Time Alloted
Standard Level (SL) – 45 minutes
Higher Level (HL) – 1 hour (60 minutes)
IB Biology Tuition – HL & SL
Understand the syllabus, exam format and get free resources.
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Why Ascend Now is the Top Choice for IB Biology Tuition – HL & SL?
68%
Of Ascend Now Students got 6+/7 in IB DP Biology
83%
Improved their IB DP Biology score by 1 point or more
12+
Certified IB DP Biology Examiners and Tutors
81%
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What is IBDP Biology? Why Study it?
IB DP Biology is part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme’s Group 4, dedicated to experimental sciences. It covers a wide range of topics, including cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution and human physiology, with additional depth at the Higher Level (HL).
Studying IBDP Biology equips students with a strong understanding of scientific principles, critical thinking skills, and practical lab techniques. The course is ideal for students interested in pursuing careers in medicine, environmental science, biotechnology, or other life sciences. By studying it, students develop a holistic view of biology’s role in society and gain skills that are valuable in various fields.
Your track record in the IB Biology Tuition – HL & SL course is one of the key factors that will determine your college acceptances. Work with certified IB Biology Tuition – HL & SL Examiners to get that 7/7.
Speak to an advisor todayIB DP Biology Syllabus: Topics + Overview
Dive deep into the extensive curriculum of IB DP Biology, meticulously designed to cater to students who are keen on understanding the fundamental principles of the natural world through scientific inquiry. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the topics covered, tailored to both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) students. Standard Level students will receive 150 hours of teaching and Higher Level students will receive 240 hours of teaching.
Topic
Included in both SL and HL
Only HL
Unity and Diversity
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Sub-topics
Water, nucleic acids, cell structure, diversity of organisms, evolution and speciation, and conservation of biodiversity. Recommended Learning: 19 Hours
Sub-topics
Origins of cells, viruses and classification and cladistics.
Recommended Learning: 33 Hours
Form and Function
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Sub-topics
Carbohydrates and lipids, proteins, membranes and membrane transport, organelles and compartmentalization, cell specialization, gas exchange, transport, adaptation to environment, ecological niches.
Recommended Learning: 26 Hours
Sub-topics
Chemical signaling.
Recommended Learning: 39 Hours
Interaction and Interdependence
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Sub-topics
Enzymes and metabolism, cell respiration, photosynthesis, neural signaling, integration of body systems, defense against disease, populations and communities, and transfer of energy and matter.
Recommended Learning: 31 Hours
Sub-topics
Chemical signaling.
Recommended Learning: 48 Hours
Continuity and Change
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Sub-topics
DNA replication, protein synthesis, mutations and gene editing, cell and nuclear division, water potential, reproduction, inheritance, homeostasis, natural selection, sustainability and change and climate change.
Recommended Learning: 34 Hours
Sub-topics
Gene expression.
Recommended Learning: 60 Hours
Unity and Diversity
Topic
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Included in both SL and HL
Sub-topics
Water, nucleic acids, cell structure, diversity of organisms, evolution and speciation, and conservation of biodiversity. Recommended Learning: 19 Hours
Only HL
Sub-topics
Origins of cells, viruses and classification and cladistics.
Recommended Learning: 33 Hours
Form and Function
Topic
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Included in both SL and HL
Sub-topics
Carbohydrates and lipids, proteins, membranes and membrane transport, organelles and compartmentalization, cell specialization, gas exchange, transport, adaptation to environment, ecological niches.
Recommended Learning: 26 Hours
Only HL
Sub-topics
Chemical signaling.
Recommended Learning: 39 Hours
Interaction and Interdependence
Topic
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Included in both SL and HL
Sub-topics
Enzymes and metabolism, cell respiration, photosynthesis, neural signaling, integration of body systems, defense against disease, populations and communities, and transfer of energy and matter.
Recommended Learning: 31 Hours
Only HL
Sub-topics
Chemical signaling.
Recommended Learning: 48 Hours
Continuity and Change
Topic
Recommended Learning:
±33 Hours
Included in both SL and HL
Sub-topics
DNA replication, protein synthesis, mutations and gene editing, cell and nuclear division, water potential, reproduction, inheritance, homeostasis, natural selection, sustainability and change and climate change.
Recommended Learning: 34 Hours
Only HL
Sub-topics
Gene expression.
Recommended Learning: 60 Hours
Download full sub-topic list for the IB DP Math AI SL and HL
Download SyllabusIB DP Biology Exams and Past Papers: Overview
Paper 1
For both SL and HL
20% of SL Final Exam Grade
20% of HL Final Exam Grade
Example Question
Cells
Which functions of life are carried out by all unicellular organisms? (a) Response, homeostasis, growth and photosynthesis (b) Metabolism, ventilation, reproduction and nutrition (c) Response, homeostasis, metabolism and growth (d) Reproduction, ventilation, response and nutrition
Paper 2
For both SL and HL
40% of SL Final Exam Grade
36% of HL Final Exam Grade
Example Question
Enzymes
Antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial infections in human tissues because of differences in cell structure between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. (1) Distinguish between the structure of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. (2) Evaluate the drug tests that Florey and Chain carried out on penicillin. (3) Explain the reasons for the ineffectiveness of antibiotics in the treatment of viral diseases.
Paper 3
For both SL and HL
20% of SL Final Exam Grade
24% of HL Final Exam Grade
Example Question
Ethics
The company BASF produces a genetically modified potato called Amflora. Outline the purpose of modifying the potato.
Internal Assessment (IA)
For both SL and HL
20% of SL Final Exam Grade
20% of HL Final Exam Grade
Example Topic
Can the concentration of Vitamin C in different types of fruit juice be determined using titration?
Download all the free past papers
Download Free Test PaperIs IB Biology Difficult?
IBDP Biology can be challenging, but many students find it manageable with consistent effort. At both SL and HL, students often succeed if they have a solid foundation in general biology concepts from previous studies. HL is more demanding, requiring deeper understanding and application of complex concepts, so previous experience with higher-level science courses is beneficial. Success in IBDP Biology often hinges on mastering the extensive terminology and being able to effectively link biological processes with real-world examples.
May 2023 Score Distribution
Standard Level
Higher Level
21,501
Number of SL students
32,109
Number of HL students
4.2
SL Mean score
4.4
HL Mean score
Ascend Now Examiner Tips
Practice Data Analysis
"Regularly practice interpreting and analyzing data from experiments, including calculating rates of reaction and understanding in statistical significance."
Dr. Laura
IB DP Biology Tutor
15+ years of experience teaching Maths
Understand and Apply Command Terms
"Carefully analyze command terms like “evaluate”, “discuss” and “compare” in Paper 2 questions, and tailor your responses to meet the specific demands of these terms."
Jesse
IB DP Biology Tutor
8+ years of experience teaching Maths
Integrate HL Option Topics
“For HL students, thoroughly review the options topics and be prepared to integrate these into your answers, using specific examples and understanding their broader implications.”
Ashley
IB DP Biology Tutor
7+ years of experience teaching Maths
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