Biology

Prerequisite: Honors Life Science, Honors Earth Science, Honors Biology *This course fulfills the HHS graduation requirement of health.

IB Biology SL is a one-year college level course. It will provide opportunities for scientific study and creativity within a global context, which will stimulate and challenge students. It is organized into four basic parts (A-D below).

IB Biology HL is a two-year college level course. It is organized into five basic parts (A-E below).

A. The Subject Specific Core (SSC)- 80 hours. This is a block of five units covered in both SL and HL that introduces students to the broad fundamentals of biology. However, it does not go into great depth in any particular topic. If you have completed Honors Biology with a good grade, you should be familiar with many of the concepts covered and will develop even greater proficiency. Students will cover the following core areas: 1. Cells 2. The Chemistry of Life 3. Genetics 4. Ecology 5. Human Health and Physiology

B. Internal Assessments (Labs)- SL-25-30 hours; HL- 45-50 hours. Labs will include enzyme activity, gel electrophoresis, DNA fingerprinting and eye, kidney and heart dissections.

C. The Group IV Project- 10-15 hours. This is required for both SL and HL students. This is a multi-disciplinary research project. Working with the IB Chemistry class, students will investigate a scientific problem (pollution of Cow Creek). This will allow students to appreciate the environmental, social and ethical implications of science and also to understand the limitations of scientific study.

D. Two Curriculum Options- SL- 30 hours; HL- 45 hours.

The Curriculum Options give us the opportunity to explore a specialty area of biology in both breadth and depth. The level of coverage for HL is comparable to that in university courses. The options will cover ecology and neurobiology and behavior.

E. Additional Higher Level (AHL) material-HL only- 55 hours.

This block of material covers the same core material topics units as above (part A), but now in greater depth. The depth of coverage is comparable to the first-year biology course offered at most universities.

HL students will also cover the following topics: 1. Nucleic Acid and Proteins 2. Cell Respiration 3. Genetics 4. Human Reproduction 5. Defense Against Infectious Disease 6. Nerves, Muscles and Movement 7. Excretion 8. Plant Science

Biology HL

Biology SL