Jennifer Oldford PAHS All information from All information from: “Biology guide. First assessment 2016.” Welcome to IB Biology

 The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.  These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

 1. appreciate scientific study and creativity within a global context through stimulating and challenging opportunities  2. acquire a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize science and technology  3. apply and use a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize science and technology  4. develop an ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesize scientific information  5. develop a critical awareness of the need for, and the value of, effective collaboration and communication during scientific activities  6. develop experimental and investigative scientific skills including the use of current technologies  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.

95hr60hr  Core ◦ 1. Cell biology ◦ 2. Molecular biology ◦ 3. Genetics ◦ 4. Ecology ◦ 5. Evolution and biodiversity ◦ 6. Human physiology  Additional higher level ◦ 7. Nucleic acids ◦ 8. Metabolism, cell respiration and photosynthesis ◦ 9. Plant biology ◦ 10. Genetics and evolution ◦ 11. Animal physiology

15hr SL; 25hr HL40hr SL; 60hr HL  Option ◦ A. Neurobiology and behaviour ◦ B. Biotechnology and bioinformatics ◦ C. Ecology and conservation ◦ D. Human physiology  Practical scheme of work ◦ Practical activities ◦ Individual investigation (internal assessment–IA) ◦ Group 4 project

92hr83hr  Year I ◦ Cell (15) ◦ Molecular (21) ◦ Respiration + Photosynthesis (14) ◦ Plant Biology (13) ◦ Reproduction (8) ◦ Nucleic Acids (6) ◦ Genetics (15)  Year II ◦ Evolution and Biodiversity (20) ◦ Ecology (12) ◦ Human Physiology (36) ◦ Neurobiology (15)

 Formative assessment informs both teaching and learning.  In addition to the required IB assessment pieces, students will complete a series of tests, quizzes, assignments, lab activities, and mock exams.  These assessment pieces are used to: o determine marks for required school assessment periods o provide feedback to students and teachers on: o the kind of learning taking place o the nature of students’ strengths and weaknesses o teaching quality o progress towards meeting the course aims and objectives

 The practical scheme of work (PSOW) acts as a summary of all the investigative activities carried out by a student.  Students at SL and HL in the same subject may carry out some of the same investigations.  Consists of: practical activities, group 4, and internal assessment

 Include: 7 required Practical labs + ◦ short labs or projects extending over several weeks ◦ computer simulations ◦ using databases for secondary data ◦ developing and using models ◦ data-gathering exercises such as questionnaires, user trials and surveys ◦ data-analysis exercises ◦ fieldwork

 An interdisciplinary activity in which all Diploma Programme science students must participate.  Students from the different group 4 subjects analyse a common topic or problem.  A collaborative experience where the emphasis is on the process, rather than the products.  The 10 hours involved are divided into three stages: planning, action and evaluation.

 Internal assessment is an integral part of the course and is compulsory for both SL and HL students.  Enables students to demonstrate the application of their skills and knowledge, and to pursue their personal interests, without the time limitations and other constraints that are associated with written examinations.  The internal assessment requirements at SL and at HL are the same.

 Worth 20% of the final assessment  One scientific investigation taking about 10 hours  Possible tasks: ◦ hands-on laboratory investigation ◦ using a spreadsheet for analysis and modelling ◦ extracting data from a database and analysing it graphically ◦ producing a hybrid of spreadsheet/database work with a traditional hands-on investigation ◦ using a simulation  Write-up = 6 to 12 pages  Criteria: ◦ Personal engagement, Exploration, Analysis, Evaluation, Communication

Duration: 1 hour Weighting: 20% Marks: 40HL Duration: 1¼ hours Weighting: 24% Marks: 45HL  Paper 1 ◦ 40 multiple- choice questions on core and AHL material, about 15 of which are common with SL.  Paper 3 ◦ Section A: candidates answer all questions, two to three short- answer questions based on experimental skills and techniques, analysis and evaluation, using unseen data linked to the core material. ◦ Section B: short- answer and extended-response questions from one option. Duration: 2¼ hours Weighting: 36% Marks: 72HL  Paper 2 ◦ Data-based question. ◦ Short-answer and extended- response questions on core and AHL material. ◦ Two out of three extended response questions to be attempted by candidates.

IB Learner Profile  Inquirers  Knowledgeable  Thinkers  Communicators  Principled  Open-minded  Caring  Risk-takers  Balanced  Reflective