Prerequisites: Honors Biology. This is a two-year, advanced higher-level IB Biology course in which students can take a comprehensive exam for college credit. Biologists attempt to understand the living world at all levels from the micro to the macro using many different approaches and techniques. While the scientific method may take on a wide variety of forms, it is the emphasis on a practical approach through experimental work that characterizes the sciences. Teachers provide students with opportunities to design investigations, collect data, develop manipulative skills, analyze results, collaborate with peers and evaluate and communicate their findings. Core topics within the IB Biology course include: Cell biology, Molecular biology, Genetics, Ecology, Evolution and biodiversity, Human physiology, as well as Nucleic acids, Metabolism/cell respiration/ photosynthesis, Plant biology, Genetics and evolution and Animal physiology. One additional topic is selected for study each year from the following list: Neurobiology and behavior, Biotechnology and bioinformatics, Ecology and conservation, and Human physiology. An additional 45 hours of instruction supports in-depth investigations based on students’ interests and abilities.

Grades: Grades 11-12