Course Description
Course Structure
SL and HL
Prerequisites:
Nil
Exclusions:
Nil
Biology is the science of life — the study of living organisms in all their complexity, from the molecular machinery within a single cell to the intricate relationships that sustain entire ecosystems.
The IB Biology course is a concept-driven, inquiry-based subject structured around four unifying themes: unity and diversity (what living things share and how they differ); form and function (how structure relates to purpose); interaction and interdependence (how biological systems work together); and continuity and change (how life persists, adapts and evolves). These themes are explored across four levels of biological organisation — molecules, cells, organisms and ecosystems — giving students a coherent and interconnected understanding of life at every scale.
Students begin by exploring the molecular and cellular basis of life, including the structure of key biomolecules, cell processes and genetic mechanisms, before progressing into the physiology of organisms, ecological relationships and the principles of evolution. Throughout the course, students analyse data, evaluate evidence and draw conclusions from biological investigations, reflecting the way scientific understanding is built and revised.
A substantial experimental component underpins the course, culminating in the Internal Assessment (IA) — an individual scientific investigation in which students design and conduct their own research question and present their findings in a written report.
The Higher Level course extends both the breadth and depth of understanding, including additional content in areas such as nucleic acids, metabolism, plant biology, genetics and animal physiology, and is comparable to first-year university study.
IB Biology develops scientific literacy, critical thinking and collaborative skills, while encouraging students to engage with urgent global issues such as biodiversity loss, disease, genetic technology and climate change. It provides excellent preparation for further study and careers in medicine, biological and life sciences, environmental science, biomedical research and related fields.
Coursework
| Group 4 | Syllabus Requirements | Teaching Hours | |
| SL | HL | ||
| Core | A: Unity and diversity B: Form and function C: Interaction and interdependence D: Continuity and change | 19 26 31 34 | 33 39 48 60 |
| Experimental programme | Practical work Collaborative sciences project Scientific investigation | 20 10 10 | 40 10 10 |
| Total teaching hours | 150 | 240 | |
Assessment
| Group 4: | Biology Standard Level | Biology Higher Level | ||||
| Type of Assessment | Format of assessment | Time (hours) | Weighting of final grade (%) | Format of assessment | Time (hours) | Weighting of final grade (%) |
| External | 3 | 80 | 4.5 | 80 | ||
| Paper 1 | Part A: 30 multiple-choice questions | 0.75 | 36 | Part A: 40 multiple-choice questions (Core and HL) | 1 | 36 |
| Part B: One data-based question and some questions on experimental work for a total of 25 marks | 0.75 | Part B: One data-based question and some questions on experimental work for a total of 35 marks | 1 | |||
| Paper 2 | Short answer questions and extended response questions. All questions are compulsory, i.e. there is no choice of questions. | 1.5 | 44 | Short answer questions and extended response questions. All questions are compulsory, i.e. there is no choice of questions. | 2.5 | 44 |
| Internal Individual Investigation | Investigation and write-up of maximum 3000 words | 10 | 20 | Investigation and write-up of 6 to 12 pages | 10 | 20 |
