Welcome to
IB Biology
Jennifer Oldford PAHS
All information from:
“Biology guide. First assessment 2016.”
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The International Baccalaureate aims to
develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring
young people who help to create a better and
more peaceful world through intercultural
understanding and respect.
These programmes encourage students
across the world to become active,
compassionate and lifelong learners who
understand that other people, with their
differences, can also be right.
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Core
1. Cell biology
2. Molecular biology
3. Genetics
4. Ecology
5. Evolution and
biodiversity
◦ 6. Human physiology
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95hr
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Additional higher level
◦ 7. Nucleic acids
◦ 8. Metabolism, cell
respiration and
photosynthesis
◦ 9. Plant biology
◦ 10. Genetics and
evolution
◦ 11. Animal physiology
60hr
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Option
◦ A. Neurobiology and
behaviour
◦ B. Biotechnology and
bioinformatics
◦ C. Ecology and
conservation
◦ D. Human physiology
15hr SL; 25hr HL
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Practical scheme of
work
◦ Practical activities
◦ Individual investigation
(internal assessment–IA)
◦ Group 4 project
40hr SL; 60hr HL
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Year I
◦ Cell (15)
◦ Molecular (21)
◦ Respiration +
Photosynthesis (14)
◦ Plant Biology (13)
◦ Reproduction (8)
◦ Nucleic Acids (6)
◦ Genetics (15)
92hr
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Year II
◦ Evolution and Biodiversity
(20)
◦ Ecology (12)
◦ Human Physiology (36)
◦ Neurobiology (15)
83hr
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Formative assessment informs both teaching and
learning.
In addition to the required IB assessment pieces,
students will complete a series of tests, quizzes,
assignments, lab activities, and mock exams.
These assessment pieces are used to:
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determine marks for required school assessment
periods
provide feedback to students and teachers on:
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the kind of learning taking place
the nature of students’ strengths and weaknesses
teaching quality
progress towards meeting the course aims and objectives
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The practical scheme of work (PSOW) acts as
a summary of all the investigative activities
carried out by a student.
Students at SL and HL in the same subject
may carry out some of the same
investigations.
Consists of: practical activities, group 4, and
internal assessment
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Include: 7 required Practical labs +
short labs or projects extending over several weeks
computer simulations
using databases for secondary data
developing and using models
data-gathering exercises such as questionnaires,
user trials and surveys
◦ data-analysis exercises
◦ fieldwork
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An interdisciplinary activity in which all Diploma
Programme science students must participate.
Students from the different group 4 subjects
analyse a common topic or problem.
A collaborative experience where the emphasis is
on the process, rather than the products.
The 10 hours involved are divided into three
stages: planning, action and evaluation.
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Internal assessment is an integral part of the
course and is compulsory for both SL and HL
students.
Enables students to demonstrate the
application of their skills and knowledge, and
to pursue their personal interests, without the
time limitations and other constraints that are
associated with written examinations.
The internal assessment requirements at SL
and at HL are the same.
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Worth 20% of the final assessment
One scientific investigation taking about 10
hours
Possible tasks:
◦ hands-on laboratory investigation
◦ using a spreadsheet for analysis and modelling
◦ extracting data from a database and analysing it
graphically
◦ producing a hybrid of spreadsheet/database work with a
traditional hands-on investigation
◦ using a simulation
Write-up = 6 to 12 pages
Criteria:
◦ Personal engagement, Exploration, Analysis, Evaluation,
Communication
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Paper 1
◦ 40 multiplechoice
questions on
core and AHL
material,
about 15 of
which are
common with
SL.
Duration: 1 hour
Weighting: 20%
Marks: 40 HL
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Paper 2
◦ Data-based
question.
◦ Short-answer and
extendedresponse
questions on core
and AHL material.
◦ Two out of three
extended
response
questions to be
attempted by
candidates.
Duration: 2¼ hours
Weighting: 36%
Marks: 72 HL
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Paper 3
◦ Section A: candidates
answer all questions,
two to three shortanswer questions
based on
experimental skills
and techniques,
analysis and
evaluation, using
unseen data linked to
the core material.
◦ Section B: shortanswer and
extended-response
questions from one
option.
Duration: 1¼ hours
Weighting: 24%
Marks: 45 HL
 Inquirers
 Open-minded
 Knowledgeable
 Caring
 Thinkers
 Risk-takers
 Communicators
 Balanced
 Principled
 Reflective