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Resources from experts for IB and IGCSE
References
Changes to the 2023 IB DP biology subject guide
As stated in the new biology subject guide, the aim of the syllabus is to integrate concepts, topic content and the Nature of Science through inquiry.
1. Removal of the Options
The removal of the Options is a main contributor to the reduction in the content of the course. However, teachers will note that some topics from each of the former Options are now included in the main syllabus. Content has been reduced in many other areas too, hopefully leaving students more time to reflect and integrate needed concepts.
A few examples of previous Option material that is now included in the main syllabus are as follows:
A few examples of previous Option material that is now included in the main syllabus are as follows:
- community structure and changes in community structure of ecosystems
- recognition of self vs. not-self as the basis of the immune system
- the role of skeleton and muscle in support and movement
- transport of respiratory gases within the blood
2. Introduction of four main themes
In order to enhance conceptual learning, the syllabus content is now presented in four main themes:
The Nature of Science (NOS) continues to be an important thread that runs through the course (and through the chemistry and physics courses too). Some references are made to NOS in the syllabus, but mostly, teachers are encouraged to provide their own examples, including drawing on topical developments.
- Unity and diversity
- Form and function
- Interaction and interdependence
- and Continuity and change.
- Molecules
- Cells
- Organisms
- and Ecosystems.
The Nature of Science (NOS) continues to be an important thread that runs through the course (and through the chemistry and physics courses too). Some references are made to NOS in the syllabus, but mostly, teachers are encouraged to provide their own examples, including drawing on topical developments.
3. Guiding Questions
Guiding Questions are a new feature of the syllabus, given at the start of each sub-topic. The questions are purposefully open-ended, lending themselves to increasingly detailed consideration as the understanding of the topic deepens. These questions may serve as openers for a topic, teasing out students’ prior knowledge, and perhaps helping to suggest a sequence of what will be covered. They could also be used as a tool for assessment, looking for increasing depth and breadth at different stages in the learning.
Guiding Questions should be re-visited at the end of each sub-topic as a useful tool for revision.
Guiding Questions should be re-visited at the end of each sub-topic as a useful tool for revision.
4. Linking Questions
Linking Questions are another important feature of the new course. They are given in many of the syllabus Understandings, where they show a link to a different but related sub-topic. The goal of Linking Questions is to help create enhanced understanding. The content of Linking Questions is often addressed elsewhere in the text as it sometimes encourages a ‘revisiting’ of material and sometimes a preview of upcoming material.
Linking Questions are unlikely to be used as questions in examinations per se, but the related concepts are considered an essential part of the course.
Linking Questions are unlikely to be used as questions in examinations per se, but the related concepts are considered an essential part of the course.
5. Introduction of skills in the study of biology
The 2025 subject guide includes a section known as ‘Skills in the study of biology’. This is not intended as a topic to be taught in isolation, but is more of a checklist of skills that students must acquire during the course. It replaces the ‘prescribed practicals’, (aka ‘mandatory labs’) of the 2016 curriculum, and clarifies the techniques, technology and mathematical scope that is expected within the course. This approach gives more flexibility to teachers as to how and when they teach a specific skill.
Sub components of the ‘Skills in the study of biology’ are tables providing ‘Tools’ that can be used as a checklist to introduce and reinforce specific skills and techniques during the lab program. These tools include Experimental techniques, technology, and mathematics. At first glance, the list may seem daunting, but it also provides ideas that teachers may have never considered.
Lastly, the inquiry process is explicitly laid out as essential background for the Internal Assessment component of the course with sections on Exploring and designing, Collecting and processing data, and Concluding and evaluating data. Be sure to access and make use of this information in the Guide when designing your course.
Sub components of the ‘Skills in the study of biology’ are tables providing ‘Tools’ that can be used as a checklist to introduce and reinforce specific skills and techniques during the lab program. These tools include Experimental techniques, technology, and mathematics. At first glance, the list may seem daunting, but it also provides ideas that teachers may have never considered.
Lastly, the inquiry process is explicitly laid out as essential background for the Internal Assessment component of the course with sections on Exploring and designing, Collecting and processing data, and Concluding and evaluating data. Be sure to access and make use of this information in the Guide when designing your course.
- The President's Council on Bioethics
- Medline: Genetic Testing provides a great overview of genetic testing and the issues associated with it.
- Mad Scientist
- Science Magazine
- New Scientist
- Interpol DNA Profiling Page
- DNA Bioscience
- Canadian DNA Profiling and Forensic Center
- Human Genome Project Resources Lots of links here.
- Cloning Fact Sheet
- Genetic Science Learning Center
http://www.khanacademy.org/
This is a really comprehensive site, mainly for maths and science. Geared at students of all ages, it is a wonderful site for self-paced learning. Teachers can use the site for lesson planning or to supplement what they are doing. It’s also fun to earn badges for completion of skill levels.
http://www.biology-online.org/
This site has been visited countless times by students, for dictionary definitions of words and terms, tutorials and more. The site can be an excellent reference source for teachers and students.
www.sciencespot.net
An American site, this resource is split into various sections of biology and other sciences. It is a portal for other websites and materials, including lesson plans, worksheets and more. Worth having a look at, if you have something specific in mind to supplement your work.
www.scienceinschool.org/
A really comprehensive science research site, useful for teachers or students motivated and eager to learn more in the field of biology. Some really interesting articles posted and updated.
http://www.schoolscience.co.uk/ages_14-16/view_resources.cfm
What a great resource - it is like having a team of science teachers at your fingertips. Have a look at this site and try to decide which resources to use to supplement work or to extend a topic.
http://www.saps.org.uk/
This site gives examples of student projects in science and plants. Worth looking at for information or inspiration.
http://www.middleschoolscience.com/
This American website has plenty of links to lesson plans, worksheets, and lab work. HOWEVER, I noticed that the domain name is for sale, so this website might change. If you are interested, research the website and the useful resources NOW before it disappears. (I will check back on the webiste, but please let me know if it has gone).
http://www.learnerstv.com/
A great resource for video lectures for all the science subjects. This is worth looking at before a lesson so that you can focus on the specific topic (for me, it is easy to get lost on the website, checking out all their resources).
http://lgfl.skoool.co.uk/keystage4.aspx?id=315
Interactive topics on biology. Quite fun, and useful for students who prefer learning online. This is one of the sections of the London Grid for Learning, and there are more resources offered for other subjects.
http://www.biology.arizona.edu/
An American based website for biology topics. This might be useful for students who like to research their information online.
http://www.biotopics.co.uk/
This site is full of information on a variety of biology topics. It is very busy so you need to take your time with it.
http://mrskingsbioweb.com/AICEBioPPT.htm
An American based website for AS Level biology.
http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/teachers
Investigations for selected biology topics by the Nuffield Foundation.
http://www.click4biology.info/index.htm
Online resource of notes on various biology topics.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/
Lots of information about genetics, for the interested Biologist!