Biology Guide Notes for Diploma Programme

Introduction

  • Purpose of this document: to guide the planning, teaching, and assessment of biology in schools.

  • Audience: Subject teachers, students, and parents.

  • Availability: Obtainable through the IB store or the Programme Resource Centre.

IB Mission Statement

  • Aim: Develop inquisitive, knowledgeable, and caring students.

  • Intercultural understanding and respect: Essential for creating a more peaceful world.

IB Learner Profile (10 Attributes)

  • Inquirer, Knowledgeable, Thinker, Communicator, Principled, Open-minded, Caring, Risk-taker, Balanced, Reflective

The Diploma Programme (DP)

  • A rigorous pre-university course for ages 16 to 19.

  • Students choose subjects from six academic areas.

  • Emphasizes a comprehensive range of subjects fostering critical thinking and analysis.

Core Elements of DP

  1. Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

    • Critical thinking and inquiry into the process of knowing.

  2. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

    • Development of identities through community engagement.

  3. Extended Essay (EE)

    • Independent research culminating in a 4,000-word essay.

Nature of Science and Biology

  • Themes: Nature of science (NOS), unifying themes in biology, and essential knowledge.

  • Themes: 1) Form and function; 2) Unity and diversity; 3) Continuity and change; 4) Interaction and interdependence.

Assessment Overview

External Assessment

  • Paper 1:

    • Multiple-choice questions and data-based questions.

  • Paper 2:

    • Short-answer and extended-response questions.

Internal Assessment

  • One investigation: students demonstrate the scientific method through a personal research question.

Syllabus Content

Topics Discussed

  1. Unit A: Unity and Diversity

    • Water properties, genetic material, and cellular structures.

  2. Unit B: Form and Function

    • Proteins, membranes, and biochemical processes.

  3. Unit C: Interaction and Interdependence

    • Gas exchange, transport mechanisms, and metabolic processes.

  4. Unit D: Continuity and Change

    • DNA replication, cell cycle, and evolution through natural selection.

Additional Concepts

  • Population studies and ecosystem dynamics.

  • Climate change, conservation, human impact on biodiversity.

Assessment Objectives

  1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of biological terminology, facts, and concepts.

  2. Apply knowledge in practice through experiments.

  3. Analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information from data and trends.

  4. Design and conduct ethical investigations.

Approach to Teaching and Learning

  • Emphasis on inquiry-based learning.

  • Integration of concepts across biology topics.

Experimental Work

  • Hands-on experiences and investigations to facilitate understanding of biological concepts.

Key Takeaways for Students

  • The holistic approach to science education cultivates active, compassionate learners.

  • Importance of academic integrity and proper referencing in research and assessments.