Edexcel IAS Biology
Units 1, 2 & 3 β AS Level Biology. Master the fundamentals of Molecular Biology, Genetics, Physiology, and Ecology.
π Specification Overview
Edexcel IAS Biology (WBI11) β Units 1, 2 & 3
Molecules, Diet, Transport & Health
- 𧬠Biological Molecules (Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids)
- π Diet and Health
- π« The Circulatory System
- π« The Heart and Blood Vessels
- π¬ Enzymes and Digestion
- π§ͺ Core Practicals: Food Tests, Enzyme Activity
Genes, Cells & Genetic Engineering
- 𧬠DNA and Protein Synthesis
- π§ͺ Cell Structure and Function
- 𧬠Chromosomes and Cell Division
- π§ͺ Gene Technology (including PCR and Electrophoresis)
- 𧬠Genetic Inheritance
- π¬ Core Practicals: DNA extraction, Gel Electrophoresis
Practical Skills in Biology I
- π§ͺ Core Practical Skills
- π Data Analysis and Interpretation
- π¬ Experimental Techniques
- π Writing Practical Reports
- 𧬠Microscopy and Drawing Skills
π Study Routine (6 PM β 7 PM)
Daily 1-hour focused study session for IAS Biology mastery
- πΉ 0-10 mins: Quick review of yesterday's topic (active recall)
- πΉ 10-30 mins: Core concept learning β new topic or revision
- πΉ 30-50 mins: Practice questions β past paper questions or worksheets
- πΉ 50-60 mins: Review β mark answers, identify gaps, make notes
π‘ Pro Tip: Biology requires understanding of processes AND application. Spend 20 minutes on theory and 20 minutes on practice questions. Consistency is key to mastering IAS Biology!
π Exam Style & Assessment
Understand the structure and format of your exams
Paper Format
Multiple choice, short answer, and extended response questions
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Marks: 80
Question Types
β’ Multiple Choice (20%)
β’ Short Answer (40%)
β’ Extended Response (40%)
Practical Skills
Unit 3 focuses on core practical skills
β’ Experimental design
β’ Data analysis
β’ Microscopy techniques
Marking Scheme
β’ Clear mark allocation
β’ Method marks for calculations
β’ Quality of Written Communication (QWC)
π Grade Boundaries (2026)
Typical grade boundaries for IAS Biology (Unit 1, 2 & 3)
| Grade | Percentage | Marks (out of 80) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| A* | 90%+ | 72+ | Outstanding performance β top 10% of candidates |
| A | 80β89% | 64β71 | Excellent understanding of all topics |
| B | 70β79% | 56β63 | Good understanding with some areas of strength |
| C | 60β69% | 48β55 | Satisfactory understanding of core concepts |
| D | 50β59% | 40β47 | Basic understanding of fundamental topics |
| E | 40β49% | 32β39 | Minimum pass β meets basic requirements |
π Note: Grade boundaries vary slightly each session. These are typical boundaries β check the official Pearson Edexcel website for exact boundaries.
π¦ Resource Vault
"Biology is the study of life itself. Every great biologist started with curiosity and a question. Your journey to A* in IAS Biology starts with one step β and you've already taken it. Keep exploring, keep questioning, keep growing."
β Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about IAS Biology Units 1, 2 & 3
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