Welcome to IB Biology HL
IB Biology HL is a rigorous, two-year experimental science course outlined by the International Baccalaureate Organization. Objectives include studying the characteristics, unity, and diversity of living things; the concept of evolution as an explanation of unity and diversity; the nature of science as a human enterprise; collection, analysis and interpretation of data; and the application of biological concepts to new situations including those involving human society and populations. The aim of the course is to develop an understanding and appreciation of the vast array of biological knowledge.
Aims-
1. appreciate scientific study and creativity within a global context through stimulating and challenging
opportunities
2. acquire a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize science and technology
3. apply and use a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize science and technology
4. develop an ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesize scientific information
5. develop a critical awareness of the need for, and the value of, effective collaboration and
communication during scientific activities
6. develop experimental and investigative scientific skills including the use of current technologies
7. develop and apply 21st century communication skills in the study of science
8. become critically aware, as global citizens, of the ethical implications of using science and technology
9. develop an appreciation of the possibilities and limitations of science and technology
10. develop an understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines and their influence on
other areas of knowledge.
Units of Study:
Core- 95 teaching hours
Topic 1: Cell biology – 15 hr
Topic 2: Molecular biology – 21 hr
Topic 3: Genetics – 15 hr
Topic 4: Ecology – 12 hr
Topic 5: Evolution & biodiversity – 12 hr
Topic 6: Human physiology – 20 hr
Additional Higher Level- 60 teaching hours
Topic 7: Nucleic acids - 9 hr
Topic 8: Metabolism, cell respiration and photosynthesis - 14 hr
Topic 9: Plant biology - 13 hr
Topic 10: Genetics and evolution - 8 hr
Topic 11: Animal physiology - 16 hr
*Note: Additional higher level topics are imbedded into core topics throughout the year to promote continuity of the curriculum.
Option C: Ecology – 25 hr
Practical Work – 40 hr
Internal Assessment – 10 hr
Group 4 Project – 10 hr
Aims-
1. appreciate scientific study and creativity within a global context through stimulating and challenging
opportunities
2. acquire a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize science and technology
3. apply and use a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize science and technology
4. develop an ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesize scientific information
5. develop a critical awareness of the need for, and the value of, effective collaboration and
communication during scientific activities
6. develop experimental and investigative scientific skills including the use of current technologies
7. develop and apply 21st century communication skills in the study of science
8. become critically aware, as global citizens, of the ethical implications of using science and technology
9. develop an appreciation of the possibilities and limitations of science and technology
10. develop an understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines and their influence on
other areas of knowledge.
Units of Study:
Core- 95 teaching hours
Topic 1: Cell biology – 15 hr
Topic 2: Molecular biology – 21 hr
Topic 3: Genetics – 15 hr
Topic 4: Ecology – 12 hr
Topic 5: Evolution & biodiversity – 12 hr
Topic 6: Human physiology – 20 hr
Additional Higher Level- 60 teaching hours
Topic 7: Nucleic acids - 9 hr
Topic 8: Metabolism, cell respiration and photosynthesis - 14 hr
Topic 9: Plant biology - 13 hr
Topic 10: Genetics and evolution - 8 hr
Topic 11: Animal physiology - 16 hr
*Note: Additional higher level topics are imbedded into core topics throughout the year to promote continuity of the curriculum.
Option C: Ecology – 25 hr
Practical Work – 40 hr
Internal Assessment – 10 hr
Group 4 Project – 10 hr