IB Biology Diploma Programme

Subject Leader: Mrs I Slade – islade@knoleacademy.org

Exam Board: International Baccalaureate

Entry Requirements

Minimum of 5 9-5 grades in GCSE examinations including English and Maths, a grade 6-6 in Combined Science/ or grade 6 in Biology

Intent

Biology is the study of life. The vast diversity of species makes Biology an endless source of fascination and a considerable challenge. Biologists attempt to understand the living world at all levels, from the micro to the macro, using many different approaches and techniques.

The aims of this course are:

To develop a student’s interest in and enthusiasm for biology, including developing an interest in further study and careers in the subject.
To appreciate how society makes decisions about biology-related issues and how biology contributes to the success of the economy and society.
To develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge, and understanding of how science works, as well as to develop essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of biology and how they relate to each other.

Implementation

The Biology course promotes concept-based teaching and learning to foster critical thinking.

The Biology course is built on:

approaches to learning
nature of science
skills in the study of biology.

These three pillars support a broad and balanced experimental programme. As students progress through the course, they become familiar with traditional experimentation techniques, as well as the application of technology. These opportunities help them to develop their investigative skills and evaluate the impact of error and uncertainty in scientific inquiry. The scientific investigation then places a specific emphasis on inquiry-based skills and the formal communication of scientific knowledge. Finally, the collaborative sciences project extends the development of scientific communication in a collaborative and interdisciplinary context, allowing students to work together beyond the confines of biology.

Impact

As the study of living organisms, biology is essential for explaining the complexities of life. This subject emphasises the interconnectedness of all life forms and the balance within ecosystems. Among the sciences, biology is often referred to as the “science of life” because of its foundational role in understanding the natural world. It is therefore often a prerequisite for many other courses in higher education, such as medicine and healthcare, biological and life sciences, environmental sciences and ecology, agricultural and veterinary sciences, biomedical sciences, public health and epidemiology, and forensic science

Course Outline

Theme A: Unity and Diversity

Common ancestry has given living organisms many shared features, while evolution has resulted in the rich biodiversity of life on Earth.

A1.1 Water

A1.2 Nucleic acids

A2.1 Origins of cells (Higher level only)

A2.2 Cell structure

A2.3 Viruses (Higher level only)

A3.1 Diversity of organisms

A3.2 Classification and cladistics (Higher level only)

A4.1 Evolution and speciation

A4.2 Conservation of Biodiversity

Theme B: Form and Function

Adaptations are forms that correspond to function. These adaptations persist from generation to generation because they increase the chances of survival.

B1.1 Carbohydrates and lipids

B1.2 Proteins

B2.1 Membrances and membrane transport

B2.2 Organelles and Compartmentalization

B2.3 Cell specialization

B3.1 Gas exchange

B3.2 Transport

B3.3 Muscle and motility (Higher level only)

B4.1 Adaptation to Environment

B4.2 Ecological niches

Theme C: Interaction and Interdependence

Systems are based on interactions, interdependence and integration of components. Systems result in the emergence of new properties at each level of biological organization.

C1.1 Enzymes and metabolism

C1.2 Cell respiration

C1.3 Photosynthesis

C2.1 Chemical signalling (Higher level only)

C2.2 Neural signalling

C3.1 Integration of body systems

C3.2 Defence against disease

C4.1 Populations and Communities

C4.2 Transfers of energy and matter

Theme D: Continuity and Change

Living things have mechanisms for maintaining equilibrium and for bringing about transformation. Environmental change is a driver of evolution by natural selection.

D1.1 DNA replication

D1.2 Protein synthesis

D1.3 Mutation and gene editing

D2.1 Cell and nuclear divison

D2.2 Gene expression (Higher level only)

D2.3 Water potential

D3.1 Reproduction

D3.2 Inheritance

D3.3 Homeostasis

D4.1 Natural selection

D4.2 Stability and change

D4.3 Climate change

Examination Information

Exam Board: International Baccalaureate

Qualification: Biology Diploma

Standard level (150 hours)

Paper 1
Paper 2
Internal Assessment

Higher level (240 hours)

Paper 1
Paper 2
Internal Assessment

Paper 1 (36%)

1 hour 30 minutes. 55 marks.

Paper 1A—Multiple-choice questions
Paper 1B—Data-based questions (four questions that are syllabus related, addressing all themes)

Paper 2 (44%)

1 hour 30 minutes. 50 marks.

Section A—Data-based and short answer questions
Section B—Extended-response questions

Internal Assessment (20%)

10 hours. 24 marks.

The internal assessment consists of one task: the scientific investigation. This component is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB at the end of the course.