International Advanced Level Biology Specification - Issue 2 - Summary of changes made between previous issue and this current issue

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by OmBimo

Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary and International Advanced Level Biology specifications (XBI11 and YBI11) provide the qualification framework for teaching from September 2018, examinations from January 2019, and certification timelines through 2019–2020. Issue 2 summarizes updated assessment information, including synoptic questions drawing on knowledge from units 1 and 2, and confirms structure, content scope, and externally assessed written papers. The document outlines modular routes, core topics in biology, and supporting guidance for planning, administration, and progression.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages78

Reading Time3 h 17 min

AccessFree to download

About this specification

Why choose Pearson Edexcel qualifications?

Supporting you in planning and implementing these qualifications

Qualification at a glance

Biology content

Unit 1: Molecules, Diet, Transport and Health

Unit 2: Cells, Development, Biodiversity and Conservation

Unit 3: Practical Skills in Biology I

Unit 4: Energy, Environment, Microbiology and Immunity

Unit 5: Respiration, Internal Environment, Coordination and Gene Technology

Unit 6: Practical Skills in Biology II

Assessment information

Administration and general information

Entries and resitting of units

Access arrangements, reasonable adjustments, special consideration and malpractice

Awarding and reporting

Appendices

Codes

Pearson World Class Qualification design principles

Transferable skills

INTERNATIONAL ADVANCED LEVEL BIOLOGY SPECIFICATION Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary in Biology (XBI11) Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level in Biology (YBI11) First teaching September 2018 First examination from January 2019 First certification from August 2019 (International Advanced Subsidiary) and August 2020 (International Advanced Level) Issue 2 Edexcel, BTEC and LCCI qualifications Edexcel, BTEC and LCCI qualifications are awarded by Pearson, the UK’s largest awarding body offering academic and vocational qualifications that are globally recognised and benchmarked. For further information, please visit our qualification website at [qualifications.pearson.com. Alternatively](qualifications.pearson.com. Alternatively), you can get in touch with us using the details on our contact us page at [qualifications.pearson.com/contactus](qualifications.pearson.com/contactus) About Pearson Pearson is the world's leading learning company, with 35,000 employees in more than 70 countries working to help people of all ages to make measurable progress in their lives through learning. We put the learner at the centre of everything we do, because wherever learning flourishes, so do people. Find out more about how we can help you and your learners at [qualifications.pearson.com](qualifications.pearson.com) Acknowledgements This specification has been produced by Pearson on the basis of consultation with teachers, examiners, consultants and other interested parties. Pearson would like to thank all those who contributed their time and expertise to the specification’s development. References to third party materials made in this specification are made in good faith. Pearson does not endorse, approve or accept responsibility for the content of materials, which may be subject to change, or any opinions expressed therein. (Materials may include textbooks, journals, magazines and other publications and websites.) All information in this specification is correct at time of going to publication. ISBN 978 1 446 94575 9 All the material in this publication is copyright © Pearson Education Limited 2021 Summary of Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced Level in Biology specification Issue 2 changes | Summary of changes made between previous issue and this current issue | Page number | | --- | --- | | This sentence has been added to ensure that thorough information on assessment criteria is provided:
This paper may contain some synoptic questions which require knowledge and understanding from units 1 and 2. | 8, 9 | If you need further information on these changes or what they mean, contact us via our website at: [qualifications.pearson.com/en/support/contact-us.html](qualifications.pearson.com/en/support/contact-us.html) About this specification 1 Why choose Pearson Edexcel qualifications? 3 Why choose Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced Level qualifications in Biology? 4 Supporting you in planning and implementing these qualifications 5 Qualification at a glance 6 Biology content 11 Unit 1: Molecules, Diet, Transport and Health 14 Unit 2: Cells, Development, Biodiversity and Conservation 19 Unit 3: Practical Skills in Biology I 25 Unit 4: Energy, Environment, Microbiology and Immunity 28 Unit 5: Respiration, Internal Environment, Coordination and Gene Technology 33 Unit 6: Practical Skills in Biology II 39 Assessment information 43 Administration and general information 47 Entries and resitting of units 47 Access arrangements, reasonable adjustments, special consideration and malpractice 47 Awarding and reporting 49 Student recruitment and progression 51 Appendices 53 Appendix 1: Codes 55 Appendix 2: Pearson World Class Qualification design principles 56 Appendix 3: Transferable skills 58 Appendix 4: Level 3 Extended Project qualification 60 Appendix 5: Glossary 62 Appendix 6: Mathematica

FAQs

What are the qualification codes and the teaching/exam/certification timeline for this Biology specification?

The specification covers Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary in Biology (XBI11) and International Advanced Level in Biology (YBI11). First teaching starts September 2018, first examination is from January 2019, with first certification from August 2019 (IAS) and August 2020 (International Advanced Level).

What does Issue 2 change in the assessment information?

The summary indicates an added sentence clarifying that assessment papers may contain synoptic questions requiring knowledge and understanding from units 1 and 2.

How is assessment structured for IAS and International A level?

Assessment at IAS level consists of three written papers that are externally assessed. The International A level consists of three further written papers that are externally assessed.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by OmBimo