International Baccalaureate Biology

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE BIOLOGY

WHAT IS BIOLOGY?
The word biologyis derived from the Greek words bios meaning life and logos meaning study and is defined as the science of life and living organisms. You can choose to study Biology as the group 4 subject within the IB diploma and it is possible to study more than one science subject if you want to.

WHY SHOULD I STUDY BIOLOGY?
This course will give you an opportunity to study Biology in a broader context than you would in an AS/A2 course. This is because the IB looks at the subject from the point of view of its international importance and how biologists have developed their knowledge of living systems. You will also have an opportunity to see how Biology relates to the other science subjects and explore in greater depth an area of the subject that interests you.

USEFUL SKILLS & INTERESTS
Biology is a factual subject, so you need to be willing to do a lot of revision and learn a lot of scientific terms. It also involves some maths and statistics. Biology is a very varied subject, so it helps if you have an interest in a range of biological topics. You need to be flexible in the way that you learn, being able to work independently and in groups. You will be asked to research information for yourself and present your findings to other members of the group, so a high level of motivation and the ability to meet deadlines are important skills to have.

COURSE STRUCTURE & CONTENT
There are four basic biological concepts that run throughout the course:

• Structure and Function how structures are adapted to carry out their functions
• Universality versus Diversity many molecules, structures and processes are the same in a wide range of living organisms. However, these universal features exist in a biological world of enormous diversity. Species exist in a range of habitats and show adaptations that relate structure to function.
• Equilibrium within Systems- checks and balances exist both within living organisms and within ecosystems.
• Evolution- this draws together the other themes. Differences exist between individuals and the environmental conditions favour some more than others. This leads to adaptations of structure and function.

The following topic areas are studied by all students. Students at higher level do additional work in these topics and also study Plant Science.

Topic 1: Statistical Analysis

Topic 2: Cells

Topic 3: The Chemistry of Life

Topic 4: Genetics

Topic 5: Ecology and Evolution

Topic 6: Human Health and Physiology

In addition to these topic areas students will study two option units

Practical work
Students at SL are required to spend 40 hours, and students at HL 60 hours, on practical/investigative work. This includes 10 hours for the group 4 project.
The group 4 projectis an interdisciplinary activity in which all Diploma Programme science students must participate. Students from the different science subjects work together to analyse a common topic or problem. The emphasis is on the processes involved in scientific investigation rather than the products of such investigation.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
The content of the topic areas is assessed in three written examinations taken at the end of the course. These involve multiple-choice, short answer and extended response question.

Practical work is internally assessed.

COURSE COMMITMENT
As all the assessment is at the end of year two you must complete the full course in order to be awarded the qualification.

COURSE COSTS
You will be expected to have basic equipment such as calculator, ruler etc. You will be provided with a course text book but there are additional resources such as revision guides that you may choose to purchase. You may be asked for a contribution towards transport costs for visits, this would not amount to more than 10.

PROGRESSION ROUTES
The IB diploma is an equivalent qualification to Advanced GCE (A level) and enables you to progress to the same range of higher education, training and employment opportunities. Those interested in specific scientific careers such as medicine and veterinary science should study both Biology and Chemistry within their IB course.