The biology student who completes the IB Biology Standard Level will have an understanding of the universal concepts of cells, chemistry of life, genetics, evolution, plant biology, ecology and conservation as well as human anatomy, health and physiology. This body of knowledge will be used to create an ability to analyse and evaluate scientific information. A rigorous course will be provided that allows for scientific study and creativity within a global context.

The students will become aware that biology is an international endeavor with a global body of knowledge, methods and techniques. International communication and collaboration are an important as biology is an on going conversation where new knowledge methods and skills will change over time as new information is gained and peer reviewed using the scientific method. Deductive an inductive reasoning as well as the standard scientific method and experimental design will be used in inquiry based and knowledge based laboratory investigations. Current science and technology issues with their moral, social, economic and environmental implications will be discussed

International-mindedness: Students studying IB Biology will be afforded opportunities for inspirational and challenging scientific study with a global perspective. Students will apply and use the knowledge, methods, and techniques, as well as the analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information that exemplify science and technology. Collaboration and communication on many different levels, especially global, will be stressed in this course and will be fostered by students’ increasing information and communication technology (ICT) skills. Students will understand the international dynamic that typifies scientific research and discovery by looking at past discoveries that have laid the basis upon which modern science is built; also, through the lens of communication, students will appreciate the quality control that is a consequence of the critique and resulting oversight of the international scientific community. By raising an awareness of the moral, ethical, social, economic, and environmental implications of science and technology, students will begin to realize the possibilities and limitations of scientific research and discoveries. Completion of the course, and especially the Group 4 Project, will promote a heightened understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of science, the importance of publication for the global community, and the universal scope of the scientific method. Students need to be made aware that all countries must have access to scientific knowledge and data on an equitable basis and that these countries must have the scientific capacity to use this for developing sustainable societies.

Science, implicitly, uses many different approaches to examine and explain the natural world, but it ultimately relies on data from observations and experiments. The explanations of scientific observations require an understanding of the limitations
of data, as well as our knowledge. Students must be open-minded and able to reflect critically on their findings. This is an essential part of the scientific process. The kind of self-reflection and critical thought required by the Theory of Knowledge class will assist students in achieving this goal.

The students will be responsible for keeping a portfolio of notes, laboratory investigations, tests essays etc. as well as reflecting upon their learning experience. The student should understand that by taking responsibility for their learning and hard work biology will be a very rewarding experience.