Biology

Overview

Over the course of the two-year IB Biology curriculum, students will gain both content knowledge and skills. The overarching goal is preparation for continued Biology/Science studies after CCS. Some of the aims of the IB Biology course are outlined below:

  • Appreciation of scientific study and creativity within a global context

  • Acquisition of a body of knowledge, methods and techniques specific to Biology and Biotechnology

  • Development of skills to analyze, evaluate and synthesize scientific information

  • Collaboration and communication with peers

  • Development of understanding across curricular areas in terms of scientific disciplines and how knowledge is gained (TOK connection)

The two-year IB Biology curriculum is broken into required topics (6 SL/Core, 5 HL, 1 Option) and laboratory activities with the aim of exposing students to a variety of Biology areas including Ecology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Genetics.

Assessment

Often, students will receive specific and timely feedback on practical work, which will culminate in the completion of an internally assessed (IA) investigation in the fall of DP II/Year 13. Students will complete formative tasks, both during and outside of class, where they can practice their skills and reflect on their understanding. Depending on the task at hand, students will sometimes work independently, with a partner, or in a small group. Throughout the term, students will complete summative tasks such as quizzes, lab reports, and formal conclusions in order to gauge their conceptual knowledge. At the end of each semester, students will complete an internally assessed summative (exam) to indicate progress through the course.

At the end of the two year course, students will complete an externally assessed set of examinations to assess the following:

  • Paper 1: Multiple Choice questions on Scientific Content (20%)

  • Paper 2: Data Analysis Skills and Extended Response (40%)

  • Paper 3: Experimental Skills and Techniques (20%)

  • The Internal Assessment (20%) - completed in fall of Year 13

There is also an interdisciplinary project called the Group 4 Project, where students will have the opportunity to work with students from other Sciences subjects on a common-themed project.