Biology (IB)

What does studying this subject involve?

Biologists have accumulated huge amounts of information about living organisms and it would be easy to confuse students by teaching large numbers of seemingly unrelated facts. In the Diploma Programme biology course, it is hoped that students will acquire a limited body of facts and, at the same time, develop a broad, general understanding of the principles of the subject.

There are four basic biological concepts that run throughout the course:  Structure and function, Universality versus diversity, Equilibrium within systems and Evolution.   These four concepts serve as themes that unify the various topics that make up the three sections of the course: the core, the additional higher level material and the options.

What skills will I develop and where could studying this subject lead ?

You will develop practical skills in using scientific equipment and ICT, you will enhance your ability to communicate effectively through presentation and written skills, and you will also learn how to reason clearly on complex issues. Through various visits and study sessions you will also be able to further apply your knowledge in the real world.

Biology is useful as a route to study Science related subjects at university, like medicine, pharmacy, biochemistry, veterinary science and physiotherapy. Biology can however also be combined with other areas of interest, for example, languages (usually with a year abroad) which is an option that many IB students could take due to the nature of the IB programme. Biology can also be a good base for a range of different careers like teacher training, Agriculture, Nursing, Physiotherapy and Horticulture.

What are the differences between studying this subject at Standard Level and Higher Level?

Group 4 students at Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) undertake a common core syllabus and internal assessment scheme and have some overlapping elements in the options studied.  The Standard Level (SL) IB Biology course covers six core topics with two optional topics. The Higher Level (HL) IB Biology covers the six core topics that is in SL plus an additional five higher level topics and two longer optional topics. HL examinations are also longer than SL.

How will I be assessed in this subject?

Assessment is comprised of three written papers (76%) taken at the end of the two years and a coursework component (24%) taken throughout the two years. The internal assessment (coursework) requirements are the same for all Group 4 subjects and consist of an interdisciplinary project (the “Group 4 Project”) and a mixture of short and long term practical investigations. Student work is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IBO.

Other useful information:

If you require any additional information about studying Biology at Standard or Higher level please speak to Miss Johnston in the Science department.