IBDP – SCIENCES – BIOLOGY  

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) is a rigorous assessment programme for students aged 16-19. This course is well respected by universities worldwide and provides high quality education to students. It encourages students to be curious, knowledgeable, open minded, empathetic while inculcating values and attitudes in them.IBDP offers over 30 courses from six subject groups, from each of these subject groups; students have a choice to pick subjects that interest them.

Generally, three subjects are taken at the Higher Level (HL) and others are taken at the Standard Level(SL). HL subjects are studied in greater depth than SL subjects.In addition, three core elements, the extended essay, theory of knowledge and Creativity, Activity, Service are compulsory and central to the programme’s philosophy.

IBDP – SCIENCES – BIOLOGY

Curriculum model overview

Component Component Recommended
teaching hours
Core
1. Cell biology
2. Molecular biology
3. Genetics
4. Ecology
5. Evolution and biodiversity
6. Human physiology
95
15
21
15
12
12
20
Additional higher level
7. Nucleic acids
8. Metabolism, cell respiration and
photosynthesis
9. Plant biology
10.Genetics and evolution
11.Animal physiology		60
9
14

13
8
16
Option (Choice of one out of four)
A. Neurobiology and behaviour
B. Biotechnology and bioinformatics
C. Ecology and conservation
D. Human physiology
100
25
25
25
25
Practical scheme of work
Prescribed and other practical activities
Individual investigation
Group 4 project
60
40
10
10

The group 4 project

The group 4 project is a collaborative activity where students from different  subject groups, within or between schools, work together. It can be practically/ theoretically based and aims to develop an understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines and their influence on other areas. The emphasis being interdisciplinary cooperation and scientific processes.

II. Assessment model

     The course has the following objectives:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding  facts, concepts, terminologies, methodologies and techniques.  
  • Formulate, analyse and evaluate: hypotheses, research questions, predictions, methodologies and techniques, primary and secondary data and scientific explanations.
  • Demonstrate appropriate research, experimental, and personal skills necessary for investigation
Type of
assessment
Format of
assessment
Time
(hours)
Weighting
of final
grade (%)
External4,580
Paper 140 multiple-choice
questions
120
Paper 2Data-based, short answer
and extended response
questions		2.2536
Paper 3Data-based, short answer and extended response
questions
1.2524
Internal1020
Individual
investigation
Investigation and write-up
of 6 to 12 pages
10 20
1020

III.  Course description and aims

Biology is the study of life and trains students to become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other. Biology IBDP focuses on the practical approach through experimental work of collecting data, developing manipulative skills, analysing results and collaborating with peers.

The aim of the DP Biology course is to appreciate, acquire, and apply a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize science and technology, develop an ability for critical awareness, develop experimental and investigative scientific skills including the use of current technologies, develop and apply 21st century communication skills in the field of science.

The DP Biology course expects students to become aware as global citizens of the ethical implications of using Science and Technology and develop an understanding of the relationship between the scientific discipline and other knowledge areas