Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology B Past Papers & Mark Schemes

Pearson Edexcel A-Level Biology B (specification 9BI0) takes a concept-driven approach — organising content around fundamental biological principles rather than real-world contexts. This specification covers the same breadth of biology as Biology A but sequences topics differently, building from molecular biology upward through cells, organisms, and ecosystems in a more traditional progression. Paper 1: Advanced Biochemistry, Microbiology and Genetics (1 hour 45 minutes, 80 marks, 33%) covers biological molecules, nucleic acids and protein synthesis, cell structure and membrane transport, microbiology, and genetic inheritance. Questions range from short-answer recall to extended response questions requiring detailed explanation of molecular processes. Paper 2: Advanced Physiology, Evolution and Ecology (1 hour 45 minutes, 80 marks, 33%) covers respiration and photosynthesis in detail, homeostasis (thermoregulation, osmoregulation, blood glucose regulation), nervous and hormonal coordination, evolution and speciation, and ecosystems and sustainability. Paper 3: General and Practical Biology (2 hours 30 minutes, 100 marks, 33%) draws on all content from Papers 1 and 2, includes synoptic questions linking different topic areas, and specifically assesses the mathematical and practical skills developed through the core practicals. Extended response questions in this paper carry the highest mark allocations and require structured, coherent scientific arguments. With 112 resources covering both the current linear specification and AS papers, this archive provides substantial practice material for the concept-driven approach to biological study.