Biology – IB Standard Level (SL)
Recommended Prerequisite: Biology I, Chemistry I, Algebra I and Algebra II (co requisite)
Grade Offered: 11
Credit: ½ - 1
SDE Course Code: 3218
MNPS Course Code: SC13218
Course Description:
Biology IB is a process-driven course containing internal and external assessment components. In addition to short- and long-term laboratory experiences, students demonstrate their ability to design and execute scientific investigations through an interdisciplinary group project. In the spring, students show extent of subject mastery on the international examination.
Core Course of Study (80h):
• Cells
o Cell theory
o Prokaryotic cells
o Eukaryotic cells
o Membranes
o Cell division
• The Chemistry of Life
o Chemical elements and water
o Carbohydrates, lipids and proteins
o Enzymes
o DNA structure
o DNA replication
o Transcription and translation
o Cell respiration
o Photosynthesis
• Genetics
o Chromosomes, genes, alleles and mutations
o Meiosis
o Theoretical genetics
o Genetic engineering and other aspects of biotechnology
• Ecology and evolution
o Communities and ecosystems
o Populations
o Evolution
o Classification
o Human impact
• Human health and physiology
o Digestion
o The transport system
o Pathogens and disease
o Defense against infectious disease
o Gas exchange
o Homeostasis and excretion
o Reproduction
Course of Study Options (15h each/total of 30h):
In the course of study options, the teacher will choose two topics from seven possible topic options specific to the standard level. These options are provided by the IB course of study. Each topic is covered within 15 teaching hours for a total of 30 hours of option study as a combined total.
Option A Diet and human nutrition
o Diet
o Biochemistry of nutrition
o Diet and health
Option B Physiology of exercise
o The skeleton, joints and muscles
o Coordination of muscle activity
o Muscles and energy
o Fitness and training
o Injuries
Option C Cells and energy
o Proteins
o Enzymes
o Cell respiration
o Photosynthesis
Option D Evolution
o Origin of life on Earth
o Origin of species
o Evidence for evolution
o Human evolution
Option E Neurobiology and behavior
o Introduction and examples of behavior
o Perception of stimuli
o Innate behavior
o Learned behavior
o Social behavior
Option F Applied plant and animal science
o Applied plant science
o Applied animal science
o Plant growth regulators
o Plant and animal breeding
Option G Ecology and conservation
o Ecology of species
o Ecology of communities
o Biodiversity and conservation
Lab Component/Internal Assessment (40h):
Internal assessment (IA) consists of an interdisciplinary project and a mixture of short- and long-term investigations. A total of 25-30 hours are spent in laboratory investigations that apply toward to total of 40 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 toward the interdisciplinary project.
External Assessment:
The external assessment consists of three written papers:
Paper 1: This paper consists of multiple-choice questions that test knowledge of the core material (80h).
Paper 2: This paper tests knowledge of the core in addition to paper 1. This paper consists of two sections, A and B.
Section A provides a data-based question that requires students to analyze a given set of data. The remainder of the questions are short-answer type format.
Section B, students are expected to answer one question from a choice of three. This question may involve an essay type response, solving a substantial problem, or carrying out a substantial piece of analysis or evaluation.
Paper 3: This paper tests knowledge of the options and addresses the first three objectives. Students will answer several short-answer questions in each of the two options covered.
Reading: In addition to the use of the textbooks, 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)
Helpful Sites:
Gateway Biology: Interactive sites to help students practice skills needed for the Biology Gateway exam http://www.internet4classrooms.com/gateway_biology.htm
Virtual Cell Website http://www.ibiblio.org/virtualcell/index.htm
Cells Alive Website http://www.cellsalive.com/
Biology Education Activities Exchange http://www.accessexcellence.org/AE/
The Biology Place http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/biocoach/index.html
Biology Lesson Plans http://student.biology.arizona.edu/sciconn/biology.html
DNA information (NSTA recommended) www.eurekascience.com
Interactive DNA Site www.dnalc.org/home.html
Textbooks:
Biology for use with the IB (3rd Edition 2004), Ghalayin
Biology (6th Edition),Campbell
Recommended/Required Resources:
• Television, VCR, DVD player, data projector; recommended
• Computer and calculator sensors and probes; recommended
• Laboratory facility with access to a source of water and electricity for lab equipment; required
• Microscopes (one per two students); required
• Microscopes slides; required
• Flexible camera apparatus (flex cam) and video monitor; recommended
• Dissection equipment/tools and specimens (earthworm, crayfish, and frog) recommended.
• Access to computers that are web-accessible; recommended
• Various types of lab equipment and apparatus for inquiry investigations; required
Reference:
International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) – Diploma Programme