematical skills and practical understanding required for Pearson Edexcel A-level Biology B.
Immediate access to the online course
41 structured lessons across four modules
Optional tutor marking, tutorials and printed materials
Start your A-level Biology course
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Course overview
Study Biology from molecules and cells to entire ecosystems
The course develops a detailed understanding of life at molecular, cellular, organism and ecosystem level. Students also learn to analyse experimental evidence, apply biological principles to unfamiliar situations and use mathematics in a biological context.
Course structure
4 modules · 41 lessons
Two first-year modules are followed by two advanced second-year modules.
Recommended study time
Approximately 700 hours
We normally recommend allowing two years to complete the course, including practical study, assignments, revision and examination preparation.
AS option
Optional first-year qualification
The first-year content also prepares students for AS Biology B specification 8BIO.
Assignments
14 Tutor-marked Assignments
Examination-style assignments test knowledge, application, calculations, data analysis and extended writing.
Practical content
16 Core Practicals
Eight are studied during the first year and a further eight during the second year.
Final assessment
3 written papers
The papers assess content from across the complete two-year course, including practical and mathematical skills.
Mathematical skills
At least 10% of examination marks
Mathematics is assessed in a biological context at approximately Higher Tier GCSE level.
A secure GCSE Biology background is assumed
The specification assumes that students have achieved at least grade C in GCSE or IGCSE Biology or Double Award Science. The course revisits relevant prior knowledge, but students without this background may need additional preparation.
The AS qualification is optional
The first year of the A-level course contains the same content as the standalone AS Biology B qualification. Students may choose to sit the AS examinations after their first year for examination practice or to obtain an interim qualification.
AS marks do not contribute towards the final A-level. Students continuing to the full A-level must still sit all three A-level papers at the end of the complete course, and separate examination fees apply to the optional AS entry.
Practical understanding is examined in writing
There is no separate practical examination. Questions about experimental design, techniques, observations, results and evaluation are included within the written papers.
The course supports this through suitable home practicals, detailed textbook material, videos and photographs of laboratory procedures.
We recommend allowing two years for an A-level
A-level Biology involves approximately 700 hours of study. Most students should therefore plan to complete the course over two academic years rather than attempting to compress the full specification into a single year.
This allows time to develop the required biological knowledge, mathematical skills, practical understanding and examination technique, while revisiting first-year material throughout the second year.
The separate Science Practical Endorsement is not provided
Pearson also allows centres to assess practical competency internally and report a separate pass alongside the A-level grade. Oxford Home Schooling cannot conduct this internal assessment.
The endorsement is separate from the A-level grade. A student can still receive an A-level grade and certificate without it, and its absence does not reduce the examination grade.
How the course works
Develop biological knowledge and examination skills together
Work through the lessons in sequence, using the Oxford Home Schooling materials alongside the required textbooks. Each module combines biological theory, practical methods, mathematical work, data analysis and examination-style questions.
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Begin with first-year Biology
Start with biological molecules, cells, reproduction, exchange, transport and biodiversity. These modules also form the complete AS course.
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Use the course and textbook together
Each lesson identifies relevant textbook reading, activities, keywords, practical work and examination questions.
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Progress to advanced topics
The second year develops respiration, photosynthesis, microbiology, genetics, homeostasis, nervous control and ecosystem analysis.
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Prepare for the complete A-level
Revise both years together, practise mathematical and practical questions and complete all three practice papers under timed conditions.
Optional extra support
Add tutor support when it would help
Assignment marking, practice-paper marking, Email Tutor Support and one-to-one tutorials can be added when you need feedback on biological explanations, calculations, data analysis, practical methods or examination technique.
What you’ll study
Four modules covering the complete A-level Biology B course
The first year establishes the molecular, cellular and physiological foundations of Biology. The second year develops advanced biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, control systems, evolution and ecology.
First year · also the complete AS Biology course
Modules 1 and 2 contain 23 lessons and eight Core Practicals. They prepare students for the optional AS Biology B examinations and also form the first half of the full A-level course.
Module 1 Molecules, Cells and Reproduction Biological molecules, cell structure, microscopy, DNA, protein synthesis, enzymes, cell division and reproduction. 13 lessons · 4 Core Practicals
- Life on Planet Earth
- Carbohydrates
- Lipids
- Proteins and Ions
- Two Types of Cell
- Microscopy — Core Practical 2
- DNA
- Protein Synthesis
- Mutations and Viruses
- Enzymes A
- Enzymes B — Core Practical 1
- Cell Division — Core Practical 3
- Sexual Reproduction — Core Practical 4
Tutor-marked Assignment A
Tutor-marked Assignment B
Tutor-marked Assignment C
Tutor-marked Assignment D
Module 2 Exchange, Transport and Diversity Exchange surfaces, osmosis, gas exchange, circulation, blood, plant transport, classification, natural selection and biodiversity. 10 lessons · 4 Core Practicals
- Surface Area, Volume and Exchange
- Osmosis — Core Practicals 5 and 6
- Gas Exchange — Core Practical 7
- Circulation
- Blood and Transport
- Blood and Defence
- Plant Transport — Core Practical 8
- Classification
- Natural Selection
- Biodiversity
Tutor-marked Assignment E
Tutor-marked Assignment F
Tutor-marked Assignment G
Tutor-marked Assignment H
AS Mock Examination — Paper 1
AS Mock Examination — Paper 2
Second year · advanced A-level content
Modules 3 and 4 add 18 lessons and eight further Core Practicals. The final examinations assess this advanced material together with the complete first-year course.
Module 3 Energy, Pathogens and DNA Respiration, photosynthesis, infection, immunity, microbiological techniques, gene expression and biotechnology. 9 lessons · 5 Core Practicals
- Aerobic Respiration
- Anaerobic Respiration — Core Practical 9
- Photosynthesis 1
- Photosynthesis 2 — Core Practicals 10 and 11
- Pathogens, Antibiotics and Endemic Diseases
- Response to Infection
- Microbial Techniques — Core Practicals 12 and 13
- Gene Expression and Stem Cells
- Gene Sequencing and Gene Technology
Tutor-marked Assignment K
Tutor-marked Assignment L
Tutor-marked Assignment M
Module 4 Genetics, Control and Ecosystems Inheritance, population genetics, homeostasis, hormones, nervous control and changing ecosystems. 9 lessons · 3 Core Practicals
- Mendelian Genetics
- Population Genetics
- Homeostasis and Hormones — Core Practical 14
- Nervous Systems
- Sight, Synapses and Control of Heart Rate
- Osmoregulation and Temperature Control
- Analysing Ecosystems — Core Practical 15
- Changing Ecosystems — Core Practical 16
- Revision of Mathematics and Examination Skills
Tutor-marked Assignment N
Tutor-marked Assignment O
Tutor-marked Assignment P
Practice Examination — Paper 1
Practice Examination — Paper 2
Practice Examination — Paper 3
Complete the lessons in order
Biological concepts and investigative skills build progressively throughout the course. Later lessons assume knowledge of molecular Biology, cells, enzymes, membranes, exchange and transport introduced during the first year.
The final examinations are synoptic. Students must retain and apply first-year material while studying the advanced second-year topics.
Exams and assessment
How Pearson Edexcel A-level Biology B is assessed
The full A-level is assessed through three written papers taken at the end of the two-year course. The papers include multiple-choice, short-answer, open-response, calculation, practical and extended-writing questions.
Paper 1
9BIO/01
1 hour 45 minutes
Exam duration
90 marks
Available marks
30%
Of the A-level
Advanced Biochemistry, Microbiology and Genetics assesses Module 3 together with relevant material from the complete first-year course.
Paper 2
9BIO/02
1 hour 45 minutes
Exam duration
90 marks
Available marks
30%
Of the A-level
Advanced Physiology, Evolution and Ecology assesses Module 4 together with relevant material from the complete first-year course.
Paper 3
9BIO/03
2 hours
Exam duration
120 marks
Available marks
40%
Of the A-level
General and Practical Principles in Biology is synoptic and assesses the complete two-year course, with particular emphasis on experimental design and the interpretation of biological evidence.
Assessment point
All papers are taken at the end
The complete first- and second-year content is examined in one final set of A-level papers.
Practical skills
Assessed within written papers
Students answer questions about techniques, experimental design, variables, observations, data and evaluation.
Mathematical assessment
At least 10% of marks
Mathematics is applied to biological data, calculations, graphs, rates, ratios, statistics and experimental results.
Practical endorsement
Separate from the examination grade
Oxford Home Schooling does not provide the internally assessed endorsement, but this does not prevent students receiving an A-level grade and certificate.
Examination entry
You arrange your examination centre separately
Course enrolment does not automatically enter you for the examinations. Private candidates should locate a centre willing to enter them for Pearson Edexcel A-level Biology B specification 9BIO.
Confirm the centre’s entry arrangements, fees and deadlines well in advance. Students considering the optional AS examinations must arrange a separate entry for specification 8BIO.
Optional AS Paper 1 · 8BIO/01
Core Cellular Biology and Microbiology lasts 90 minutes, carries 80 marks and contributes 50% of the standalone AS qualification. It assesses Module 1.
Optional AS Paper 2 · 8BIO/02
Core Physiology and Ecology lasts 90 minutes, carries 80 marks and contributes 50% of the standalone AS qualification. It assesses Module 2.
AS results do not contribute to the A-level
Students who sit the AS papers and continue to the full A-level must still complete all three A-level examinations. No AS marks are carried forward.
Support and add-ons
Choose the level of A-level Biology support you need
Your subscription provides the structured online course. Optional add-ons let you purchase written feedback, direct tutor contact, live explanations and printed materials when they would help.
Written feedback
Assignment marking
Purchase marking for individual tutor-marked assignments and receive feedback on biological knowledge, application, calculations, data analysis and extended writing.
Assignment marking bundle£125.87
Exam preparation
Practice-exam marking
Complete the practice papers under timed conditions and purchase marking to identify strengths, misconceptions and priorities for revision.
Practice examination marking bundle£85.50
Written tutor contact
Email Tutor Support
Ask focused questions about biological concepts, mathematical work, experimental methods, data interpretation or course activities.
Email Tutor Support£10.00 / month
Live support
One-to-one tutorials
Book a live tutorial for personalised explanation, help with a difficult topic, mathematical support or focused examination preparation.
Tutorial time Purchased separately
Study your way
Printed course materials
Add printed Oxford Home Schooling materials if you prefer annotating biological diagrams, practical methods and examination questions on paper.
Printed course materials£50.00
Flexible support
Add support when you need it
Begin with the core course and add marking, tutor contact, tutorials or printed materials as your A-level Biology studies progress.
A-level Biology support
See all available A-level Biology support
Prospective students can compare the available support services. Existing students can purchase A-level Biology marking, tutorials and other course-specific add-ons through their account.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the A-level Biology course
Find answers about prior study, the AS option, practical work, the practical endorsement, mathematics, textbooks and final examinations.
Which Pearson Edexcel Biology specification is this?
The course prepares students for Pearson Edexcel A-level Biology B specification 9BIO.
It is not the Edexcel Biology A Salters-Nuffield course, which has different teaching and assessment arrangements.
How long should I allow to complete the course?
The course represents approximately 700 hours of study. We normally recommend completing it over two years.
Although the first-year content can also lead to the standalone AS qualification, completing the full A-level requires sustained study of both years followed by three final examinations.
What previous Biology should I have studied?
The specification assumes at least grade C in GCSE or IGCSE Biology or Double Award Science.
Students without this background may need to complete additional GCSE-level preparation before or alongside the first lessons.
Is the first year the same as AS Biology?
Yes. The first 23 lessons cover the complete Pearson Edexcel AS Biology B specification 8BIO and also form the first half of the full A-level.
Do I have to take the AS examinations?
No. Students intending to complete the full A-level may proceed directly into the second year without sitting the AS examinations.
Some students choose to take the AS papers for examination practice or an interim qualification, but the AS result does not contribute towards the final A-level.
How many final A-level examinations are there?
There are three written papers. Papers 1 and 2 each last 1 hour 45 minutes and contribute 30%. Paper 3 lasts two hours and contributes 40%.
Do I need to carry out practical work?
Practical understanding is an important part of the qualification. The course covers 16 Core Practicals through suitable home activities, textbook descriptions, videos and photographs.
Examination questions assume familiarity with the principles, methods and interpretation of these practicals.
Will I need a microscope?
A microscope is not essential for completing the course because relevant procedures can be studied through videos and photographs.
However, three first-year Core Practicals involve microscopy, so access to a suitable microscope would provide valuable additional hands-on experience.
Does the course provide the Practical Endorsement?
No. The separate Science Practical Endorsement requires internal observation and assessment by an approved centre and cannot be provided through this distance-learning course.
The endorsement is reported separately and does not form part of the A-level examination grade. Students can still receive an A-level grade and certificate without it.
How much Mathematics is involved?
At least 10% of the examination marks assess Mathematics in a biological context. The required standard broadly corresponds to Higher Tier GCSE Mathematics.
The course introduces the required skills at appropriate points and includes dedicated revision of mathematical and examination skills.
How many Core Practicals are covered?
There are 16 Core Practicals: eight in the first year and eight in the second year.
Knowledge of these practicals is assessed within the written examination papers.
Do I need to buy textbooks?
Yes. The course is designed to be used alongside the Pearson Edexcel Biology B textbooks published by Hodder. A separate volume is required for each year.
How are Tutor-marked Assignments used?
The course contains 14 Tutor-marked Assignments covering both AS and A-level examination styles.
Marking can be purchased when you want detailed feedback on biological knowledge, application, calculations, experimental reasoning and written answers.
Ready to begin?
Start your online A-level Biology course
Begin working towards Pearson Edexcel A-level Biology B through a structured two-year home-study course covering biological theory, practical methods, data analysis and mathematical skills.
- Approximately 700 hours of structured study
- Designed to be completed over two years
- Prepare for all three A-level examination papers
Start your Biology course
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