Biology (HL and SL)

Biology is the study of life. The first organisms appeared on the planet over 3 billion years ago and, through reproduction and natural selection, have given rise to the 8 million or so different species alive today. An interest in life is natural for humans; not only are we living organisms ourselves, but we depend on many species for our survival, are threatened by some and co-exist with many more. IB Diploma Biology Specification 2014-2021

Studying Biology provides students with the opportunity to learn about life while developing a broad range of transferrable skills; from the observational and analytical when recording and processing data, to the creative and problem solving when designing experimental work. A confident Biologist will be able to communicate complex ideas and use logical reasoning to support their conclusions.

We encourage a practical and collaborative approach to the study of the topics covered and there is plenty of opportunity to delve more into areas that are of particular interest. The majority of lessons are inquiry-based, including the use of many lessons for carrying out practical and experimental work. As well as developing knowledge and understanding, practical work allows students to develop manual dexterity and analytical skills.

Course content

Biology covers a very broad and expanding range of scientific endeavour and can be said to be the science of our time. The content of the courses at both Standard and Higher Levels are designed to incorporate such breadth, while ensuring there is time to gain an appreciation of the depth of human understanding in some of the most relevant areas, from Molecules and Cells to Genetics and Ecology.

Standard Level

Higher Level

Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Evolution & Biodiversity, and Human Physiology.

Higher Level students also study: Nucleic Acids, Metabolism, Plant Biology, Genetics & Evolution and Animal Physiology.

Assessment

	Standard Level	Higher Level
Internal assessment	Individual Investigation (20%)	Individual Investigation (20%)
External assessment	There are three papers including a range of questions from: multiple choice; databased analysis; short and extended responses (80%)	There are three papers including a range of questions from: multiple choice; data-based analysis; short and extended responses (80%)