A small introduction to the course of Biology in the IB Diploma. Aims, curriculum and assessment schemes.

1. IB Diploma Biology
An introduction
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2. Course outline
Biology (SL/HL) is a challenging yet very interesting course of the Diploma
curriculum. It is one of the science subjects the Diploma students may choose.
The aim of the course is to cover the relationship of structure and function at all
levels of complexity.
Among many other topics, students learn about the cell theory, the chemistry
and function of biological macromolecules, the structure and function of the
plants and the fundamental principles of genetics and human physiology..
(From IB biology higher level subject brief, IBO)
For whom?
For students that want to persue a career in Biological, Biomedical or Medical
sciences. For any students that has a passion for learning the structure and
function of living organisms.
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3. Connections with the MYP programme
Students who have undertaken the MYP science, design and
mathematics courses will be well prepared for all Diploma
sciences.
The alignment between MYP science and the Diploma
Programme science courses allows for a smooth transition
for students between programmes. The concurrent planning
of the new group 4 courses and MYP: Next Chapter (both
launched in 2014) has helped develop a closer alignment.
(From the IB Diploma Biology guide)

4. Aims of the Biology Course
The aims enable students, 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.
1. acquire a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize science and
technology.
2. apply and use a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize
science and technology.
3. develop an ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesize scientific information.
4. develop a critical awareness of the need for, and the value of, effective collaboration
and communication during scientific activities.
5. develop experimental and investigative scientific skills including the use of current
technologies.

5. Moreover to:
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.
(From the IB Diploma Biology guide)

6. Syllabus outline
& teaching hours
http://www.biologycorner.com/resources/cell_plant_l
ettered.jpg
(From the IB Diploma Biology guide)

7. Course
assessment
Internal
• Student work marked by
teachers against specific
criteria
• Internal assessment mark
mode-rated by the IBO
Internal
• Final exams at the end of the
second year (May)
• Marked by external
examiners.

8. Assessment scheme for Biology SL
(first exams 2016)
External assessment
components
Duration
(hours)
Overall weighting
(%) in final mark
Paper 1
3/4
20
Paper 2
1 1/4
40
Paper 3
1
20
Internal assessment
10
20
http://www.saburchill.com/IBbiology/chapters03/images/17050307.jpg
(From the IB Diploma Biology guide)

9. Assessment scheme for Biology HL
(first exams 2016)
External assessment
components
Duration
(hours)
Overall weighting
(%) in final mark
Paper 1
1
20
Paper 2
2 1/4
36
Paper 3
1 1/4
24
10
20
Internal assessment
http://www.abcteach.com/free/h/heartcrosssection_bw.jpg
(From the IB Diploma Biology guide)

10. What we offer:
• Eight (8) teaching hours per
week in all HL subjects.
• Experienced teachers.
• Small groups of students.
• Summer preparatory courses.
• Very competitive fees.
For more information please contact
Platon IB Diploma Programme
ibdp@platon.gr
info@platon.gr
http://www.platon.gr