Academics - Biology

International Baccalaureate Program

Academics - Biology

Offered at both the higher and standard levels, Biology is designed to give students a secure knowledge of a body of facts and, at the same time, a broad understanding of the field of biology. The core of the Biology program consists of study in six required topics: cells; the chemistry of life; genetics; ecology; evolution; and human health and physiology. Optional course topics at both levels include diet and human nutrition; physiology of exercise; cells and energy; evolution; neurobiology and behavior; applied plant and animal science; and ecology and conservation. Higher level students must complete additional study in cell, human, and plant biology.

At the higher and standard levels, Biology is assessed through three written examination papers, which constitute 76% of the final grade. In addition, students must participate and report upon a multidisciplinary project and complete a comprehensive portfolio of laboratory investigations. This work constitutes the remaining 24% of the final grade. This work is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IBO.

SCIENCE COURSE SEQUENCES

Biology sequencing information for Transfer Students:

9th grade.....Honors Level Biology - all grades at B level or above.

Biology (Standard Level)

SL students compete with other SL students worldwide for content mastery.

* 40+ hours of Lab required, includinga minimum of two internal assessment labs.
* 80 hours of Core Material instruction.

* Two Option Areas studied, with 15 hours of instruction each.

A successful SL candidate must show resolve in studying the recall and factual aspects of Biology and must learn to apply this knowledge.

Biology Higher Level

HL students compete with other HL students worldwide for content mastery.

* 60+ hours of Lab required, including a minimum of two internal assessment labs.

* HL test typically gives very few leads within questions.

* Recall level of knowledge is often assumed. IB test emphasizes synthesis and application of knowledge.

* 80 hours of Core Material instruction plus an additional 55 hours of study on topics unique to HL Biology.

* Two Option Areas studied, with 22 hours of instruction each.

A successful HL candidate must show resolve in studying the recall and factual aspects of Biology plus the ability to apply learned knowledge in challenging and novel testing situations.

Students interested in studying Biology at the HL level must study Physics 1 Pre-IB in 10th grade.

In other words, ...

Testing differences: Since students typically choose personal strength areas for HL study, the level of competition is generally much higher for the HL test.

Content: SL & HL Biology share 80 hours of instruction with HL students studying an additional set of topics. (Additional Higher Level). Each level has a set of Option Topics from which to choose: SL must choose 2 options of fifteen hours each and HL must choose two options of 22 hours each.