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Edexcel Combined Science Paper 1: Biology 1
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Is this higher or foundation?
This is a combined paper for higher and foundation students. You can achieve grades 1 – 9 on this paper, so it is suitable for all. Grades are moderated against the average result to give the most accurate indication of your performance. You can look at – How is this paper marked? for more information.
How is this paper marked?
This paper is automatically marked to determine which questions were answered correctly.
Your grade is determined using a Z-Score moderation system. Your GCSE exams are also moderated comparably so that the difficulty of papers is taken into account.
Roughly, this works by calculating your overall percentage and comparing it to the average percentage and the standard deviation. This means that for harder papers you need fewer points to get the same grade as you would for an easier paper.
As more students attempt the paper, the average score and standard deviation more accurately represent the difficulty of the paper and the grades become more accurate.
Making these papers and the marking system took considerable effort so if you found them helpful for your revision, please show your appreciation by rating the page.
What does Edexcel Combined Science Paper 1: Biology 1 cover - in more detail:
In this paper, a student’s knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of biology are tested in order to gauge their preparedness for the GCSE. These fundamentals are essential for understanding the rest of biology as they underpin each topic. An understanding of cells, for instance, can help students to make sense of genetic modification and the role of bacterial cells as vectors for DNA implantation. Alongside paper 2, the aim is for students to develop a baseline in biology which will allow them to appreciate the natural world and if they so choose, move on to in-depth study at A-Level and beyond.
This paper also covers the basics of cells, growth and the Nervous System in section CB2. CB3 covers genetics which involved an understanding of meiosis, DNA, alleles inheritance, gene mutation and variation amongst populations. CB4 includes evolution by natural selection and also genetic modification. The evidence for human evolution is described, alongside the systems for classifying organisms and also the potential applications for selective breeding and genetic modification. The final section CB5 covers the concepts of health and disease in detail while considering the impacts of disease on different levels of society. Communicable and non-communicable diseases are introduced, along with pathogens and our bodies’ physical, chemical and immune defences. Antibiotics and other treatment options are also introduced.
If you are ready, why not move on to Edexcel Combined Science Paper 2: Biology 2?