Qualification
Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
International GCSE Biology specification 4BI1.
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE · Specification 4BI1
Online IGCSE Biology Course
Study Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology at home with structured online lessons covering cells, physiology, inheritance, ecology and practical biology. Start at any time and work at a pace that fits your plans.
Immediate access to the online course
23 lessons across five Biology modules
Optional tutor marking, tutorials and printed materials
Start your Biology course
£14.99 / month
Today’s payment:
£24.99
Includes:
- Course materials subscription
- Academic induction session and booking fee
Then
£14.99 per month
🔒 Minimum 6 months subscription applies.
Course overview
Biology IGCSE course at a glance
Prepare for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology through a structured home-study course that develops biological knowledge, investigative skills and confidence in applying scientific ideas.
Course structure
5 modules · 23 lessons
Study cells, physiology, inheritance, ecology and food production.
Recommended study time
Approximately 200 hours
Work through the course at a pace that suits your timetable and intended examination date.
Enrolment
Start at any time
There is no fixed term date, so you can begin when it suits your study plans.
Assignments
13 assignments
Examination-style assignments, including two complete mock examination papers.
Assessment
2 written papers
Paper 1 lasts two hours and Paper 2 lasts 75 minutes.
Practical skills
No separate practical exam
Practical understanding and investigative skills are assessed through the written papers.
Entry and grading
Untiered · Grades 9–1
All students sit the same examination papers, with Grade 9 representing the highest achievement.
A strong foundation for further study
The course provides suitable preparation for progression to AS or A Level Biology and other biological subjects.
How it works
How your IGCSE Biology course works
Study through a clear sequence of online lessons, activities and
assessments designed to build your knowledge steadily and prepare
you for the final examinations.
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Enrol and start online
Enrol at any time and receive immediate access to your online course. Your included academic induction session helps you understand the course and plan your studies.
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Work through structured lessons
Each lesson sets out clear aims and combines course notes, textbook references, activities and links to the Pearson Edexcel 4BI1 specification.
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Check your understanding
Lessons conclude with self-assessment questions or examination-style assignments. Suggested answers help you review your work and identify areas to revisit.
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Prepare for your examinations
Revise throughout the course and complete two full mock examination papers to practise the question format, timing and application of your Biology knowledge.
Flexible additional support
Add personal support when you need it
The course can be studied independently using the lesson materials and suggested answers. Tutor marking, mock-exam marking, email support, one-to-one tutorials and printed materials can be purchased separately when useful.
What you’ll study
Explore the IGCSE Biology course content
The course is organised into five modules and 23 structured lessons, progressing from cells and biological processes through to inheritance, ecology and food production.
Module 1 Cells and Organisms Begin with the foundations of life, cell processes, respiration, enzymes and practical investigation. 5 lessons
- Cells, Organisms, and the Variety of Life
- Movement of Substances into and out of Cells
- Investigative Skills A: Design
- Respiration and Enzymes
- Investigative Skills B: Carrying Out
Module 2 Plant and Animal Physiology A Study nutrition, photosynthesis, transport, gas exchange and the interpretation of biological investigations. 5 lessons
- Human Nutrition
- Investigative Skills C: Interpreting
- Photosynthesis
- Transport in Plants and Animals
- Gas Exchange in Plants and Animals
Module 3 Plant and Animal Physiology B Explore homeostasis, coordination, hormones and reproduction in humans and plants. 5 lessons
- Homeostasis and Excretion
- The Human Nervous System
- Hormones in Plants and Animals
- Human Reproduction
- Reproduction in Plants
Module 4 Inheritance Learn about DNA, genes, cell division, inheritance, selection and modern genetic technologies. 5 lessons
- Chromosomes, Genes and DNA
- Cell Division
- Genes and Inheritance
- Natural and Artificial Selection
- Genetic Engineering and Cloning
Module 5 Ecology and Food Production Finish with ecosystems, environmental impact, biological resources and food production before completing your mock papers. 3 lessons
- Ecosystems
- Human Impact on the Environment
- Food Production
Practice Exam — Paper 1
Practice Exam — Paper 2
A carefully structured learning sequence
The modules are intended to be studied in order, allowing you to develop your biological knowledge, investigative skills and confidence progressively throughout the course.
Exams and assessment
How the IGCSE Biology course is assessed
The Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology qualification is assessed through two written examination papers. Both papers test biological knowledge, application, data handling and practical understanding.
Biology Paper 1
4BI1/1B
2 hours
Exam duration
110 marks
Available marks
61%
Of the qualification
Paper 1 assesses the core specification content and all relevant assessment objectives.
Biology Paper 2
4BI1/2B
75 minutes
Exam duration
70 marks
Available marks
39%
Of the qualification
Paper 2 assesses the full specification, including the additional content identified for this paper.
Practical assessment
No separate practical exam
Practical and investigative skills are tested through questions in the written examination papers.
Entry tier
Untiered examination
All students sit the same papers rather than choosing Foundation or Higher Tier.
Grading
Grades 9–1
Grade 9 represents the highest level of achievement in the qualification.
Equipment
Calculators permitted
Students may use a calculator in both Biology examination papers.
Arranging your examination
Exam entry is arranged separately
Home-educated students normally enter as private candidates at an approved examination centre. Examination entry and centre fees are not included in the course subscription.
Support & add-ons
Add extra Biology support when you need it
Your course subscription provides the structured online materials needed for independent study. Additional tutor support, marking and printed materials can be purchased separately whenever they would be useful.
Written feedback
Assignment marking
Submit Biology course assignments for marking and receive detailed tutor feedback on your biological knowledge, application of scientific ideas, data interpretation and written answers.
Assignment marking bundle£98.90
Exam preparation
Mock exam marking
Complete the two full Biology mock examination papers and receive feedback focused on accuracy, practical understanding, data handling, timing and examination technique.
Mock examination marking bundle£47.50
Ongoing guidance
Email Tutor Support
Ask Biology questions by email while working through the course and receive help when a concept, calculation, investigation or examination question needs further explanation.
Email Tutor Support£10.00 / month
Live tuition
One-to-one tutorials
Book an individual online session with a Biology tutor to work through difficult topics, review assignment feedback, revise key material or prepare for an examination.
Tutorial time Purchased separately
Printed materials
Biology course pack
Add a printed, spiral-bound copy of the course materials if you prefer to study, annotate and revise away from the screen.
Printed course materials£50.00
Flexible by design
Choose only what you need
All additional support is optional. You can study independently, purchase marking or tutor support at selected points, or combine several services as your needs change throughout the course.
Explore your options
See all available Biology support
Prospective students can compare the different support services. Existing students can purchase Biology marking, tutorials and other course-specific add-ons through their account.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the IGCSE Biology course
Find answers about starting the course, studying Biology at home,
assessment, textbooks and the additional support available.
Can I start the Biology course at any time?
Yes. There are no fixed term dates, so you can enrol and begin studying when it suits you. You can then work through the course at a pace that fits your intended examination date.
Do I need previous experience of Biology?
The course is designed to be accessible to students who have only a limited previous background in science. Previous Biology study may be helpful, but it is not required.
How long does the course take to complete?
We recommend allowing approximately 200 hours of study. The actual completion time will depend on your previous knowledge, weekly study schedule and chosen examination date.
Which examination specification does the course cover?
The course prepares students for the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology specification 4BI1.
Do I need to buy a textbook?
Yes. The course uses the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) Biology Student Book by Philip Bradfield and Steve Potter, ISBN 9780435185084. It is referenced throughout the lessons and is available in print with an accompanying eBook.
Is there practical coursework or a practical examination?
No. There is no separate practical examination and no practical coursework component. Practical understanding and investigative skills are assessed through questions in the two written papers.
Is tutor marking included in the subscription?
The course materials include 13 examination-style assignments, including two mock examination papers. Tutor marking is not included in the monthly course subscription and can be purchased separately for individual assignments or as a marking bundle.
Can I get help from a tutor?
Yes. Optional support includes assignment marking, Email Tutor Support and one-to-one online tutorials. You can add support when it becomes useful rather than paying for it throughout the course.
Do I have to study the modules in order?
We recommend completing the modules in order. The lessons are arranged so that your knowledge and investigative skills develop progressively as you move through the course.
Can this course prepare me for A Level Biology?
Yes. In combination with other suitable IGCSE subjects, the course provides a sound foundation for progression to AS or A Level Biology and other biological disciplines.
Ready to begin?
Start your online IGCSE Biology course
Enrol at any time and begin working towards the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology qualification through a structured, flexible home-study course.
- Start studying at any time
- Immediate access to the online course
- Work at a pace that suits your examination plans
Start your Biology course
Return to the enrolment panel to review today’s payment and add the course to your basket.