Biology
Group 4
Course Description
Course Structure
SL and HL
Prerequisites:
Nil
Exclusions:
Nil
Biology is the study of life on Earth. The existence of millions of different species makes the subject fascinating, but it can also make it challenging. There is so much to learn and so much that we still don’t know about organisms that exist and those that used to exist. A biologist tries to understand the living world at all levels, from the unseen microscopic to the much larger, visible organisms. They use many different methods and techniques to help them do this.
Biology is still a young science and we expect to learn much more about it in the 21st Century. This is important because as the population increases, there will be more pressure put on our planet, its environment and its resources.
By studying IB Biology students will become more aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other. They will carry out experiments where they will learn specific techniques, skills and knowledge that develop their ability to work within the scientific community. They will learn to ask questions and dive deeper into topics that interest them. These will not only make them better scientists overall but, hopefully, more effective learners as well.
Coursework
Group 4: | Biology Standard Level | Biology Higher Level |
Components | ||
Core |
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7. Cell biology 8. Molecular Biology 9. Genetics 10. Ecology 11. Evolution and biodiversity 12. Human physiology |
Additional higher level | 13. Nucleic acids 14. Metabolism, cell respiration and photosynethesis 15. Plant biology 16. Genetics and evolution 17. Animal physiology |
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Option (Choice of one out of four) |
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e. Neurobiology and behaviour f. Biotechnology and bioinformatics g. Ecology and conservation h. Human physiology |
Practical scheme of work |
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Assessment
Group 4: | Biology Standard Level | Biology Higher Level | ||||
Type of Assessment | Format of assessment | Time (hours) | Weighting of final grade (%) | Format of assessment | Time (hours) | Weighting of final grade (%) |
External | 3 | 80 | 4.5 | 80 | ||
Paper 1 | 30 multiple-choice questions | 0.75 | 20 | 40 multiple-choice questions | 1 | 20 |
Paper 2 | Data-based, short answer and extended response questions | 1.25 | 40 | Data-based, short answer and extended response questions | 2.25 | |
Paper 3 | Data-based, short answer and extended response questions | 1 | 20 | Data-based, short answer and extended response questions | 1.25 | 24 |
Internal | 10 | 20 | 20 | |||
Individual Investigation | Investigation and write-up of 6 to 12 pages | 10 | 20 | Investigation and write-up of 6 to 12 pages | 10 | 20 |