Biology
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir
Subject information
ENTRY DETAILS
Exam board: Pearson Edexcel IAL
Specification: Pearson Edexcel International Advanced A-Level in Biology (YBI11)
HOW I WILL BE ASSESSED?
Examination: The course is examined in January and June of both Year 12 and Year 13
COURSE DETAILS
Unit 1: Molecules, Diet, Transport and Health
- Molecules, Transport and Health
- Membranes, Proteins, DNA and Gene Expression
Unit 2: Cells, Development, Biodiversity and Conservation
- Cell Structure, Reproduction and Development
- Plant Structure and Function, Biodiversity and Conservation
Unit 3: Practical Skills in Biology I
- Students are expected to develop experimental skills, and a knowledge and understanding of experimental techniques, by carrying out a range of practical experiments and investigations while they study Units 1 and 2
Unit 4: Energy, Environment, Microbiology and Immunity
- Energy Flow, Ecosystems and the Environment
- Microbiology, Immunity and Forensics
Unit 5: Respiration, Internal Environment, Coordination and Gene Technology
- Respiration, Muscles and the Internal Environment
- Coordination, Response and Gene Technology
Unit 6: Practical Skills in Biology II
- Students are expected to further develop the experimental skills and the knowledge and understanding of experimental techniques they acquired in units 1 and 2, by carrying out a range of practical experiments and investigations while they study units 4 and 5
ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW, DURATION AND WEIGHTING
Unit 1 – Written examination 1h and 30 min (20% of qualification – 80 marks)
Unit 2 – Written examination 1h and 30 min hours (20% of qualification – 80 marks)
Unit 3 – Written examination 1 hour and 20 minutes (10% of qualification – 50 marks)
Unit 4 – Written examination 1h and 30 min hours (20% of qualification – 90 marks)
Unit 5 – Written examination 1h and 30 min (20% of qualification – 90 marks)
Unit 6 – Written examination 1 hour and 20 minutes (10% of qualification – 50 marks)
| Exam Papers | % of IAL | Assessment overview |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 – (Jan Y12) | 20 | The paper may include multiple-choice, short-open, open-response, calculations and extended-writing questions. The paper will include a minimum of 8 marks that target mathematics at Level 2 or above. Candidates will be expected to apply their knowledge and understanding to familiar and unfamiliar contexts. |
| Unit 2 – (June Y12) | 20 | The paper may include multiple-choice, short open, open-response, calculations and extended-writing questions. The paper will include a minimum of 8 marks that target mathematics at Level 2 or above. Candidates will be expected to apply their knowledge and understanding to familiar and unfamiliar context. |
| Unit 3 – (June Y13) | 10 | The paper may include short-open, open-response and calculation questions. The paper will include a minimum of 5 marks that target mathematics at Level 2 or above. Candidates will be expected to apply their knowledge and understanding of practical skills to familiar and unfamiliar situations. |
| Unit 4 – (Jan Y13) | 20 | The paper may include multiple-choice, short-open, open-response, calculations and extended-writing questions. The paper will include a minimum of 9 marks that target mathematics at Level 2 or above. Candidates will be expected to apply their knowledge and understanding to familiar and unfamiliar contexts. This paper may contain some synoptic questions which require knowledge and understanding from units 1 and 2. |
| Unit 5 – (June Y13) | 20 | The paper may include multiple-choice, short-open, open-response, calculations and extended-writing questions. Pre-released reading (scientific article) will be provided for this assessment. Candidates will be expected to apply their knowledge and understanding to familiar and unfamiliar contexts. This paper may contain some synoptic questions which require knowledge and understanding from units 1 and 2. |
| Unit 6 – (June Y13) | 10 | The paper may include short-open, open-response and calculation questions. Candidates will be expected to apply their knowledge and understanding of practical skills to familiar and unfamiliar situations. |
WIDER READING
- Campbell, N (2021) Biology, A Global Approach. Global Edition, 10th Edition
- Dawkins, R. (2006) The Selfish Gene. Oxford University Press
- Darwin, C (2011) The Origin of Species. London: HarperPress
