IB Biology Course Outline
University High School
Mrs. Melissa Juergens
407-482-8700 ext.6152583
Room 6-152
Website: www.cougarsciencerocks.weebly.com
Email: shelby.juergens@ocps.net
Edmodo: www.edmodo.com
Group Code:
Aims: Students will not only acquire a body of knowledge in biology, but also learn to apply that knowledge,
appreciate scientific study and creativity, develop an ability to analyze, evaluate and synthesize scientific
information, develop effective collaboration and 21st century communication skills, develop experimental
scientific skills, become critically aware, as global citizens, of the ethical implications of using science and
technology, develop an appreciation of the possibilities and limitations of science, and develop an
understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines and their influence on other areas.
Grades:
65% Tests & quizzes (Most of your grade will be based on your mastery of the learning goals!)
25% Labs
10% Assignments
Tests - Tests will closely mimic the format of the IB Biology Exam. They will consist of multiple-choice, shortanswer, data-based questions, and extended response. Many questions will come from past IB Biology exams.
Quizzes may vary in length and format.
Labs - By providing students with the opportunity for hands-on experimentation, they are carrying out some
of the same processes that scientists undertake, interacting directly with natural phenomena as well as provide
students with the opportunity to design investigations, collect data, develop manipulative skills, analyze
results, collaborate with peers and evaluate and communicate their findings. Your lab experience is so
important that it is 20% of your IB Biology Diploma score! You will be learning the lab skills necessary to
eventually be able to design your own lab, determine the appropriate equipment to use, determine how to
collect your data, decide the best way to statistically analyze the results, draw a valid conclusion, and evaluate
the experiment.
Supplies needed:
 3-ring binder
 dividers
 notebook paper
 pens (black or blue), pencils (any kind), highlighter (any color)
 4 dry erase markers (any color)
 scientific calculator (what you use for your math class is fine)
Resources:
Textbook for pre-reading: Biology, 2014 edition. (Oxford)
Study Guide for post-reading: Biology for the IB Diploma (Oxford)
Work Ethic:
The most successful students READ, keep up with notes, keep an organized notebook, honor deadlines, and
stay focused during class. There is also a high correlation between a student’s work ethic and their success on
the IB exam. Stay focused, motivated, positive and honest because it is going to be worth it!
Order of Instruction for IB Bio:
Year 1
Quarter 1:
Topic 2 – Molecular Biology & Organic Chemistry
Topic 1 – Cell Biology & DNA
Topic 3 - Genetics
Quarter 2:
Topic 3 – Biotechnology
Topic 4 – Ecosystems & Energy Flow
Topic 5 – Evolution
Topic 2 – Cell respiration & Photosynthesis
Group 4 Project
Quarter 3:
Topic 4 – Carbon Cycling & Climate Change
Topic 5 – Biodiversity & Cladistics
Topic 6 – Human Physiology
Option D – Human Physiology (subject to change)
Quarter 4:
Topic 6 – Human Physiology
Topic 7 – DNA (HL)
IA Time and Review!
Year 2
Quarter 1:
Topic 7 – Nucleic Acids (HL)
Topic 8 – Metabolism, Cell Respiration, & Photosynthesis (HL)
IA Time
Quarter 2:
Topic 9 – Plant Biology (HL)
Topic 10 – Genetics & Evolution (HL)
IA Time
Quarter 3:
Topic 11 – Animal Physiology (HL)
Topic D – Human Physiology (HL)
Quarter 4:
Review for IB Exam!