Biology

Biology — A Level

British Curriculum · Pearson · Years 12-13 · Ages 16-18

Pearson Edexcel International A Level Biology (YBI11) is unit-based across six units, with the practical work assessed through written practical papers rather than a laboratory examination — a meaningful difference from Cambridge for schools with limited lab provision.

Content covers lifestyle, transport and genes; development, plants and the environment; practical biology and research skills; energy, exercise and coordination; microbiology, immunity and forensics; and a second practical and investigative unit.

The specification is applied in flavour, framing content through contexts such as forensics, disease and exercise physiology, which many students find more engaging than an abstract treatment.

Key topics covered

• Lifestyle, Transport & Genes — Cardiovascular health, gas exchange, DNA, protein synthesis and inheritance.
• Development, Plants & Environment — Cell division, stem cells, plant structure, biodiversity and conservation.
• Energy & Exercise — Photosynthesis, respiration, muscle physiology and control of heart rate.
• Coordination & Response — The nervous system, the brain, hormones and homeostasis.
• Microbiology & Immunity — Microbial growth, infectious disease, the immune response and antibiotics.
• Forensics & Applications — DNA profiling, time of death, and applied biological techniques.
• Practical & Research Skills — Experimental design, statistics, data analysis and evaluating evidence.