IB DP Biology - HL

Diploma Programme model

Nature of scienceThe Nature of science

(NOS) is an overarching theme in the biology, chemistry and physics courses

The “Nature of science” section of the Biology guide provides a comprehensive account of the nature of science in the 21st century

Read Biology guide pp 6 - 12

How science works

Nature of biologyBiology is the study of lifeThe first organisms appeared

on the planet over 3 billion years ago and, through reproduction and natural selection, have given rise to the 8 million or so different species alive today

This diversity makes biology both an endless source of fascination and a considerable challenge

An interest in life is natural for humans; not only are we living organisms ourselves, but we depend on many species for our survival, are threatened by some and co-exist with many more

The word “biology” was coined by German naturalist Gottfried Reinhold in 1802 but our understanding of living organisms only started to grow rapidly with the advent of techniques and technologies developed in the 18th and 19th centuries, not least the invention of the microscope and the realization that natural selection is the process that has driven the evolution of life

Biologists attempt to understand the living world at all levels using many different approaches and techniques

Aims Through studying biology, you should become aware of how scientists work

and communicate with each other emphasis on a practical approach through experimental work characterizes

natural sciences The aims enables you, through the overarching theme of the Nature of

science, to: 1. appreciate scientific study and creativity within a global context

through stimulating and challenging opportunities 2. acquire a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize

science and technology 3. apply and use a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that

characterize science and technology 4. develop an ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesize scientific

information 5. develop a critical awareness of the need for, and the value of, effective

collaboration and communication during scientific activities 6. develop experimental and investigative scientific skills including the

use of current technologies 7. develop and apply 21st century communication skills in the study of

science 8. become critically aware, as global citizens, of the ethical implications of

using science and technology 9. develop an appreciation of the possibilities and limitations of science

and technology 10. develop an understanding of the relationships between scientific

disciplines and their influence on other areas of knowledge.

Assessment objectives The assessment objectives for biology reflect those parts of the aims that

will be formally assessed either internally or externally. These assessments will centre upon the nature of science. It is the intention of biology course that you are able to fullfill the following

assessment objectives: 1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

a. facts, concepts and terminology b. methodologies and techniques c. communicating scientific information.

2. Apply: a. facts, concepts and terminology b. methodologies and techniques c. methods of communicating scientific information.

3. Formulate, analyse and evaluate: a. hypotheses, research questions and predictions b. methodologies and techniques c. primary and secondary data d. scientific explanations.

4. Demonstrate the appropriate research, experimental, and personal skills necessary to carry out insightful and ethical investigations.

Mathematical requirementsAll Diploma Programme biology students should be able to:

• perform the basic arithmetic functions: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division

• carry out calculations involving means, decimals, fractions, percentages and ratios

• represent and interpret frequency data in the form of bar charts, graphs and histograms, including direct and inverse proportion

• plot graphs (with suitable scales and axes) involving two variables that show linear or non-linear relationships

• plot and interpret scattergraphs to identify a correlation between two variables, and appreciate that the existence of a correlation does not establish a causal relationship

• determine the mode and median of a set of data, calculate and analyse standard deviation

• select statistical tests appropriate for the analysis of particular data and interpret the results.

Syllabus outline

Assessment outline—HL

External assessment details—HL

Internal assessment (IA)Internal assessment is an

integral part of the course and is compulsory

It enables you to demonstrate the application of your skills and knowledge, and to pursue their personal interests, without the time limitations and other constraints that are associated with written examinations

Internal assessment is an integral part of the biology course, contributing 20% to the final assessment in the Biology HL course

Approximately 10 hours of teaching time will be allocated to IA

IA consists of one scientific investigation - the individual investigation, which should cover a topic that is commensurate with the level of the course of study

Your work will internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB.

IA is marked against an assessment criteria, with a total mark out of 24

Some of the possible tasks include:• a hands-on laboratory

investigation• using a spreadsheet for

analysis and modelling• extracting data from a

database and analysing it graphically

• producing a hybrid of spreadsheet/database work with a traditional hands-on investigation

• using a simulation provided it is interactive and open-ended.

Some tasks may consist of relevant and appropriate qualitative work combined with quantitative work.

Internal assessment componentDuration: 10 hoursWeighting: 20%• Individual

investigation.• This investigation

covers assessment objectives 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Internal assessment criteriaThe assessment model uses five criteria to

assess the final report of the individual investigation with the following raw marks and weightings assigned:

Practical workHL Biology requires you to

carry out practical activities for 40 hours throughout the course

The range of practical work carried out should reflect the breadth and depth of the subject syllabus at each level, but it is not necessary to carry out an investigation for every syllabus topic.

However, all students must participate in the group 4 project and the IA investigation

Although the requirements for IA are centred on the investigation, the different types of practical activities that a student may engage in serve other purposes, including:• illustrating, teaching and

reinforcing theoretical concepts

• developing an appreciation of the essential hands-on nature of much scientific work

• developing an appreciation of scientists’ use of secondary data from databases

• developing an appreciation of scientists’ use of modelling

• developing an appreciation of the benefits and limitations of scientific methodology.

The group 4 projectThe group 4 project is an

interdisciplinary activity in which all Diploma Programme science students must participate.

The intention is that students from the different group 4 subjects analyse a common topic or problem.

The exercise should be a collaborative experience where the emphasis is on the processes involved in, rather than the products of, such an activity.

The group 4 project is a collaborative activity where students from different group 4 subjects work together on a scientific or technological topic, allowing for concepts and perceptions from across the disciplines to be shared in line with aim 10—that is, to “develop an understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines and their influence on other areas of knowledge”.

The project can be practically or theoretically based.

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