Biology IB Higher and Standard Level

Biology IB (Higher and Standard Level)

BIOLOGY (HL/SL)

International Baccalaureate

Campus: Cheadle and Marple (12.02.09)

This course is offered as part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. You will take 3 Higher Level subjects and 3 Standard Level subjects and complete components in Theory of Knowledge, Creativity Action Service and an Extended Essay.

Course overview

Biology is the study of organisms and their surroundings, and is therefore interesting, relevant, ever-changing and fun. The IB course in Year 1 is a traditional Biology course that starts small, with molecules and cells, and then increases in scale through organs and whole organisms until we consider populations and global issues. It provides a sound foundation for the study of Biology and related subjects in Higher Education. IB Higher Level Biology builds on the topics studied at Standard level and goes into more depth.

Basic Standard level topics with Higher level topics in brackets:

Cells and organelles (Nucleic acids and proteins)

The chemistry of life (Respiration and Photosynthesis)

Genetics (Higher Genetics)

Ecology and Evolution (Plant Science)

In Year 2 we study three optional topics. Higher level student do the same topics, but in more detail.

Human health and physiology

Neuroscience

Microbiology

How you will learn

The course is delivered using a variety of methods including lectures, discussion, practical sessions and visits. ICT is an integral part of the course and study is supported by our extensive and ever-increasing VLE.

How you will be assessed

The formal theory exams are at the end of year two but progress is monitored throughout the course.

External assessment:

3 papers totaling 3 hours for SL

3 papers totaling 4.5 hours for HL

Internal assessment : Common assessments every three weeks, consisting of formative assessment (learning the factual material) and summative assessment (exam questions that test the more advanced skills; analysis, synthesis, evaluation) plus mock exams, using the extensive bank of past IB questions available to us.

Practical assessment :

Practical activities are an integral part of the course, and their assessment forms 24% of the final marks.

Special entry requirements

Standard college entry criteria for I.B., normally 6 GCSEs at Grade B or above in appropriate subjects. You should also have GCSE Science or Biology at Grade A or A* (or the international equivalent) if you want to study Higher Biology.

What students say about the I.B.

The I.B. is challenging yet great fun it educates students for success beyond school or college

I think I.B. students are much better prepared for University, as they have good time management skills and really know how to learn

Other useful information

The IB course as a whole produces well-rounded science students with a range of useful skills. Universities welcome I.B. students to study for science and medical-related degrees.