Biology

Group 4 subject 

The biologist’s realm is the earth’s surface and those thin layers above and below it in which organisms grow, reproduce and die. It is true, astrophysicists look higher and geologists go deeper, but when soft machines are involved we turn to one of the branches of biology for answers.

People develop an interest in biology for all sorts of reasons. The workings of the human body are of immediate relevance, and so many biological matters are topical and receive media coverage. Environmental issues are always in the news, as are medical matters and biotechnology. Biologists are involved in the study of life at all levels, and the application of knowledge in a wide range of contexts.

This course helps students to better understand themselves and their place in the natural world. It allows an in-depth study of a wide range of biological concepts as they apply to biological molecules, cells, organisms, populations and interacting communities.

Course content

SL and HL courses share the core syllabus. HL students study to a far greater depth and breadth.

Core curriculum

• cell biology

• molecular biology

• genetics

• ecology

• evolution and biodiversity

• human physiology

Additional Higher Level topics (AHL)

HL covers each topic in more depth with particular emphasis on:

• nucleic acids

• metabolism, cell respiration and photosynthesis

• plant biology

• genetics and evolution

• animal physiology

For Biology IB syllabus, click here.

Field courses 

There are compulsory field trips for HL and SL biologists. HL and SL students spend five days on Tioman Island studying coastal, coral reef and rainforest ecosystems. The field trip entails a cost to parents.

Skills developed

• research, experimental and personal skills to carry out insightful and ethical investigations

• analytical and evaluative skills

• IT skills

• internationalism and Theory of Knowledge (ToK) aspects of Biology

• presentation skills

Assessment

External assessment – 80%

• paper 1 – multiple choice 

• paper 2 – data-based question, short and extended response 

Internal assessment – 20%

• individual investigation

University courses and careers

Biology not only provides the springboard into ‘pure’ natural science courses at university, but is also valuable for applied biological sciences such as medicine, pharmacy, biochemistry, veterinary science, agriculture, forestry, marine science, physiotherapy, sports physiology. Many, but not all, university courses for Biology expect another science at HL.