Biology

IB Biology covers the relationship between structure and function at all levels of complexity. Beginning in grade 11, students will learn, among other things, about cell theory, the chemistry behind life, the ecology of our planet, how the human body works, and the genetics behind inheritance. This learning will come in a variety of forms, such as when students get to extract DNA, reenact protein synthesis and nerve signaling, work with manipulatives, complete online simulations, dissect organisms, investigate heart rate, or perform a chromatography lab on chlorophyll. Their learning will culminate in a student-designed biological investigation in a topic of their choice. Over the course of the program, students will be given multiple opportunities to perform creative inquiry as it applies to their lives and within a greater global context. Students will be provided with a body of knowledge; develop experimental and investigative scientific skills; will analyse, evaluate and synthesize scientific information; engender an awareness of the need for effective collaboration; raise awareness behind the moral, ethical, social, economic and environmental implications of using science and technology.

IB Biology Video.mov

biologysl2016englishw.pdf

biologyhl2016englishw.pdf

Higher Level

Course Codes: SBI3U7, SBI4U7, PSK4U7

Course Description and Aims

Biology is the study of life. The vast diversity of species makes biology both an endless source of fascination and a considerable challenge. Biologists attempt to understand the living world at all levels from the micro to the macro using many different approaches and techniques. Biology is still a young science and great progress is expected in the 21st century. This progress is important at a time of growing pressure on the human population and the environment.

By studying biology in the DP students should become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other. While the scientific method may take on a wide variety of forms, it is the emphasis on a practical approach through experimental work that characterizes the sciences. Teachers provide students with opportunities to design investigations, collect data, develop manipulative skills, analyse results, collaborate with peers and evaluate and communicate their findings.

Through the overarching theme of the nature of science, the aims of the DP biology course are to enable students to:

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.

The group 4 project

The group 4 project is a collaborative activity where students from different group 4 subjects, within or between schools, work together. It allows for concepts and perceptions from across disciplines to be shared while appreciating the environmental, social and ethical implications of science and technology. It can be practically or theoretically based and aims to develop an understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines and their influence on other areas. The emphasis is on interdisciplinary cooperation and the scientific processes

III. Assessment Model

It is the intention of this course that students are able to fulfill the following assessment objectives:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• facts, concepts, and terminology

• methodologies and techniques

• communicating scientific information.

2. Apply:

• facts, concepts, and terminology

• methodologies and techniques

• methods of communicating scientific information.

3. Formulate, analyse and evaluate:

• hypotheses, research questions and predictions

• methodologies and techniques

• primary and secondary data

• scientific explanations.

4. Demonstrate the appropriate research, experimental, and personal skills necessary to carry out insightful and ethical investigations.

Standard Level

Course Code: SBI3U6, SBI4U6

Course Description and Aims

Biology is the study of life. The vast diversity of species makes biology both an endless source of fascination and a considerable challenge. Biologists attempt to understand the living world at all levels from the micro to the macro using many different approaches and techniques. Biology is still a young science and great progress is expected in the 21st century. This progress is important at a time of growing pressure on the human population and the environment.

By studying biology in the DP students should become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other. While the scientific method may take on a wide variety of forms, it is the emphasis on a practical approach through experimental work that characterizes the sciences. Teachers provide students with opportunities to design investigations, collect data, develop manipulative skills, analyse results, collaborate with peers and evaluate and communicate their findings