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What is the IB Biology (SL) exam format?
IB Biology SL has internal and external assessments: the IB external assessment is the part you do on test day and the IB internal assessment is usually a project or a presentation you have to work on ahead of time.
For the external assessments:
Paper 1 - multiple choice and data-based questions; will take you 1 hour 30 minutes (worth 36% of your final grade)
Paper 2 - data-based, short-answer, and extended-response questions; will take you 1 hour 30 minutes (44% of your final grade)
For the internal assessments:
Scientific investigation; will take you 10 hours (worth 20% of your final grade)
To make sure you’re prepared enough to finish in time, take a look through the IB Biology Syllabus and our free IB Biology resources that cover the most important material you should know.
How do I study for IB Biology (SL)?
IB exams are scored using a combination of internal and external assessments. The IB score range is 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest. External assessments, such as the written exams, are marked by external IB examiners, while internal assessments, such as projects or oral presentations, are graded by the student's teacher and then moderated by IB examiners. The scores from different assessments are combined, and students may earn up to 42 points from six subjects, with an additional 3 points available from the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the IB Extended Essay, for a maximum total of 45 points.
What units are on IB Biology (SL)?
You’ve likely covered a lot of material during your course this year, but to get a 7 on the International Baccalaureate exam, it’s important you understand how often each topic shows up. Once you take a look through the breakdown below, make sure to read through the IB Biology (SL) study guide above with all the key points you should know for each unit. The IB Biology (SL) revision notes are made by other students who already took that class. After that, run through the IB Biology (SL) flashcards to practice important terms you should know for the exam. You can also do some test prep using the tests attached to each note. There’s a lot of IB Biology (SL) resources for you to shuffle between until you find the method that works best for your learning style. Make sure to start ahead and leave enough time to practice.
What are the video resources?
When approaching your IB Biology exam review, take some time to understand how the different units are actually broken up so you can place the right emphasis on each one.
Unit 1: Cell Biology
Unit 2: Molecular Biology
Unit 3: Genetics
Unit 4: Ecology
Unit 5: Evolution and Biodiversity
Unit 6: Human Physiology
Unit 7: Neurobiology and Behaviour
Unit 8: Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
Unit 9: Ecology and Conservation
Where can I ask IB Biology (SL) questions?
IB Biology SL requires strong problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and a solid understanding of biological concepts. You’ll need to master topics such as cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and human physiology, while applying them to both theoretical and practical scenarios.
What is IB Biology (SL)?
We’ve handpicked some of our favorite YouTube channels and videos that align with the key topics and themes covered in our IB Biology SL study guides. These channels can be a great way to get a better understanding of fundamental topics such as cell biology, genetics, ecology, and human physiology. Experience practical learning through laboratory experiments and interactive classroom activities, while employing scientific methods to tackle biological challenges and real-world applications.