Overview of the Biology Higher Level course
Biology higher level is in group 4, experimental sciences.
The IB Diploma Programme biology higher level course covers four basic biological concepts
; structure and function, universality versus diversity, equilibrium with systems and evolution.
Students study a core component, an additional advanced higher-level component and two
option topics one of which will be ecology and conservation.
Throughout this challenging course, students become aware of how scientists work and
communicate with each other. Furthermore, students enjoy multiple opportunities for scientific
study and creative inquiry. In addition, the course is designed to:
• provide a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize science and
technology • enable students to apply and use a body of knowledge, methods and
techniques that characterize science and technology
• develop an ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesize scientific information
• develop experimental and investigative scientific skills
• engender an awareness of the need for, and the value of, effective collaboration and
communication during scientific activities
• develop and apply students’ information and communication technology skills in the study
of science
• raise awareness of the moral, ethical, social, economic and environmental implications of
using science and technology
• develop an appreciation of the possibilities and limitations associated with science and
scientists
• encourage an understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines and the
overarching nature of the scientific method.
COURSE STRUCTURE - Biology higher level (Theory 169 hours, practical 40 hours)
Core –( 80 hours of theory)
• Statistical analysis
• Cells
• The chemistry of life
• Genetics
• Ecology and evolution
• Human health and physiology
Advanced Higher Level (55 hours of theory)

Nucleic acids and proteins

Cell respiration and photosynthesis

Plant science

Genetics (advanced level)

Human health and physiology (advance level)
Options - (44 hours of theory)

• Ecology and conservation
and

• Neurobiology and conservation (can be subject to change)
In addition students will undertake a compulsory 60 hours of practical work (which may
include laboratory work, field work, visits, and demonstration of application of knowledge
through presentations, etc.) A major component of this at South Island School is a residential
field course, which takes place in the Summer term of year 12. All biology students are
expected to attend.
All students will also participate in a Group 4 project for a total of 10 hours during which time
they will be assessed on their personal skills. , The group 4 project involves students from
different group 4 subjects collaborating in addressing a scientific or technological topics,
allowing for concepts and perceptions from across the disciplines that “encourage an
Information taken from IBO Diploma programme Biology guide – first examination 2009
understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines and the overarching nature of
the scientific method”.
Assessment summary for biology higher level
Students’ success in the biology standard level course is measured by combining their grades
on an external (examination) and internal assessment (practical investigation and group 4
project).
Component
Paper 1
Overall
Weighting
(%)
20
Duration
Paper 2
36
2 hour 15
mins
Paper 3
20
1 hour 15
mins
Internal
Assessment
24
On – going
(completed
by CNY of
year 13)
1 hour
Format and syllabus
coverage
40 multiple choice
questions on the core
Section A: one databased question and
several short-answer
questions on the core and
AHL(all compulsory)
Section B: two extendedresponse question on the
core and AHL(from a
choice of 4)
Several short-answer
questions and one
extended response
question in each of the two
options studied (all
compulsory)
A combination of marks
representing the students
best work*
Group 4 Project
* Students are given a number of opportunities to achieve their best possible marks in each of the criteria, which are:
designing and investigation, collecting and processing data and concluding and evaluating
Differences between SL and HL
Biology students at standard level (SL) and higher level (HL) undertake a common core
syllabus, a common internal assessment(IA) scheme and have some overlapping elements in
the options studied. The IB syllabus while factually and conceptually explicit encourages the
development of certain skills, attributes and attitudes.
While the skills and activities of biology are common to students at both SL and HL, students
at HL are required to study some topics in greater depth, to study additional topics and to
study extension material of a more demanding nature in the common options. The distinction
between SL and HL is one of breadth
Further information and details of course content can be found of the Learning
Gateway or by contacting Mrs J Williams (jwilliams@mail.sis.edu.hk)
Information taken from IBO Diploma programme Biology guide – first examination 2009
Information taken from IBO Diploma programme Biology guide – first examination 2009