What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?
SL & HL IB Biology is very demanding and requires dedicating time and effort in order to achieve your full potential. Students should be aiming to achieve at least B grades in GCSE Science to be considered for the HL course. A strong background in Mathematics and English would also be an advantage in this subject.
What will I learn on this course?
SL COURSE OUTLINE
- UNIT 1 Statistical Analysis
- UNIT 2 Cells
- Cells and organelles, prokaryotes and eukaryotes
- UNIT 3 The Chemistry of Life
- Biochemistry, enzymes, DNA, respiration and photosynthesis
- UNIT 4 Genetics
- Theoretical and practical genetics, Mitosis and Meiosis
- UNIT 5 Ecology and Evolution
- Ecosystems, evolution, studying populations and Field Trips.
- UNIT 6 Human Health and Physiology
- Digestion and Gas Exchange, Neurones and Hormones, Homeostasis, Reproduction.
HL COURSE OUTLINE
HL FOLLOWS THE CORE and OPTIONS IN SL BUT ALSO FEATURES:
- UNIT 7 Nucleic Acids and Proteins
- DNA Structure and Replication, Transcription/Translation
- UNIT 8 Cell Respiration and Photosynthesis
- Glycolysis, Krebs Cycle, Electron Transport Chain, Light-dependent and independent Photosynthesis
- UNIT 9 Plant Science
- Structure, function, angiospermophytes, reproduction
- UNIT 10 Genetics
- meiosis, dihybrid crosses and linkages, polygenic inheritance
- UNIT 11 Human Health and Physiology
- Defence against diseases, muscles and movements, kidney & reproduction
Optional Units
Two of the following options, decided by the teacher, will be studied during the course:
At SL only:
- Option A Human Nutrition and Health
- Diet, nutrition and energy
- Option B Physiology of Exercise
- Muscles, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Systems, Respiration, Training and Injuries
- Option C Cells and Energy
- Proteins, enzymes, respiration and photosynthesis
At SL and HL:
- Option D Evolution
- Origin of life, speciation, human evolution
- Option E Neurology and Behaviour
- Stimulus and response, innate learning and behavior, neurotransmitters and synapses
- Option F Microbes and biotechnology
- Diversity of microbes, microbes in the environment and with biotechnology, metabolism of microbes
- Option G Ecology and conservation
- Community ecology, ecosystems, human impact, population ecology
At HL only:
- Option H Further Human Physiology
- Hormonal control, digestion, liver, transport systems, gas exchange
What kind of student is this course suitable for?
- Has an interest in the study of living organisms
- Enjoys carrying out investigations in the laboratory or as fieldwork
- Interested in the developments of “new” biology topics such as genetic engineering and its impact on society
- Wants to use Biology to support other qualifications such as Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Geography
How will my work be assessed?
- Internal Assessment
- Investigations
- Group 4 Project
- External Assessment
- Paper 1 Multiple Choice (45 min / 1 hr)
- Paper 2 SL/HL Units (1hr 15 min / 2 hrs 15 min)
- Paper 3 SL/HL Options Units (1 hr / 1 hr 15 min)
The study of Biology necessitates that students are:
Inquirers
Curiosity in biological ideas is nurtured. Students acquire the skills necessary to conduct constructive inquiry and research into chemical processes and ideas and, in doing so, become independent active learners.
Knowledgeable
Biology is a complex subject and the environment is a worldwide concern. During the course students explore biological concepts, ideas and issues which have global relevance and importance. They explore the connections between biology and other subjects.
Critical thinkers
Biologists must be particularly good problem solving, throughout the course and particularly in their group 4 project.
Communicators
The biology course is structured in order to enable students to understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively using a variety of modes of communication including discussions about topical issues, presentations and written work.
Risk-takers
During the course, and particularly during their group 4 projects, biologists learn to approach unfamiliar practical work with confidence and forethought built up over time, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies.
Principled
Biologists must have a sound grasp of the principles of moral reasoning. This is important throughout the course but particularly when dealing with the issues involved in option D.
Caring
Biologists work together, particularly during projects and experimental work which necessitates empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. The environment is very important to biologists of the twenty first century and they are expected to have a personal commitment to action and service to make a positive difference.
Open-minded
It is important that Scientists consider the values and traditions of other individuals and cultures and are accustomed to seeking and considering a range of points of view, particularly when making decisions which will affect the lives of others.
Well-balanced
Biology is a challenging subject and it is important that students appreciate the need for a balance between academic work and other activities.
Reflective
The biology course allows students to give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and personal development. Individually and in groups they are able to analyze their strengths and weaknesses in a constructive manner.
What skills can I develop by taking this course?
You will develop your team work abilities during the group 4 project. Science enables you to use your sense of perception, which is enhanced by technology and combined with reason, allowing you to communicate your thoughts and ideas. Many international bodies now promote science, including the UNESCO, and UNEP. Other international collaborations include mapping of the human genome project. Other international problems faced by biologists are climate change, epidemics such as AIDS, and numerous others.
What could I go on to do at the end of this course?
Biology leads to a wide range of science degree courses and entry into many areas of employment. Biology will also give you access to a wide range of degree courses outside of science because the analytical and communication skills you will develop are also valued for admissions to courses in business, accountancy, law and many others.