Biology

Course summary

HL topics 7-11 are completed through D1 and D2 Topic 7: Nucleic acids- completed alongside unit 2 (D2)-Essential idea: The structure of DNA is ideally suited to its function. Topic 8: Metabolism, cell respiration and photosynthesis- completed alongside unit 3 (D2) - Essential idea: Metabolic reactions are regulated in response to the cell's needs. Topic 9: Plant biology- (D1)-Essential idea: Structure and function are correlated in the xylem of plants. Topic 10: Genetics and evolution Completed during (D1)-Essential idea: Meiosis leads to an independent assortment of chromosomes and unique composition of alleles in daughter cells Topic 11: Animal physiology- completed alongside unit 6 (D1)-Essential idea: Immunity is based on recognition of self and destruction of foreign material. HL Optional unit- Ecology and Conservation- Essential idea: Community structure is an emergent property of an ecosystem Units (SL) U1 - D1: Core Topic 1: Cell biology-Essential idea: The evolution of multicellular organisms allowed cell specialization and cell replacement. U4 - D1: Core Topic 4: Ecology- Essential idea: The continued survival of living organisms including humans depends on sustainable communities. U5 - D1 Core Topic 5: Evolution and biodiversity-Essential idea: There is overwhelming evidence for the evolution of life on Earth. U6 - D1: Core Topic 6: Human physiology- Essential idea: The structure of the wall of the small intestine allows it to move, digest and absorb food. IA - D1: Core: Students spend the last half term developing and carrying out their internal assessment, gathering data with the first draft of the IA due in at the start of D2 U2 - D2: Core Topic 2: Molecular biology-Essential idea: Living organisms control their composition by a complex web of chemical reactions. U3 - D2: Core Topic 3: Genetics-Essential idea: Every living organism inherits a blueprint for life from its parents Core Optional unit - D2 Option C: Ecology and conservation-Essential idea: Community structure is an emergent property of an ecosystem.