DP Biology Graduation 2016
What will I study?
Standard Level • Core – 6 mandatory topics • Option – 1 topic of choice from four possibilities
Higher level • Core – 6 mandatory topics • Additional Higher Level (AHL) – 5 mandatory topics • Option – 1 topic of choice from four possibilities
CORE Topic 1: Cell biology
1.1 Introduction to cells 1.2 Ultrastructure of cells 1.3 Membrane structure 1.4 Membrane transport 1.5 The origin of cells 1.6 Cell division
CORE Topic 2: Molecular biology 2.1 Molecules to metabolism 2.2 Water 2.3 Carbohydrates and lipids 2.4 Proteins 2.5 Enzymes 2.6 Structure of DNA and RNA 2.7 DNA replication, transcription and translation 2.8 Cell respiration 2.9 Photosynthesis
CORE Topic 3: Genetics 3.1 Genes 3.2 Chromosomes 3.3 Meiosis 3.4 Inheritance 3.5 Genetic modification and biotechnology
CORE
Topic 4: Ecology 4.1 Species, communities and ecosystems 4.2 Energy flow 4.3 Carbon cycling 4.4 Climate change
CORE Topic 5: Evolution and biodiversity 5.1 Evidence for evolution 5.2 Natural selection 5.3 Classification of biodiversity 5.4 Cladistics
CORE Topic 6: Human physiology
6.1 Digestion and absorption 6.2 The blood system 6.3 Defence against infectious disease 6.4 Gas exchange 6.5 Neurons and synapses
6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction
AHL Topic 7: Nucleic acids Topic 8: Metabolism, cell respiration and photosynthesis Topic 9: Plant biology Topic 10: Genetics and evolution Topic 11: Animal physiology Higher Level explores Biology in greater depth (more detail) and greater breadth (additional material) than Standard Level
Options A: Neurobiology and behaviour B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics C: Ecology and conservation D: Human physiology Note: Standard Level complete the Core subtopics whereas the Higher Level completes the Core and AHL subtopics
How will I do this?
Classroom instruction is delivered through: • lecture • discussion • various forms of media • research • presentations • experimental investigations • various activities
It is much more CONTENT driven than MYP Science!
In class you will:
• gather and record information and organize it into effective study notes • ask questions and participate in class discussions
• collaborate with peers • conduct research and investigations • develop and deliver presentations
Outside of class you will REGULARLY: • review resources and revise notes • review and complete problems
What resources will be available to me?
Many resources are on the Portal – Wiki pages
Resources include: • Digital texts • Tutorial and animations • Data-based and past-paper questions • Blog
• If you prefer print, there are many textbooks you might consider. – Note: the IB does not endorse any particular one.
What else will I do?
Practical scheme of work Practical activities
• SL = 20 hrs • HL = 40 hrs Individual investigation (internal assessment–IA)
• 10 hrs Group 4 project • 10 hrs
How will I be assessed?
IB
NIST
• External assessment
• Testing
• 3 separate exam papers
• Exams, unit tests, quizzes…
• 80% of final score
• 80% of semester grade
• Internal assessment
• Lab work
• Individual investigation
• Practical investigations
• 20% of final score
• 20% of semester grade
• Must meet time and component requirements
Internal assessment criteria (20%) • Personal engagement (1.6%) • Exploration (5%) • Analysis (5%) • Evaluation (5%) • Communication (3.4%) Components • Practical work (hours)
• Individual investigation • Group 4 project
How is assessment different from the MYP?
The ONE WORLD criterion is not independently assessed. • However, at least some of the content must be considered within real-world contexts.
The COMMUNICATION criterion is assessed as a part of Internal Assessment. • However, the criteria assessment statements are different.
The KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE criterion becomes a heavily assessed criterion. • Assessment is no longer against criteria but measured in number of marks earned out of a total number possible on written exam-like assessments.
The SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY and PROCESSING DATA criteria are redistributed into 3 criteria – Exploration, Analysis and Evaluation. • Assessment is very similar to the MYP but stricter.
The ATTITUDE IN SCIENCE criterion is assessed as Personal Engagement as part of the Internal Assessment. • However, the criteria assessment statements are different.
Why should I consider Biology?
Consider:
• Interest • Abilities
• Should have 5 or higher for HL course • Post-secondary plans • Higher level may be required for some programs • Chemistry is required for many Biologybased programs
What careers would Biology be useful for? • • • • •
Medicine Dentistry Pharmacology Nurse Animal science, Zoology, Vet • Geneticist • Marine Biology
• • • • • • • •
Pathology Botany Ecology Sports science Psychology Microbiology Biomedical Law Dietician