IB Biology I is a rigorous, first-year course that introduces students to the foundational concepts and skills required for success in the International Baccalaureate Biology program. Through inquiry-based learning, laboratory investigations, data analysis, and scientific modeling, students develop a deep understanding of living systems and biological processes. Students will explore core topics including cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and human physiology, while building the critical thinking and experimental skills emphasized by the IB curriculum. Higher Level (HL) students will also begin examining additional advanced content aligned with IB standards.
Students will participate in one authentic hands-on learning experience per week for approximately 1 hour each and, on average, 15 wet labs throughout the duration of the course. These labs can include, but are not limited to:
Microscopic Investigation of Cell Structure and Organelles
Enzyme Activity and Factors Affecting Reaction Rates
Osmosis and Diffusion Across Selectively Permeable Membranes
Measuring Photosynthetic Rates Under Different Environmental Conditions
Cellular Respiration and Carbon Dioxide Production
DNA Extraction from Plant or Animal Tissue
Modeling and Analysis of Mendelian Genetics
Population Genetics and Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium Simulations
Biodiversity Surveys and Ecological Sampling Techniques
Energy Transfer Through Ecosystems and Food Webs
Human Physiology Investigations: Heart Rate, Exercise, and Recovery
Investigating the Effects of Environmental Factors on Plant Growth
Water Quality Analysis and Aquatic Ecosystem Health
Comparative Anatomy and Evolutionary Relationships
Designing and Conducting Independent Biological Investigations