IB Diploma Programme Biology Course Overview

Vocabulary flashcards from the IB Diploma Programme Biology course materials.

Diploma Programme (DP)

A rigorous pre-university course of study designed for students aged 16 to 19.

Higher Level (HL)

Courses that are studied in greater depth and breadth, recommended for more teaching hours compared to Standard Level (SL).

Standard Level (SL)

Courses that are taken with fewer teaching hours and less depth compared to Higher Level (HL) courses.

Extended Essay

A core component of the DP requiring students to conduct independent research in a subject of their choice.

Theory of Knowledge

A mandatory course in the DP that explores the nature of knowledge across disciplines.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

A core requirement in the DP that encourages students to engage in creative activities, physical pursuits, and community service.

Biology

One of the natural sciences in the DP focusing on the study of life and living systems.

Inquiry-based learning

An educational approach that emphasizes the importance of asking questions and conducting experiments.

Scientific investigation

An open-ended task where students gather and analyze data to answer their own research question.

Assessment objectives

The four criteria used to evaluate students’ understanding and skills in the DP biology course.

Intercultural understanding

The ability to recognize and respect different cultural perspectives.

Concept-based teaching

An educational framework that fosters connections between different subject areas and promotes critical thinking.