IB Biology- Higher Level (HL)
Recommended Prerequisite: Biology I, Chemistry I, Algebra I,
Algebra II (Corequisite)
Grade Offered: 12
Credit: ½ - 1
SDE Course Code: 3215
MNPS Course Code: SC13215
Course Description:
This course is designed to meet the needs of students who seek to pass the higher level IB examination in Biology. (Some students with the approval of the instructor may opt to take the AP exam in Biology in addition to the IB exam.) In addition to the mastery of biological concepts at a collegiate level, this course will promote critical thinking in analysis and interpretation of analytical data. In this course the emphasis is not only on content, but also on the process of scientific inquiry. Topics investigated will include biochemistry, cytology, genetics, ecology, evolution, human anatomy, botany and general zoology.
Course of Study:
Core Topics (55 Hours)
Nucleic acids and proteins
o DNA Structure
o DNA replication
o Transcription
o Translation
o Proteins
o Enzymes
Cell respiration and photosynthesis
o Cell respiration
o Photosynthesis
Genetics
o Meiosis
o Dihybrid crosses
o Autosomal gene linkage
o Polygenic inheritance
Human Reproduction
o Production of gametes
o Fertilization and pregnancy
Defense against infectious disease
o Types of defense
Nerves, muscles and movement
o Excretion
o The human kidney
Excretion
o Excretion
o The human kidney
Plant Science
o Plant structure
o Transport in angiospermophytes
o Reproduction in flowering plants
REQUIRED OPTIONS: (Two options of 22 hours each for a total of 44 hours)
In addition to the core topics, the instructor chooses two of the following five options specified by the IB program.)
Evolution
o Origin of life on Earth
o Origin of species
o Evidence for evolution
o Human evolution
o Neo-Darwinism
o The Hardy-Weinberg Principle
Neurobiology and behavior
o Introduction and examples of behavior
o Perception of stimuli
o Innate behavior
o Learned behavior
o Social behavior
o The autonomic nervous system
o Neurotransmitters and synapses
Applied plant and animal science
o Applied plant science
o Applied animal science
o Plant growth regulators
o Plant and animal breeding
o Genetic engineering in agriculture
o Flowering and propagation of plants
Ecology and Conservation
o Ecology of species
o Ecology of communities
o Biodiversity and conservation
o The nitrogen cycle
o Impacts of humans on ecosystems
Further human physiology
o Hormonal control
o Digestion
o Absorption of digested foods
o Functions of the liver
o The transport system
o Gas exchange
Laboratory Component/Internal Assessment:
Internal assessment (IA) consists of an interdisciplinary project and a mixture of short- and long-term investigations. A total of 45-50 hours are spent in laboratory investigations that apply toward a total of 60 hours. The remaining hours (10-15) are applied toward the completion of an interdisciplinary project, the Group 4 project. Both levels of IB Biology (SL and HL) may choose to work collaboratively in order to complete the Group 4 project, as each level is required to apply 10-15 hours the interdisciplinary project.
External Assessment:
Paper 1: Paper 1 is made up of multiple- choice questions which test knowledge of the core and additional higher level material for higher level (HL) students.
Paper 2: Paper 2 tests knowledge of the core and AHL material for HL students.
In section A, there is a data-based question which will require students to analyze a given set of data. The remainder of section A is made up of short-answer questions.
In section B, students are expected to answer two questions from a choice of four at HL. These extended response questions may involve writing a number of paragraphs, solving a substantial problem, or carrying out a substantial piece of analysis or evaluation.
Paper 3: Paper 3 tests knowledge of the options. HL students will answer several short-answer questions and an extended response questions in each of the two options studied.
Reading: In addition to the use of the textbook, students are expected to read from a variety of sources including essays, studies, newspapers/periodicals, maps, charts, graphs, science cartoons, and other documents. Students are expected to gain literal understandings of readings and also interpret, analyze, and evaluate information from readings.
Writing: Students are expected to write regularly and effectively in various domains including: narrative, descriptive, persuasive, analytical, and practical. Suggested written assignments include: essays, journals, lab reports, and research papers.
Standards: http://online.ibo.org (This is a password protected online curriculum center. School code and password is obtained from the IB Coordinator at each school)
Textbooks: Starr & Taggart, Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life, 9thEd. Weem, Minka Peters, International Baccalaureate Biology, 2nd Ed Allott, Andrew, Biology for the IB Diploma Standard and Higher Level (Study Guide)
Safety: Basic safety equipment (goggles, aprons, safety shower, eyewash station, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, fire blanket, sharps disposal) required.
Recommended/Required Resources:
o Television,VCR, DVD player, data projector; recommended
o Computer and calculator sensors and probes: recommended
o Laboratory facility with access to a source of water and electricity for lab equipment; required
o Microscopes (one per two students); required
o Microscope slides; required
o Flexible camera apparatus (flex cam) and video monitor; recommended
o Dissection equipment/tools and specimens: recommended
o Access to computers that are web-accessible; recommended
o Various types of lab equipment and apparatus for inquiry investigations; required
Reference:
International Baccalaureate Organization, IB Biology Programme Guide February 2001