Diploma programme Biology
higher Level year 1
Ms. Sivamani
Website: ssivamani.weebly.com
Email: ssivamani@wcpss.net
What to expect in IB Biology:
This class is rigorous and demanding. We will be looking at a wide range of biological concepts in great detail over the
course of the next two years. Year 1 will be focusing on going into more detail about topics you have already studied
such as biochemistry, cells, genetics, protein synthesis, and plants. Year 2 will focus mainly on the human body.
Timeline
Junior year – Ms. Sivamani
Class Unit
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
IB Topic(s)
1 (Statistical Analysis) and 3 (Chemistry of Life)
2 (Cells)
8 (Cell Respiration and Photosynthesis)
7 (Nucleic Acids and Proteins)
4 and 10 (Genetics)
9 (Plant Science)
5 (Ecology and Evolution)
Senior year – Ms. Lawrence will cover topic 6 and 11 (Human Health and Physiology) and 2
options from the syllabus
External Assessments:
These assessments will take place in May of your senior year. Most colleges use the scores from these external
assessments for college credit for certain classes (each college has differing policies on this so ensure that you check
ahead of time in order to receive credit). . Biology has 3 papers (exams) that you will be taking.
Paper 1 (Core): is made up of multiple-choice questions that test knowledge of the core only. No marks are deducted
for incorrect responses. Calculators are not permitted, but students are expected to carry out simple calculations.
Paper 2 (Core): is divided into two sections. In section A, there is a data-based question that requires students to analyze
a given set of data. The remainder of section A is made up of short-answer questions. In section B, students are required
to answer two questions from a choice of four. These extended-response questions may involve writing a number of
paragraphs, solving a substantial problem, or carrying out a substantial piece of analysis or evaluation. A calculator is
required for this paper.
Paper 3 (Options): Students at HL are required to answer several short-answer questions and an extended-response
question in EACH of the two options studied.
Quizzes:
After each section of notes in this class you will be given a quiz. These quizzes are designed to help you know what you
understand and what you still have to learn about the notes. Quizzes are open ended questions. At the end of each unit,
there will be a test consisting of questions from previous IB exams. They will include multiple choice, short answer and
data based questions. You will have to write the right answer, and why it’s right. It can be a tedious process, so please
be prepared ahead of time for these tests.
Tests:
Tests will contain questions from previous IB exams and will be given to you in the format that the IBO uses during
examination time for the external assessments.
Internal Assessments:
These will take place through the evaluation of labs both by me and by IBO officials. I will be grading your labs first and
then your senior year a selection of those labs will be sent to IBO to be moderated. I will make every effort to grade
your labs in such a way that IBO does not see me as an “easy grader” in which case points will be deducted from
everyone’s overall score for biology.
Labs
Lab experiences in this course are going to be centered around critical thinking. More often than not, I will give you the
problem and the materials, and you will have to come up with the procedure to solve the problem. In many cases you
will be carrying out your own procedure. Although, labs may be done in pairs or in small groups, each individual is
responsible for turning in their own unique lab report. If IBO suspects cheating of any kind (this includes teacher help)
points will be deducted. If you are absent during a lab, please make arrangements with me to make up the lab on your
own time.
Grades:
Tests : 60% (2-3 per quarter)
Labs : 20% (2-3 per quarter)
Quizzes: 10% (1-2 per week)
HW/CW : 10% (1 packet per unit)
Absent:
When you are absent and miss a set of notes, please make every effort to get those notes from either a classmate or
myself as soon as possible. I quiz frequently and you will be held responsible for taking the quiz within 1 week of your
absence. If you miss a quiz or test please make it up as soon as possible. You will have 1 week to make up the test from
your absence.
Late Work:
Any work turned in late will have a 10 point per school day deduction in points up to the fifth school day (NOT class day)
after which no late work will be accepted.
Rules:
1. Be on time and prepared everyday
2. Be respectful of everyone’s right to learn
3. Have a positive attitude no matter how tired or emotionally unstable you are at any given time
Additional Help:
I am here to ensure your success so please communicate with me about any and all concerns/feedback you have. Here is
my email if you would like to contact me outside of class: ssivamani@wcpss.net Thank you and I look forward to having
a wonderful semester! - Ms. Sivamani
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. ---Nelson Mandela