PHS IB Biology SL

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:

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