IB Higher Level Diploma Biology

Entry Requirements - All entry requirements can be found in our course directory here.

How to Apply - To apply for Post-16 at Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy, please follow the link to Applicaa, our admissions registration form:https://sgla.applicaa.com/sixthform

You are welcome to come to Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy on Thursday 20th August after midday or on Friday 21st August to enrol if you have the entry requirements.Please bring a parent with you together with a paper copy of your GCSE results, proof of address, proof of Date of Birth (Passport or Birth Certificate) proof of immigration status (if applicable). You will still need to apply online on Applicaa

You can email Head of P-16 - sophie.dickinson@sgla.latrust.org.uk with any questions

Qualification Aims and Objectives

The course develops students’ understanding of life and living systems while fostering scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and practical investigation. It encourages students to be knowledgeable, inquiring, and open-minded, and to appreciate the impact of science on society, the environment, and global challenges.

Objectives

Develop a deep conceptual understanding of key biological principles and processes.

Acquire and apply scientific knowledge, methods, and investigative techniques.

Build practical and analytical skills through experimentation and collaborative work.

Consider the ethical, environmental, economic, cultural, and social implications of biology.

Prepare for further study and careers in medicine, health sciences, biomedical research, biotechnology, environmental science, and education.

Course Outline

The course is built around three pillars:

1. Approaches to learning

2. Nature of science

3. Skills in the study of biology

Syllabus Themes

Unity and Diversity: water, nucleic acids, diversity of organisms, classification, conservation of biodiversity

Form and Function: proteins, membranes and transport, gas exchange, enzymes and metabolism, populations and communities

Interaction and Interdependence: Ecology, energy transfer, human impacts, symbiosis and competition

Continuity and Change: DNA replication, inheritance, homeostasis, natural selection, climate change

Experimental Programme

Practical Work

Collaborative Sciences Project

Scientific Investigation

Develops skills in exploring and designing, collecting and processing data, concluding and evaluating, supported by experimental techniques, technology, and mathematics.

Assessment (HL)

External (80%): Paper 1 – multiple-choice and data-based questions;

Paper 2 – data-based, short-answer, and extended-response questions

Internal (20%): Scientific Investigation – open-ended research project with

a written report (max 3,000 words)

Future courses and possible careers:

Medicine • Veterinary Science • Dentistry • Nursing • Physiotherapy • Pharmacology • Biomedical Science • Environmental Science • Genetics • Forensic Science • Marine Biology • Ecology • Teaching • Research • Biotech and Pharmaceutical Industries