What You Need to Know About IB Biology
An Overview of IB Biology
The content of IB biology course is divided into four distinct themes. Regardless of whether a student is taking IB biology at Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL), they must engage with all four of these themes. These themes are as follows:
Theme A – Unity and Diversity
Theme B – Form and Function
Theme C – Interaction and Interdependence
Theme D – Continuity and Change
IB biology students of both levels should also be aware of the subject’s core topics. There are five core topics in total:
Cell Biology
cell structure, transport systems, origins of cells, viruses
Molecular Biology
biomolecules, metabolism, DNA/RNA, photosynthesis, respiration
Genetics
inheritance patterns, meiosis, genetic modification
Ecology
ecosystem dynamics, energy flow, biodiversity
Evolution and Biodiversity
mechanisms of evolution, classification
The IB Biology Exam
There are two exam papers for the IB biology course. Both SL and HL IB biology students must sit each of these examination papers.
Paper 1 of the IB biology examination is divided into two sections. Paper 1A is composed of multiple-choice questions from across the IB biology syllabus while Paper 1B is made up of data-based questions, which are four questions that are syllabus related and addressing all themes. SL students will have 1.5 hours to complete Paper 1 and HL students will have 2 hours. For both levels the exam paper is weighted at 36% of the total grade.
The IB biology Paper 2 is concerned with both data-based, short-answer questions, and a number of extended-response questions. In the case of Paper 2, SL must complete the paper in 1.5 hours and HL students in 2.5 hours. Again, the paper is worth the same at both levels, this being 44% of a student’s final grade.
Understanding the Internal Assessment (IA)
The Internal Assessment, or IA, is a mandatory component of the IB biology curriculum. The IA is a piece of written coursework that is assessed by the candidates own biology teacher, as well as externally moderated by the IB themselves. The IB biology IA accounts for 20% of a student’s final assessment and should involve roughly 10 hours of teaching time, in addition to time spent in researching and writing. The work itself involves each student designing a scientific investigation, carrying out an experiment, and producing a lab report of between 6 and 12 pages.
The purpose of the IA is to allow students to demonstrate the application of the skills and knowledge they have gained since beginning their IB studies. Second to this, it presents students with the opportunity to explore areas of personal interest.
Every student’s IA is graded under five distinct criteria: personal engagement, exploration, analysis, evaluation, and communication.
Developing a Research Question
Without a well-developed research question, or RQ, IB biology candidates will find it difficult to produce a high quality IA. The RQ is the starting point for the Internal Assessment, for both the student in their writing and the teacher who is assessing the work.
There are a selection of criteria that any good IB biology RQ must meet. The IB are looking for a research question that represents a diploma-level investigation and is suitably demanding. It must be relevant to the IB biology syllabus, as well as touching on an area of personal interest for the student, and have a real world application. While this may seem daunting, with some careful consideration it is possible to produce an IB biology research question that touches on each one of these points successfully.
Weak Research Question: Are dairy products safe for human and or animal consumption after their use-by date elapse?
The weakness inherent in this RQ is fairly obvious. It reads less like an IB-level biology investigation and more like a consumer report. Consequently, it is vital that reference is made to terminology and/or processes covered in the IB biology syllabus. Furthermore, this RQ lacks any variables. Without these, no truly significant data can be collected.
Strong Research Question: Exploring how varying temperatures and sunlight speed up the spoilage of milk.
In contrast to the previous example, this RQ is stronger. Unlike its weaker counterpart, this research question uses language that is in line with a scientific investigation expected from IB biology students. Additionally, this research question introduces variables, these being temperature and sunlight exposure, that may produce a variety of data points to be examined.
Weak Research Question: Does global warming have any effect on the human body?
Here is another example of a research question that lacks any reference to topics covered in IB biology and contains no variables whatsoever. On top of this, it is far too broad. The effects of global warming on the human body could be multifarious. In this case, it would be expected that the student includes an enormous amount of data to represent such variety.
Strong Research Question: Investigating the effects of temperature and humidity on the transmission rate of influenza virus.
This RQ presents a significantly more focused investigation. Not only does it introduce the variables of temperature and humidity, it focuses specifically on the transmission rates of influenza. Transmission rates, unlike the broad ‘effects on the human body’, can be quantified. Finally, the language is commensurate with what is expected from a scientific investigation at IB level.
Where Students Struggle in IB Biology
While the IB biology course contains a number of pitfalls for students, one aspect trumps all others. As is evident from an examination of the Ib biology subject guide, the syllabus is very broad. Consequently, students must familiarise themselves with a considerable amount of content if they are hoping to score highly in the exam. What this means in practical terms is the memorisation of a large number of scientific vocabulary and terminology. Yet, to simply memorise the information is not enough. To reach the higher end of the mark band, students must have a clear understanding of the biological processes covered in the syllabus and be able to communicate this in clear and concise language. Needless to say, this can be a challenge.
Tips for Success in IB Biology
Although the IB biology course is a challenging one, success is always possible. An IB biology student can only become successful through the careful planning of their revision. Considering the course is so broad, IB biology students should map out the study early in the IB cycle to ensure consistent revision. Typically, this steady approach results in greater subject mastery and eliminates the need for desperate cramming sessions in the weeks leading up to the examinations.
Another tip for success is to make use of flashcards, either in a physical or digital format. As previously mentioned, the IB biology course requires students to memorise a plethora of scientific terms and subject-specific vocabulary and content. Flashcards often prove a successful method of drilling and retaining this information.
Finally, all IB biology learners must make use of past papers in their revision. Past papers offer IB biology candidates an understanding of the types of questions asked and how these questions are composed. Additionally, working on past papers helps to improve students’ exam technique, which is crucial for overall success.
BartyED and IB Biology Tuition
A high score in IB biology is no easy feat. Time and time again, the IB biology course has proven challenging to even the most adept students. Consequently, the guidance of an experienced IB biology tutor can mean all the difference.
At BartyED, our team of highly trained IB biology tutors have worked with students of all levels and learning styles. Our tutors have assisted students in developing content mastery, as well as developing their Internal Assessments and preparing for examinations. With years of experience, our IB biology tutors are prepared to guide learners through all aspects of curriculum and its associated assessments.
If you think that you or your child could benefit from a BartyED IB tutor, contact us today via email at enquiries@bartyed.com, or through our contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
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There are two IB biology exam papers. Paper 1 is worth 36% of a student's total grade while Paper 2 is weighted at 44%.
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Yes, all students, whether SL or HL, must complete an Internal Assessment (IA). The IA is worth 20% of a student’s overall grade and requires learners to design a scientific investigation, carry out an experiment, and produce a lab report of between 6 and 12 pages.
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IB biology is often considered a difficult course. There is a considerable amount of content to cover within the syllabus, with a wide range of terms and vocabulary for students to memorise, as well as biological processes to understand.
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Making use of flashcards can prove all the difference when it comes to memorising large quantities of scientific terms. These can be digital or physical; whatever works best for the individual student.