IBO Biology General information

1. IBO Biology General information

2. SL group 4 curriculum model Theory Core: 180 hours 2 Options: 30 hours (Neurobiology and Behaviour, Microbes and Biotechnology) Practical work Investigations: 30 hours Group 4 project: 10 hours

3. Theory Core: 180 hours Additional higher level: 55 hours 2 Options: 45 hours Practical work Investigations: 50 hours Group 4 project: 10 hours HL group 4 curriculum model

4. SL Assessment specifications

5. HL Assessment specifications

6. Made up of multiple-choice questions that test knowledge of the core • The questions are designed to be short, one or two-stage problems • No marks are deducted for incorect responses • Calculators are not permitted, but students are expected to carry out simple calculations Paper 1

7. Tests knowledge of the core (for student SL) and the core and AHL for students HL • A calculator is required for this paper • Paper is divided into 2 sections: • Section A, there is a data-based question that requires students to analyse a given set of data • Section B, students SL are required to answer 1 question from a choice of 3, and students at HL are required to answer 2 questions from a choice of 4. These extended-response questions may involve writing a number of paragraphs, solving a problem, or carryimg out a piece of analysis or evaluation Paper 2

8. Tests knowledge of the options • Students at SL are required to answer several short-answer questions in each of the 2 options • Students at HL are required to answer several short-answer questions and extended-response question in each of the 2 options • A calculator is required for this paper Paper 3

9. There are 5 assessmentscriteria that are used to assess the work of both SL and HL students: • Design (D) • Data collection and processing (D&P) • Conclusion and evaluation (C&E) • Manipulative skills (MS) • Personal skills (PS) Internal assessment criteria

10. The first three criteria are each assessed twice • Manipulative skills is assessed summatively over the whole course and the assessment should be based on a wide range of manipulative skills • Personal skills is assessed once only and this will be during the group 4 project

11. The maximum mark for each criterion is 6 Design: 2 x 6 =12 Data collection and processing: 2 x 6=12 Conclusion and evaluation: 2 x 6 =12 Manipulative skills: 1 x 6 =6 Personals skills: 1 x 6 =6 Total: 48 This is scaled at IBCA to give a total out of 24 %

12. Statistical analysis 2. Cells • Cell theory • Prokaryotic cells • Eukaryotic cells • Membranes • Cell division • Meiosis 3. The chemistry of life • Chemical elements and water • Carbohydrates, lipids and proteins • Enzymes, • Cell respiration • Photosynthesis Syllabus overview

13. 4. Genetics • DNA structure • DNA replication • Transcription and translation • Chromosomes, genes, alleles and mutations • Theoretical genetics • Genetic engineering and biotechnology 5. Ecology and Evolution • Communities and Ecosystems • Energyflow in anecosystem • Greenhouseeffect • Populations • Evolution • classification

14. 6. Human health and physiology • Digestion • Thetransportsystem • Defenceagainstinfectiousdisease • Gas exchange • Nerves, hormones and homeostasis • Reproduction

15. AHL Topic 7 • Meiosis • DNA structure • DNA replication • Transcription • Translation • Enzymes Topic 8 • Cell respiration • Photosynthesis Topic 9 • Plant structure and growth • Transport in angiospermophytes • Reproduction in angiospermophytes

16. Topic 10 • Dihybrid crosses and gene linkage • Polygenic inheritance Topic 11 • Defence against infectious disease • Muscles and movement • The kidney • Reproduction

17. Option E – Neurobiology and Behaviour Option F – Microbes and biotechnology Options