This term in our IB biology class, we have been learning about human physiology, the science of how the different systems of the human body function and disease which may impact this.  Throughout the year we have studied many more topics; the cell and cell membrane biological molecules, evolution, genetics, ecology and more recently the digestive system and the lungs. The IB Biology course covers such a wide range of topics and it has been really interesting to see how they link together. For example in Term 1 we learned about the structure of the cell membrane and this term we have learned its role in a nervous impulse.   

Recently, we had the opportunity to dissect a lamb’s heart, in order to find the different arteries and veins, and to give us an insight into how blood flows around the heart. 

We first found the right position of the heart, to then be able to start dissecting. The heart is divided into 4 chambers, two atria at the top and two ventricles at the bottom.  Once we found it we could see that there are four major vessels that can be found entering the heart: the pulmonary veins, aorta, vena cava, and the pulmonary artery. The class was able to identify the different structures due to the thickness of the walls, and if there were valves present or not. There are three main types of blood vessels: arteries, valves and capillaries. Arteries carry blood away from your heart. Veins carry blood back toward your heart. And capillaries are  the smallest blood vessels, connecting arteries and veins. And each of them has different structures to fulfil their different functions.  For example, the atria have muscular walls that are much thinner than the ventricle walls as they do not need to pump the blood far and the left ventricle is much thicker than the right as it is responsive for pumping blood around the whole body. The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body and its function is to carry oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the rest of the body’s tissues at a very high pressure. 

We  were able to tie in the learning from classroom discussions and theory work into a first-hand learning experience with an animal heart. Being able to see, touch and explore this heart helped us to have a stronger understanding of each structure of the heart - specifically their physical characteristics such as; thickness, size, and texture - as well as their functions, resulting in a better general understanding of how the organ works.

The IB program is an amazing opportunity if you enjoy biology. We studied previous topics studied in GCSE in much more depth. In doing so we are able to truly understand the how and why things work.  We go on trips, such as to the Imperial College, to do experiments and future investigate what we do in class. For example, we went there and we had the opportunity to dissect a cuttlefish, finding the different organs and understanding their different functions. 

If you plan to study sciences in the future, or have an interest in the world around you or how your cells and  body function, then IB Biology is the ideal course for you! 

If you have any questions about the course I would be happy to answer them!