IB Biology
IB Biology (IB Bio) is the study of living organisms and diverse forms of life on Earth - from microscopic bacteria to complex multicellular organisms like humans. The depth of knowledge required in IB Biology extends beyond a typical high school biology course, as students are required to have a comprehensive understanding of content and to explore the connections between different areas of biology. Furthermore, students develop critical thinking and analysis skills throughout the course.
Course Structure and Content
IB Biology can be studied at the Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL). At the Standard Level, the syllabus content covers 150 teaching hours and an additional 40 hours for the experimental portion of the programme. The Higher Level course includes 240 teaching hours, with 60 hours devoted to the experimental programme.
All students explore topics for the core material, including Cells, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Evolution, Biodiversity, Immunity, and Physiology. Students studying at the Higher Level examine additional topics, including Metabolism, Cell Respiration, Photosynthesis, DNA Replication, Protein Synthesis, and Gene Expression.
The course is typically completed over a two-year period and culminates in a rigorous external exam. Examination question types include multiple-choice, short-answer, data interpretation, and extended response questions, which assess students' critical thinking skills and application of content knowledge.
Additional study hours allow students to practice laboratory techniques, experimental design, data logging, data analysis, and interpretation using simulations, models, and databases. Students are also assessed internally, building on their knowledge to develop and execute an individual practical investigation, a required internal assessment (IA) component.
Tips for Success
- Make sure to study and review vocabulary throughout the course. You must use key biological terms in your responses to earn high marks!
- Focus on time management, as success in IB Biology requires organised planning and execution of revision. Study a little each day, reviewing content covered in class and preparing for the next class
- One of the best ways to improve scores is through repeated practice. The Revision Village (RV) website offers hundreds of practice questions and various practice methods. The Revision Village Questionbank, Revision Ladder, Popular Quizzes, Prediction Exams, Mock Exams, Past Paper Solution Videos, and Key Concepts Videos are essential in your path to success
RV Biology is designed to maximise your academic results in IB Bio through repeated practice, with multiple-choice, short and long-answer, and data-based questions. RV offers a comprehensive coverage of syllabus topics, with real-time feedback from Newton AI. Question format includes using unique diagrams, graphs, images, and exam-style questions, which prepare students for similar questions on IB exams. Revision with RV allows for flexible study at your own pace and access to the platform from various devices.
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