IB Diploma Biology Course Outline

Transcription

1 IB Diploma Biology Course Outline

2 Preamble Introduction Biology is the study of life. The first organisms appeared on the planet over 3 billion years ago and, through reproduction and natural selection, have given rise to the 8 million or so different species alive today. This diversity makes biology both an endless source of fascination and a considerable challenge. An interest in life is natural for humans from the earliest cave paintings to the modern wildlife documentary. Biologists attempt to understand the living world at all levels using many different approaches and techniques. At one end of the scale is the cell, its molecular construction and complex metabolic reactions. At the other end of the scale biologists investigate the interactions that make whole ecosystems function. Many areas of research in biology are extremely challenging and many discoveries remain to be made. Biology is still a young science and great progress is expected in the 21st century. This progress is sorely needed at a time when the growing human population is placing ever greater pressure on food supplies and on the habitats of other species, and is threatening the very planet we occupy. Aims Through studying biology students should become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other. While the scientific method may take on a wide variety of forms, it is the emphasis on a practical approach through experimental work that characterizes the The aims enable students, through the overarching theme of the Nature of science, to: appreciate scientific study and creativity within a global context acquire and use a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize science and technology develop an ability to analyse, evaluate and synthesize scientific information develop a critical awareness of the need for effective collaboration and communication develop experimental and investigative scientific skills using current technologies develop and apply 21st century communication skills in the study of science become critically aware, as global citizens, of the ethical implications of using science and technology develop an appreciation of the possibilities and limitations of science and technology

3 develop an understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines and their influence on other areas of knowledge. Assessment Information There will be topic assessments throughout the course with a trial examination in November (Year1) and full examination (comprising 3 papers) at the end of Term3 of the final year. The final external examination is in November Internal Assessment Internal assessment is an integral part of the course and is compulsory for both SL and HL students. It enables students to demonstrate the application of their skills and knowledge, and to pursue their personal interests. Each investigation is an individual piece of work based on different data collected or measurements generated. The internal assessment task will be one scientific investigation taking about 10 hours and the write-up should be about 6 to 12 pages long.the task will have the same assessment criteria for SL and HL. The five assessment criteria are personal engagement, exploration, analysis, evaluation and communication. The practical scheme of work (PSOW) is the practical course planned by the teacher and 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. Students at SL are required to spend 40 hours, and students at HL 60 hours, on practical activities these times include 10 hours for the group 4 project and 10 hours for the internal assessment investigation. Assessment Table Standard Level External assessment (2 ½ hours) 80% Paper 1 ( ¾ hour) 20% Higher Level External assessment (4 ½ hrs) 80% Paper 1 (1 hour) 20% Paper 2 (1 hr 15 minutes) 40% Paper 2 (2 hour 15 minutes) 36% Paper 3 ( 1 hour) 20% Paper 3 (1 hours 15 minutes) 24%

4 Internal assessment 20% Approximately 10 hours) Internal assessment 20% Approximately 10 hours SCOTS COLLEGE IB DIPLOMA BIOLOGY SYLLABUS SCHEME OF WORK Core (common to Standard Level and Higher Level) Topic 1: Cell biology Topic 2: Molecular biology Topic 3: Genetics Topic 4: Ecology Topic 5: Evolution and biodiversity Topic 6: Human physiology Additional Higher level (AHL) Topic 7: Nucleic acids Topic 8: Metabolism, cell respiration and photosynthesis Topic 9: Plant biology Topic 10: Genetics and evolution Topic 11: Animal physiology Options A: Neurobiology and behaviour B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics C: Ecology and conservation D: Human physiology

5 Year 1 IB Biology Programme Term Core Additional higher level Prescribed practicals Classification of biodiversity 5.4 Cladistics 4.1 Species, communities and ecosystems 4.2 Energy flow Natural selection Evidence for evolution 1.1 Introduction to cells 1.2 Ultrastructure of cells 1.5 The origin of cells 1.3 Membrane structure 10.3 Gene pools and speciation 9.1 Transport in the xylem of plants Setting up sealed mesocosms to try to establish sustainability. (Practical 5) Use of a light microscope to investigate the structure of cells and tissues, with drawing of cells. Calculation of the magnification of drawings and the actual size of structures and ultrastructures shown in drawings or micrographs. (Practical 1) Measurement of transpiration rates using potometers. (Practical 7) 1.4 Membrane transport 2.2 Water 11.3 The kidney and osmoregulation Estimation of osmolarity in tissues by bathing samples in hypotonic and hypertonic solutions. (Practical 2) Molecules to metabolism 9.2 Transport in the phloem of plants Experimental investigation of a factor affecting enzyme activity. 8.1 Metabolism (Practical 3)

6 2.3 Carbohydrates and lipids 2.4 Proteins 2.5 Enzymes Cell respiration 8.2 Cell respiration Separation of photosynthetic pigments by chromatograph. 2.9 Photosynthesis 1? 4.3 Carbon cycling 4.4 Climate change Digestion and absorption 6.2 The blood system 6.3 Defence against infectious disease 6.4 Gas exchange 6.5 Neurons and synapses 6.6 Hormones, homeostasis and reproduction EXAMINATIONS 8.3 Photosynthesis 11.1 Antibody production and vaccination 11.2 Movement (Practical 4) Monitoring of ventilation in humans at rest and after mild and vigorous exercise. (Practical 6) Group 4 project Year 2 Option Core 1 Internal assessment/individual investigations 1 Additional higher level Option extension 10.1 Meiosis Prescribed practicals IA 1.6 Cell division 3.3 Meiosis 9.4 Reproduction in plants 9.3 Growth in plants

7 1 2.6 Structure of DNA and RNA 2.7 DNA replication, transcription and translation Genes 3.2 Chromosomes Inheritance 3.5 Genetic modification and biotechnology 3 Revision 4 EXAMINATION 7.1 DNA structure and replication 7.2 Transcription and gene expression 7.3 Translation 11.4 Sexual reproduction 10.2 Inheritance The following references will be required: IB Biozone Workbook and App, and Weblinks Pearson Baccalaureate Higher Level Biology ebook IA The Internal Assessment will take place in Term 1 of Year 2 (Approx Week 4) and the Group 4 Project will take place in Term 4 of Year 1.