IB Biology HL
The study of IB Biology is an exploration of living organisms and their interactions with each other and the environment. This course provides students the opportunity to dig deep into the world of biology, and goes beyond subject matter, allowing students to study the nature of science, experimental design, and the communication of biological ideas.
Course Structure and Content
Students electing to study IB Biology at the Higher Level (HL) investigate content within four themes: Unity and Diversity, Form and Function, Interaction and Interdependence, and Continuity and Change. Students develop a foundation of biology through course content from increasing levels of organisation: molecules, cells, organisms, and ecosystems. Specific topics include biomolecules, the origin of cells, viruses, classification and cladistics, evolution and speciation, transfers of energy and matter, enzymes and metabolism, respiration, photosynthesis, DNA and protein synthesis, gene expression, homeostasis, integration of body systems, and more.
Assessment in HL Biology challenges students to master terminology, biological techniques, data analysis, and effective communication of key biological concepts. At the end of the course, students will take two examination papers featuring multiple-choice, short-answer, data-based, practical-based, and extended-response questions. Throughout the two-year course, students build the skills and deep conceptual understanding needed to succeed in all content areas.
This course offers comprehensive preparation for advanced biology studies at university, covering an extensive breadth and depth of material. With over 240 hours of study, approximately 180 hours focus on content, while 60 hours are devoted to the experimental program, including a student-led individual lab investigation.
Tips for Success
- Master terminology: This is critical to show understanding of course content. Make sure to continually review vocabulary throughout the course. The Revision Village App is an excellent way to do this.
- Explain and annotate: To effectively learn details and confidently explain biological processes, draw and annotate extensively on large paper or a whiteboard without referencing other materials. Once completed, review your work using resources to fill in any gaps in knowledge, then explain it aloud to reinforce your understanding.
- Practice exam-style questions: There's no better preparation for sitting the IB exams than answering exactly the types of questions you will be asked on the actual examinations. You can find an extensive bank of questions and mark schemes for all topics on the Revision Village website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IB Biology HL?
IB Biology Higher Level (HL) is one of the science courses introduced in the current IB Science curriculum (2016 - 2024). The Biology HL course is a traditional science course, whereby students develop a deep understanding of scientific concepts and solve both real and theoretical problems, with and without technology. The Biology HL course should be considered by students who are moderate to strong at science, and are interested in pursuing courses and pathways involving medicine, science, or engineering after their IB Diploma Program.
What are the assessment items in the IB Biology HL course?
The IB Biology HL course consists of four assessment items that contribute to a student’s overall score for the course. There are three exam papers and an internally assessed independent investigation. Paper 1 consists of multiple-choice questions, Paper 2 consists of short-answer, extended response, and data-based questions, and Paper 3 consists of short-answer questions on practical experimentation, and short-answer questions from one option. The use of a calculator is prohibited for Paper 1, but permitted for Papers 2 and 3.
How should students prepare for IB Biology HL exams?
There are two phases students progress through in their two-year IB Biology HL course: the learning phase and the revision phase. The learning phase occurs in class, with their teacher and textbooks, where students first encounter and explore scientific concepts and consolidate their understanding by solving questions specific to that concept. The revision phase, which is what Revision Village is specifically designed for, is when students consolidate their understanding of all of the concepts in the Bio HL course and appreciate how the concepts are connected. In the revision phase, the most effective strategy is to practice lots of IB Biology HL exam questions to build confidence, reach mastery, and be prepared for the Biology HL examinations.
How does Revision Village support IB Biology HL students?
Revision Village is specifically designed to support IB students in the revision phase of their IB Biology Higher Level course. Revision Village has four main sections, each for different revision purposes: 1) Questionbank: a large library of IB Biology HL exam questions categorised by topic and ordered by difficulty, 2) Practice Exams: a carefully designed set of quizzes and mock papers for students to use in their final phase of revision, 3) Past Paper Video Solutions: step-by-step video tutorials of past Bio HL exam questions, taught by experienced IB Teachers, and 4) Key Concepts: short concise videos that recap the important theory in the Biology HL course. Revision Village is the perfect place for IB Students to learn, practice and prepare for their IB Biology exam stress-free, with all of the resources they need in one place.