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IB Diploma Programme Biology Course Overview

  • Diploma Programme (DP)

    • Target Age: 16 to 19
    • Focus: Knowledgeable, inquisitive, compassionate
    • Emphasis on intercultural understanding and respect for diverse perspectives

  • Course Structure

    • Six academic areas with a core requirement
    • Two modern languages or a modern language + classical language
    • One humanities/social science, one experimental science, mathematics, one creative arts
    • Flexibility in subject choice, three to four subjects at higher level (HL) and the rest at standard level (SL)

  • Core Elements

    • Extended essay
    • Theory of knowledge
    • Creativity, activity, service

  • Biology Curriculum Overview

    • Focus on life and living systems
    • Emphasis on scientific inquiry and experimental work
    • Encourages understanding of biological organization and real-world scientific issues

  • Key Goals of DP Biology

    1. Develop conceptual understanding across different subject areas
    2. Acquire and apply scientific knowledge and methods
    3. Analyze and evaluate scientific information
    4. Approach challenges with creativity and resilience
    5. Design solutions for local/global problems
    6. Appreciate scientific possibilities and limitations
    7. Develop technology skills within scientific contexts
    8. Communicate and collaborate effectively
    9. Understand the ethical, social, and environmental impacts of science

  • Syllabus Components

    • Unity and Diversity (110 SL, 180 HL hours): Water, nucleic acids, cell structure, biodiversity, evolution
    • Form and Function (Recommended hours): Carbohydrates, proteins, membranes, cellular specialization, ecological niches
    • Interaction and Interdependence: Enzymes, metabolism, energy transfer, community interactions
    • Continuity and Change: DNA replication, cell cycle, inheritance, natural selection

  • Skills Development

    • Experimental techniques, technology, mathematics integration
    • Inquiry process includes exploration, data collection, and evaluation

  • Assessment Model

    • Objectives: Knowledge demonstration, application of concepts, analysis and synthesis of data, ethical investigation application
    • Types of Assessment:
    • External assessments: papers with multiple-choice and data-based questions
    • Internal assessments: scientific investigation, maximum report word count: 3,000 words

  • IB Overview

    • Established reputation for high-quality, challenging educational programs
    • Focus on developing internationally minded individuals
    • Resources available for further understanding and subject guides

  • Assessment Weighting

    • SL external: 3 hours (80% of final grade)
    • HL external: 4.5 hours (80% of final grade)
    • Internal assessments contribute additional 10-20% to final grade.