Biology FAQs

• You really enjoy learning about biology already.

• You are curious to learn more.

• You enjoy learning independently as much as in class.

• You would like to develop investigation skills

• You may need Biology for your university degree/career

Yes, Double Award science provides you with the knowledge, understanding and skills that are required to access the IBDP Biology course at standard or higher level. There will be some topics which come up in the IBDP course which students who took triple science will have covered in their IGCSE course already, so may feel more familiar with. However, the lessons are designed so that all students are taught this content to ensure all students are able to access the work and make progress

SL

• 150 hrs

• Core

- Cell Biology

-Molecular biology

-Genetics

-Ecology

-Evolution

-Human Physiology

• Option A Neurobiology or C Ecology

HL

• 240 hrs

• Core

• Advanced Higher Level

-Nucleic Acids

-Metabolism

-Plants

-Genetics and Evolution

Animal Physiology

• Option A Neurobiology or C Ecology

There is a large increase in conceptual understanding and content as shown by the Higher Level topics previously.

There is a huge course content in terms of vocabulary and specific detail. There is considerable overlap between chemistry and biology in a number of topics. The HL topics require conceptual understanding in areas less tangible and visual. The jump from iGCSE to HL Biology is huge. There is an expectation of at least 3 hours independent consolidation and study each week outside of the lessons.

Continual formative assessment over the 2 years. At the end of each topic students will sit an end of topic test. In Y13 the students will research and carry out the Internal Assessment (IA).

The predicted grade is calculated using all assessments during the course.

The final grade is calculated from the IA (20%) and 3 written examinations (80%).

If you apply to the UK you will need a grade 6 or 7 at Higher Level depending on the university.

Universities outside the UK will provide information on their websites.