Group 4
Biology
A practical approach to a wide range of biological topics, providing opportunities for scientific study and creativity within a global context.
Scientific study and creativity in a global context
The course outline covers a wide range of topics, providing students with a body of knowledge. In the core, basic biological topics such as cells, genetics and human health are mandatory. Options and additional higher-level material cover topics like plant science, neurobiology and biotechnology.
In IB Biology special emphasis is placed on practical work. Students are encouraged to design investigations, collect and process data and evaluate their results, developing the ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesise scientific information. They also improve their manipulative skills by using lab equipment and getting to know a range of scientific techniques.
During the Group 4 project, students work on interdisciplinary investigations following their own research questions, which encourages their understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines. Besides scientific skills, students improve personal skills such as working together and contributing as an individual to the group.
Assessment
The assessment is split into external assessment, covered by final exams that count for 80% of the final grade, and internal assessment. For the internal assessment (20%), the practical investigations have to be documented according to IB standards.