Biology

Course summary

There are four overarching themes within IB Biology and within each of these, a number of different topics are taught covering a wide range of the Biological Sciences. These include Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Physiology, Plant Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology and Neurobiology. An outline of the topics taught within the four themes are shown below: Unity and diversity • Water • Nucleic acids • Origins of cells * • Cell structure • Viruses * • Diversity of organisms • Classification and cladistics * • Evolution and speciation • Conservation of biodiversity Form and function • Carbohydrates and lipids • Proteins • Membranes and membrane transport • Organelles and compartmentalization • Cell specialization • Gas exchange • Transport • Muscle and motility * • Adaptation to environment • Ecological niches Interaction and interdependence • Enzymes and metabolism • Cell respiration • Photosynthesis • Chemical signalling * • Neural signalling • Integration of body systems • Defence against disease • Populations and communities • Transfer of energy and matter Continuity and change • DNA replication • Protein synthesis • Mutations and gene editing • Cell and nuclear division • *Gene expression • Water potential • Reproduction • Inheritance • Homeostasis • Natural selection • Sustainability and change • Climate change